John F. Weinberger, a co-founder of what today is one of the Top 120 dealership groups in the nation, died Sept. 12 at age 88.

Mr. Weinberger and his younger brother Herman established the Continental Motors Group in 1962, specializing in the sales and service of imported cars. The group now operates seven franchises in Chicago’s western suburbs.

He began as an apprentice technician. He also enjoyed racing cars and earned numerous podium finishes in his 30s while competing in Sports Car Club of America events, and he continued racing vintage cars until he was 84. Mr. Weinberger was inducted into the Road Racers Drivers Club, joining an exclusive group of famous race car drivers. He was a past SCCA board member and an active member of vintage racing clubs including the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association, and Historic Sportscar Racing, LLC.

His dedication to the retail automobile industry included serving terms on the boards of the CATA, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, and the American International Automobile Dealers Association. 

   

Continental Motors Group today is operated by his sons, Jay and Joel, and by his niece, Cheryl Nelson, who is Herman’s daughter.

Mr. Weinberger met his wife, Lisa, at a tollbooth in Oak Brook when they both were driving. He did not have exact change that day, so she offered him the coins and her phone number. A few years later, they were married at that tollbooth. 

The couple established the Continental Motors Group "Driven to Care" car giveaway program, which to date has donated 72 refurbished cars to people who have overcome challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and physical abuse. He also mentored and provided scholarships to graduating high school students interested in a career involving the preservation and restoration of vintage cars.

Other survivors include another son, Bob; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorials appreciated to The Footprints Foundation, in care of Continental AutoSports in Hinsdale.