The 130 employees at 707 W. Broad St. received the news Friday morning.

Graham Ford, an icon in the Columbus auto market, will close its doors on Nov. 7.

The franchise will be sold back to Ford Motor Company.

"If you'll see on the map, most of the dealers are out in the suburbs," said Doug Seibert, vice president and general manager. "Ourself and Byers are the only two Downtown."

Graham Ford had been searching for new ownership since the death of its founder in 2002. Siebert says uncertain economic times and a volatile auto market has worked against the company's efforts to find a buyer.

The toughest part of the day, said Seibert, was telling employees and friends that this is the end of the road.