The court hearing regarding Fiat SpA buying Chrysler and the automobile company filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is pending but the effects already have hit the North Olympic Peninsula.

"Everything is still the same, nothing has changed," said Mark Murray, Murray Motors’ owner, in terms of Chrysler’s decision to close the dealership as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan.

After 75 years, Murray Motors’ last day as a Chrysler dealer was yesterday, June 9.

Decisions have been made in-house, however.

"I’m going to make an effort to keep my service department open and continue to sell pre-owned vehicles," Murray said.

"We are moving on and just taking things one day at a time."

The family-owned car dealership – which used to sell new Chrysler and Dodge vehicles as well as an array of used cars, trucks, SUVs and mini-vans – received a letter from Chrysler on May 14 informing Murray that the Port Angeles dealership is one of 789 across the U.S. on a list to close as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan.

The news came after Chrysler filed voluntary petitions for a structured bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and announced its plans to sell most of its assets to Fiat SpA.

Murray Motors, 302 E. First St., is the oldest car dealership in Clallam County and was the only Chrysler dealer on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequim

gazette.com.