George Lyons - Car Enthusiast
A lifelong resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, George Lyons continues to pursue his love of cars professionally and as a hobby. His interest in vintage cars began when, at the age of 17, he became the owner of a 1956 Corvette. He has added to his collection over the years; it now includes a 1966 Chevelle SS-396, a 1967 Corvette 435 Coupe, a 1966 427 Caprice, a 1967 Chevelle SS-396, and a 1961 Chevrolet Nomad Wagon. Additionally, Lyons' 1963 Watson Roadster, which he restored with the assistance of creator A.J. Watson, earned a place at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California.
George Lyons launched his career in the car industry in 1975 with the founding of Special Interest Cars, Inc., in Erie, PA, offering vintage automobiles for sale as well as a variety of supplementary services for collectors. He holds national recognition as a merchant for Barrett-Jackson Auctions.
He also owns and manages three local car dealerships: Roth Cadillac-Audi, Mazda of Erie, and Contemporary Motorcar Ltd. Acura, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz.
The former President of Erie County Auto Dealer Association, Lyons still serves on the board for the Greater Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority and as a Bloomington Gold Survivor Zenith Board Judge. He holds membership in numerous car clubs and sponsors summer car cruise events for CruiseTown Erie. His extensive experience has taken him across the United States, and he has been featured in numerous auto magazines.
George Lyons has supported charitable endeavors such as Africa 6000 International Project Water. Through his sponsorship of the Charity Golf & Dinner Fundraiser at the Kahkwa Country Club, he assisted the organization in raising funds to drill wells for more than 100,000 people in Africa. He has also contributed to local building restoration projects in downtown Erie.