Ellwood City Driven by a Household Name

If you drive anywhere in Ellwood City or the surrounding area, you are likely to end up bumper to bumper with a car from McElwain Motor Car Company  or you’re likely to already be driving one! Commonly referred to as McElwain’s, this local car dealership has become a trusted household name in Western, PA.

There’s No Place Like Home

McElwain’s on Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City

McElwin Motor Company is a family owned and operated business that opened its doors back in 1927.  Four Fun Facts about the year 1927;

1. The average cost of a gallon of gasoline was $0.15
2. Work began on Mount Rushmore
3. The Peace Bridge near Niagara Falls opened
4. Charles Lindbergh makes the first solo non-stop trans-Atlantic flight
5.  Academy Awards is founded

McElwin’s houses new Chevrolet and Cadillac  vehicles, as well as an array of pre-owned inventory. With 90 years under their belts, approximately 70 employees – some of who have been there 40+ years – they have built a reputation that remains unparalleled. Along with new Chevy and Cadillac lines debuting every year, McElwain’s is committed to providing the best customer service and options around.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with members of the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce

Although the actual showroom has changed locations over the years, it has remained within close proximity of its current location on Lawrence Avenue. Wanting to stay true to the roots of the company, opportunities to move outside Ellwood City have always seemed out of the question. Renovating and occupying the old Bala’s building (pictured above) in January of 2014 was a decision Floyd McElwain Jr. and Rick MacMurdo made to keep the dealership at ‘home.’ With ample space they needed for offices, sales, F & I teams, and storage, it was the perfect fit.

Family Oriented 

“We love the sense of community that surrounds our business. This is a crazy business and without the support of your community, it can easily fail. Ellwood City has stood behind McElwain Motors for many years and they have carried us through some hard times…the small town brings far more reward than challenge for us. We know our customers by name, we know their vehicle and their needs. You really can’t compare that to any “BIG TOWN” dealership.”  ~ Rhiannon Schnell, Sales Administrator

McElwain’s Showroom during their annual Toys for Tots drive.

When you stop in, you are likely to actually see the owners Rick and Floyd working. As a business that has been passed down to family members through the years (currently on its 4^th generation), many think it is refreshing to see even the highest levels of staff working together…just like the family they are. When they hang up their car keys for the day, Floyd can be found hunting or fishing, or simply spending time with family; Rick, naturally, loves Indy Car Racing, and enjoys anything car-related. While the car theme seems to follow him home, we hardly think he minds. After all, as the saying goes – Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Kids line up to decorate pumpkins at Fall Fest under the McElwain tents. This is one of the many events the dealership participates in throughout the Ellwood area.

McElwain’s is a big supporter of the community in more ways than just cars. They hold an annual Toys for Tots drive, and are eager to participate in many other fundraisers throughout the year. A full list of their community involvement in and around our area can be found here.

Signs By Sam has had the honor of working closely with McElwain’s over the years; vehicle graphics, Interior 3D Office Lettering, and vinyl banners are just a few projects we have been able to partner with them on. McElwains exhibits professionalism, care, and small-town values, and Ellwood City is glad they are here to stay.

McElwain Motor Car Company

Visit their website: http://www.mcelwains.com/
Like them on Facebook: @McElwainMotors