George Moss, co-founder of Rallye Motor Company, dies at 95

George Kendall Moss, a co-founder of the Rallye Motor Company, died on August 6 at his East Hampton home. He was 95. 

Moss, along with partners Peter Terian, John Colgate and Serge Toumaniantz, transformed a Glen Cove foreign vehicle mechanic shop in the 1950s into Rallye Motor Company, a group of luxury car dealerships.

After starting out selling Maseratis and its parts, Rallye expanded from its storefront on Sea Cliff Road and built a flagship dealership in Roslyn. Led by Moss and Terian, Rallye added luxury automotive brands Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus and Acura. 

“I valued George’s friendship and guidance over the years, Juliana Terian, CEO and president of Rallye Motor Company, said in a company statement. “I’m very proud that the principles George and our founders established over 65 years ago, continue to guide our company today.” 

Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, said the auto industry is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. 

“Through hard work, commitment and a visionary spirit, George helped build one of the most successful luxury dealer groups in the country,” he said. “His legacy lives on through the organization he co-founded.” 

Moss always displayed great curiosity. At age 13 he got his pilot’s license and later flew various fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. During summers he worked at Grumman Long Island where aircraft were tested. Moss also served in the U. S. Army, three years at the Pentagon in the aviation research unit, which developed the Huey Helicopter (Bell UH-1 Iroquois) and eight years in the reserves.  

After leaving Rallye, Moss remained lifelong friends with Peter Terian as they supported one another in their individual pursuits. For the past 35 years, Moss was a life trustee of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, an independent global nonprofit dedicated to oceanographic preservation. 

Moss is survived by his two sons George Farrell Moss and Richard Buck Moss, his two grandsons George Buck Moss and Oliver Farrell Moss, his wife of 53 years Joyce Leonard Moss and he was predeceased by his brother Peter Bayard Moss. 

A service celebrating Moss’s life is planned for October of this year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Imaging Lab.