------FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE------

(September 10, 2007 – Lebanon, Tennessee)   Interest in the American classic car continues to grow and on most any weekend classic car shows are common throughout the US during the spring, summer and fall months.  Most shows are within a few miles of just about any community.  The American classic phenomenon has made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the European continent and is rapidly spreading to various communities around the globe.  Worldwide interest in these American classic automobiles has reached astronomical proportions. 

A small company in Lebanon, Tennessee (about 30 miles east of Nashville) has recognized the importance of high profile positioning in this unique market.  Classic Cars Southeast buys, sells and restores investment quality, American classic and muscle cars.  The classic car dealership’s “all-indoor” “museum-quality” showroom is a “world-class” facility for the most discerning car enthusiast and has evolved into a preferred attraction for many European tourists visiting the Nashville area.  Plans are currently underway to promote a special “Classic Car Tour” to the European community during their visits to the United States.  The tour will encompass the Classic Cars Southeast museum (one of the largest facilities of it’s type), the Lane Motor Museum (one of the few museums in America to showcase European automobiles) and the Marathon Motors Museum (a collection of some of the original “Marathon” vehicles which were manufactured in Nashville during the early 1900’s).

“Requests for our classic cars are received from customers worldwide,” said Dale Nunnery, founder and president of Classic Cars Southeast, “the internet has made it possible for everyone to seem as close as a next door neighbor and we have “pending” inquires from Guam, Germany and Spain.”  Autos have already been shipped to Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and Canada, at least one has found its way to the Middle East and there have been several visitors to the showroom from the United Kingdom.  Such aggressive activity has made the small town dealership a prominent player in the international arena.  Muscle cars seem to be favorites of the international clients, with the Corvette, GTO, Mustang and Camaro topping the list of those most preferred.  

Nunnery, a dedicated classic car enthusiast himself, had a collection of 14 vehicles when, in early 2004, he learned that the local Lebanon, Tennessee Coca Cola distribution facility had closed and the building was for sale.  Shortly afterwards he purchased the property and began one of the most interesting, exciting and challenging ventures one could imagine.  The three-year-old company currently employs 10 professionals dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the American classic automobile.  Various types and models of vehicles may travel through the facility at times, however, Nunnery and his crew try to deal with the best sellers, which are primarily the muscle cars and some others manufactured between the late 50’s and early 70’s.  The vehicles come from various sources, including auctions, car shows and special sales.  “The largest one time purchase we ever made was in 2005”, Nunnery recalled, “that’s when a collection of 24 vehicles was acquired at an auction for close to one million dollars.”  

Not only does Classic Cars Southeast have one of the largest “world-class” showrooms in America, they have an impressive “state-of-the-art” classic car restoration center.  Any automotive project can be completed in their 10,500 sq. ft. facility where the professional staff can deliver a full service maintenance program from minor tune-ups and engine service to a complete “frame-off” restoration.  To ensure that “eye catching” and “head turning” professional finish, the staff uses and recommends quality DuPont Performance Coatings distributed by COLORMATCH Automotive Refinish Centers.  NAPA truck and Auto parts are also used and recommended by the staff.  The facility has acquired the prestigious title of “Preferred NAPA Auto Care Collision Center”.  NAPA is known for maintaining an adequate stock inventory for classic and antique automobiles.

There are numerous American car clubs already established in various international communities, especially throughout Europe.  Likewise, American car shows are becoming more and more common throughout the same areas, enhancing interest, desire and demand for these vehicles.  Denmark resident, Klaus Sorensen, saw a 1965 Mustang Fastback on the Classic Cars Southeast website and soon afterwards purchased it.  He is completely satisfied with his muscle car and drives it often, especially when he attends meetings of the local Mustang club in his hometown of Ringsted, which is about 40 miles from Copenhagen.  “The classic lines of the Mustang is what I like most about my classic auto”, says Klaus, “ they are the greatest attraction and that’s why I wanted this exact car.”

American customers buy the automobiles for various reasons.  Some just want a memorable part of Americana, others go for that personal sentiment and may want the same vehicle in which they acquired their first drivers license.  “Couples often ask for assistance in finding the car driven during their earlier “dating” years, if not the special one used when that important question was asked that would link them together for eternity,” continued Nunnery, “there are more cases emerging where the customer desires a particular vehicle to hold in a garage for a few years and treat it as an investment opportunity.  Other than investments, international customers seem to just want these vehicles because of their great looks, great feel and historical backgrounds.”

To satisfy such a healthy appetite for the American classic car, some entrepreneurs are remaking favorite brands of the most popular autos of the past.  These “limited edition” or “built-to-order” super cars are marketed with a variety of “special order” options.  The vehicles come with highly sophisticated styling and can be equipped with modern technology and high velocity.  The 1969 Camaro “super car” remake is just one example of the exciting models that have emerged from the past.  In fact, this vehicle can even be considered a “mail-order” muscle car, as it is possible to separately purchase a new body shell and all other parts to begin the restoration process.

One company has come up with an idea to build a “greatest hits” series from the 50’s and 60’s.  This will be accomplished by combining parts from various classic cars to produce a very unique and interesting ride.  A great example is the “789” model that has already captured the attention of Chevy lovers worldwide.  The idea is to blend the '57,  '58, and '59 Belair models into one very different product.  The '789' designation comes from the front being designed after a '57, the sides a '58 and the rear of the vehicle being a classic '59, hence “789”.  These “concept” cars will normally come with a hefty price tag, as this model is being reported to be in the neighborhood of $135,000 USD.

One of America’s most favorite classic automobiles is the Ford Mustang.  Pictured above is a   beautiful red 1967 convertible with black interior.  It has a rebuilt 200 hp engine that is complimented by a C-4 automatic transmission and power steering.  The Mustang is also favored by many European enthusiasts because of its size, comfort, power and ease in maneuvering around narrow streets. 

Ask any American enthusiast to name one of their favorite classic vehicles and the Chevrolet Camaro will most likely come up in conversation.  This beautiful white 1968 model is sure to make heads turn with envy no matter where it is seen.  With a 327 ci/250 hp engine, automatic transmission and 4 barrel carburetor, this "super car" speaks for itself in any language.

The Pontiac GTO has proven to be a fierce competitor with enthusiasts throughout America and many international communities.  This 1969 GTO JUDGE model, equipped with a 400 cu, 360 horsepower engine and 4-speed transmission, always receives the proper respect it deserves.

By the 50’s, styling had evolved into a feature that was of equal importance to performance for the automotive enthusiasts.   In 1953 General Motors came up with a sports car that provided them with a competitive edge in both areas.   That’s when the first Corvette model was introduced to the public and it remains a prevalent contender in today’s market.  Pictured above is a beautiful 1959 Corvette that came with a 283 cubic inch V8 engine and three- speed manual transmission as standard equipment.  A popular option was an innovative removable hardtop.  This breathtaking sports car commands the attention of everyone it passes.

Klaus Sorensen of Ringsted, Denmark proudly accepts a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback that was purchased from Classic Cars Southeast in Lebanon, Tennessee.  Klaus is just one of many satisfied international customers of the popular American dealership.

The Classic Cars Southeast showroom has become a favorite place to visit for many enthusiasts.  This 28,000 square foot “all-inside” facility is an attraction for both American and International visitors.  It is truly a unique place where one can take that special walk down “ memory lane”.  This popular destination for local motorcycle and car club cruise-ins also provides the perfect setting for photos and videos.  It is easy to understand why it is on the list of so many as a favorite destination.