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

New Zealand Couple Tours Lebanon Based Classic Cars Southeast

During Their First Ever Visit To America

____________________________________________________________________

(October 1, 2007 - Lebanon, Tennessee)  New Zealand resident, Malcolm Thompson, is an automotive electrical engineer in his hometown of Balclutha.  He has always been interested in cars of all types and has owned an American made Marathon automobile for many years.  Recently, he noticed an interesting book in a collection belonging to one of his friends.  While glancing through the book, he came upon an article that mentioned some of the history surrounding his prize vehicle.  The book, “Automobile Quarterly” contained some great information about where the Marathon vehicle was manufactured and an update on the facility where it was built.

Because the book contained so much information about his vehicle, Malcolm ordered a copy for himself through a book dealer and, upon further investigative reading from his own copy, he learned something that not even too many Tennesseans know.  That is, the Marathon was manufactured during the early 1900’s in Nashville.  Malcolm just had to visit the location where his prize vehicle was built so, after additional research, he and his wife, Shirley, packed their bags for a first time ever 8,000-mile trip to the USA.  In fact, this visit would be the first time either had ever seen a real live American.

This story really began some 40 years ago, that’s when Malcolm remembers passing by a neighboring county farm and stopping to chat with the land owner, who was clearing brush from the property.  The discussion soon led to a large object the farmer had uncovered while trimming away hedges in a ditch by the adjoining roadway.  The object was a Marathon automobile engine that, apparently, had been discarded years before.  It seemed to be intact, except for missing the radiator, and since Malcolm displayed interest in the engine, it was offered to him if he would haul it away.  Later, the farmer contacted Malcolm advising that another large item was found during the clean-up process, this turned out to be a Marathon chassis and Malcolm also took possession of it.  The radiator and other items were eventually located at local automotive swap meets that Malcolm frequently attended.  Historical records indicate that numerous Marathon’s had been shipped to various Europe countries.   

The more Malcolm read his new book, the more intriguing it became, especially information concerning entrepreneur, Barry Walker and his quest to revitalize the old Marathon Motor company facility at 1305 Clinton Street in Nashville.  Barry is from Jackson, Tennessee, where in 1884 the original Marathon parent company, Southern Engine and Boiler Works, was founded.  Back then, the company manufactured gasoline engines and boilers for industrial use.  During its first twenty years of existence, by 1904, the small town company had grown into one of the largest plants of its kind in the nation.

The engine and boiler maker soon began manufacturing automobiles called “Southern”.  However, shortly afterwards, management received word that another company was already using the same name on one of their competitive automobiles.  This led to a local contest in search of a new name for the already popular vehicle built by Southern.  A teenager attending Jackson high school came up with the winning name of "Marathon".

In late 1910, the company relocated to larger facilities on Clinton Street in Nashville, new models were added and production soared.  When Barry learned that the old Marathon manufacturing buildings in Nashville were to be condemned and torn down he wanted to do something to save them.  After a thorough evaluation, Barry moved forward with his idea to revitalize the property to its original respect and grandeur.  In 1986, Barry purchased the property and began developing the buildings into work studios for Nashville’s business community.  Today the four block complex is called Marathon Village and the facility has become home to some of the most interesting clientele around, everything from radio stations, video production companies and recording studios to entertainment management, photography studios and architecture design companies.  It is also home to an occasional favorite stop by Barry and all of his other tenants, the Yazoo Brewery.  See Barry’s progress at marathonivllage.com.

Malcolm’s initial call to Barry, just prior to his visit to Nashville, spun a great friendship, with the common denominator being their mutual appreciation for the American made Marathon automobile.  “There were only eight known Marathon vehicles in the world,” said Barry, “now we have uncovered the ninth and that is great news.  It has been determined that the one found 40 years ago in New Zealand is a 1913 model built at the Nashville facility.”   Barry is in the process of completing a museum to display some of the vehicles that he has acquired over the years.  He will soon begin construction on a restaurant in the same building, to be appropriately named, “Gearheads”.  The establishment will be decorated with some of the original gears and other Marathon parts found over the years.  

Barry was under a lot of pressure, being the first American the Thompson’s had ever met and he wanted to ensure that a great “first impression”, on behalf of all fellow Americans, was extended to his international guests.  Fortunately, while touring the Marathon Village complex, they ran across all-pro ex-Titan running back, Eddie George, and his personal physical trainer, Joe Johnson.  The two were involved in some vigorous physical training at the Marathon Fitness Gym.  Known and loved by both national and international sports fans, Eddie’s contributions are also recognized beyond his success on the football field and into areas such as music, film, television and social awareness.  Eddie is currently recognized as a sports host, among many other things.  He has also broadened his career into work as a philanthropist by donating time and resources to various charities, including his own non-profit organization, Visions with Infinite Possibilities (VIP).  Other than Barry, meeting Eddie George has been placed on the Thompson’s list of most favorite experiences during their visit.

While the New Zealand couple was in Middle Tennessee, Barry wanted to also ensure they were entertained by visits to some tourist “hot spots” around the area.  These stops included the Lane Motor Museum where Malcolm recognized some of the European vehicles on display.  Additional information on these vehicles can be found at lanemotormuseum.org.  Another favorite stop was the Classic Cars Southeast showroom, where he was introduced to one of the finest collections of American made classic and muscle vehicles in the United States.  Additional information on Classic Cars Southeast can be found at classiccarsse.com.

According to Dale Nunnery, founder and president of the classic car dealership, American classic and muscle cars are in great demand throughout Europe.  The dealership has exported several vehicles to the area and since these cars are such a big hit there, an “American Classic Car Tour” is being developed for promotion to the European countries this winter.  These tours are designed to offer participants an “Americana” experience, surrounded by the classic automobiles that are appreciated by both continents.  The tours were developed as a result of efforts from Tennessee Treasures Magazine, the Department of Commerce, Classic Cars Southeast and Point of Contact, a personal concierge services company.   

Groups of approximately 50 guests, once per month, will participate in the tours between May and September. Each tour will include Marathon Village, Lane Motor Museum, Classic Cars Southeast, the Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club and other “Americana” components associated with the classic vehicles.  “We are excited about the world wide interest in our automobiles”, said Nunnery, “and we are elated that  Malcolm and Shirley came all the way from New Zealand because of their love for these vehicles.”

Barry Walker, owner of Nashville’s popular Marathon Village, (center)

treats his new friends, New Zealand residents, Malcolm and Shirley Thomson,

 to a fun day that included a tour of Classic Cars Southeast in Lebanon, Tennessee.

The museum was a special stop for the couple during their first ever visit to America.

Pictured above is an old ad featuring the original Marathon Car logo

and an example of the 1913 Marathon vehicle which is similar to the

one owned by New Zealand car enthusiast, Malcolm Thomson.