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American
Classic Cars Have Become A World-Wide Fascination
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(March 10, 2008 – Lebanon, Tennessee)
Interest in the American
classic car continues to grow and on most any weekend classic car shows are
common throughout the USA during spring and summer months, most 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 other communities around the globe. Worldwide
interest in these classic automobiles seems to have 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 “global” 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 international tourists
visiting the Nashville area, especially Europeans. For a $5 admission fee,
each visitor is permitted a nostalgic walk down a great American automotive
“memory lane”.
“Requests for our classic
cars are received from auto enthusiasts 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 places such as Guam, Germany and Spain.” Autos have
already been exported to international destinations such as Australia,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy and Sweden. At least one has found its way
to the Middle East and there have been several visitors to the showroom,
along with numerous internet inquiries, 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 European
clients, most preferred being the Corvette, GTO, Mustang and Camaro.
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 four-year-old company now employs a work
force of 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 muscle cars and
others manufactured between the late 50’s and early 70’s. The vehicles are
acquired from various sources, including auctions, car shows and special
sales. “The largest single purchase we ever made was in 2005”, Nunnery
recalled, “that’s when a collection of 24 vehicles were acquired at an
auction for close to one million US dollars.”
The dealership’s showroom
has become a popular backdrop for entertainment industry photo shoots and
videos. It has been included in specific TV programming for CMT Canada,
SPIKE TV, Spanish TV, Nashville’s NBC network affiliate, Nashville Public
Television and special programming with the two local cable network
providers, Charter Mainstream and Comcast Spotlight. These media outlets,
coupled with a major internet campaign, have helped to acquire recognition
from local, national and international automobile enthusiasts. Classic Cars
Southeast is also involved in various car shows in the US. They will
co-sponsor the 2008 Corvette Homecoming in Bowling Green, Kentucky June 18 -
20. Spectators and participants at this event will be treated to a tour of
the Corvette plant and museum, check out their website at
www.corvettehomecoming.com.
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 this 10,500 sq. ft. restoration
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 impressive “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. Additional dealership
information can be found on their internet website at
www.classiccars.com.
There are numerous American car clubs
already established in various international communities, particularly
throughout Europe. Likewise, American car shows are becoming more common in
these same areas, enhancing interest, desire and demand for these “vintage”
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. “The classic lines of the Mustang are what I like most about my
classic auto”, says Klaus, “they are the greatest attraction and that’s why
I wanted this exact car.” Italian entrepreneurs, Matteo Preziosi and
Claudio Zanetti share a long time friendship and a mutual appreciation for
the American classics. They recognize the potential of being involved with
the growing trend in Europe and are currently coordinating plans to open an
American classic car dealership in Milan sometime during 2008.
According to Nunnery,
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 licenses.
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. 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 come with a variety of “special
order” specifications. The vehicles can have highly sophisticated styling
and come 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 particular new convertible body shell
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
building process.
One company has come up with the ultimate concept to memorialize the classic
auto era. N2A Motors has already captured the attention of Chevy
lovers worldwide with their new “789” model automobile. This iconic vehicle
portrays an image of combined design elements of three very popular classic
Chevy models. Named for the three years represented in the overall design,
the “789” has the “hooded eyes” and chrome grille bar of a 1957 Bel Air, a
mid-section and tri-toned interior that is reminiscent of a 1958 Impala and
the “bird in flight” rear tailfins of a 1959 Impala. These three vehicles
are all instantly recognizable classics celebrated by enthusiasts around the
world.
The “789” is built on a 2005 – 2007 Corvette C6 chassis, the same
“consistently winning” chassis, in its class, at the 24 hours of LeMans for
the past few years. It is known in the car world as the best value in a
performance chassis ever produced. The price of a turnkey “789” is $135,000
USD and will come well equipped with all corvette standard equipment,
including the 400 horsepower aluminum block V8 engine. There will be
limited production of this “one-of-a-kind” ride and no two cars will have
the identical paint scheme or colors. With more than 10,000 interior
combinations, every proud owner can remain an individual. In fact, the name
of the company, N2A Motors, is derived from their philosophy of “No
2 Alike”. Additional information on the 789 can
be obtained on the company’s website at
www.ntamotors.com.

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
particularly due to its ease in maneuvering around narrow streets.

Ask any
classic auto enthusiast to name a favorite American classic vehicle
and the
Chevrolet Camaro will most likely come up in conversation. This
beautiful
white1968 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. This
prompted General Motors
to come up with a sports car that provided them with a competitive edge
in both
areas. That’s when, in the early 1950’s, the first Corvette model was
introduced
to the public and it remains a prevalent contender in today’s market.
Pictured
above is a beautifu1959 model that came equipped with a 283 cubic inch
V8
engine and three-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. A very
popular option was an innovative removable hardtop. This breathtaking
sports
car commands the attention of everyone it passes, at home or
abroad.

The “789”
model is the brain child of California based, N2A Motors. Their
limited
production
“dream vehicle” gets its name from the body being styled from a combination
of several
popular classic Chevy designs. The front appears as a 1957 Bel Air, the
mid-section
as a 1958
Impala and the rear tailfins are the image of a classic 1959 Impala. This
new body
style sits
on a Corvette C6 chassis powered by a 400 horsepower aluminum block V8
engine.

The Classic Cars Southeast showroom has become a favorite place to visit
for
many enthusiasts. This 28,000 square foot “all-inside” facility is
truly a unique
place where any car lover can reminisce on a very special walk down
“memory lane”.
It has developed into a popular destination for local motorcycle and
car club cruise-ins
and has also become a favorite backdrop for entertainment industry photos
and videos.
It is easy to understand why it is on the list as a favorite destination
of so many
American
and international visitors.
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