Nashville NA has emerged as a premier destination for vintage and classic car enthusiasts who demand nothing less than perfection. The company specializes in restoring iconic vehicles to their former glory, blending technical mastery with an unwavering respect for automotive history. From complete frame-off restorations to targeted mechanical upgrades, Nashville NA delivers results that honor the original design while ensuring modern reliability. Their workshop, located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, has become a hub for collectors, hobbyists, and concours judges alike.

The History of Nashville NA

Nashville NA was founded in 2010 by a small team of automotive craftsmen who shared a singular vision: to preserve the artistry and engineering of vintage automobiles. The shop began in a modest 1,500-square-foot facility, with only a handful of tools and a deep passion for classic cars. Early projects included a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, both of which earned regional awards and quickly built the shop’s reputation. Over the next decade, Nashville NA expanded to a 12,000-square-foot workspace equipped with a dedicated paint booth, metal fabrication station, and engine dyno room. Today, the team includes specialists in engine machining, upholstery, electrical systems, and period-correct paint finishes. They have completed over 300 full restorations, with vehicles shipped from as far as Europe and Japan.

Core Services Offered

Nashville NA provides a comprehensive range of services that cover every aspect of classic car restoration. Each project is approached with a commitment to authenticity and structural integrity. The core offerings include:

  • Complete vehicle restorations – frame-off, body-on, or rotisserie rebuilds for concours-level or driver-quality finishes.
  • Custom paint and bodywork – labor-intensive metal shaping, welding, and multi-stage paint systems using original or modern urethane enamels.
  • Engine and mechanical upgrades – from stock rebuilds to period-correct performance enhancements using parts from reputable aftermarket suppliers.
  • Interior refurbishment – hand-stitched upholstery in original leather or wool, dash restoration, and wiring harness replacement.
  • Authentic parts sourcing – acquiring NOS (New Old Stock) components from private collectors, swap meets, and trusted vendors like Hemmings and Obsolete Ford Parts.
  • Electrical system modernization – discreet upgrades for safety, including LED lighting, fuse boxes, and alternator conversions while preserving the original appearance.

Specialty Fabrication

For rare or hard-to-find parts, Nashville NA operates an in-house fabrication shop. Skilled metal workers create reproduction panels, brackets, and even complete subframes when original components are unavailable. Every fabricated part is stamped or cast to match factory specifications, ensuring that even the most obscure details are correct.

The Restoration Process at Nashville NA

The journey from barn find to showpiece follows a structured, six-phase process designed to ensure quality at every step. Transparency with the client is central to the workflow, with regular photo updates and milestone approvals.

  1. Initial Assessment and Documentation – The vehicle is inspected thoroughly, including rust mapping, mechanical compression tests, and VIN verification. A written scope of work is generated with estimated timelines and costs.
  2. Complete Disassembly and Cleaning – Every nut and bolt is removed, bagged, and cataloged. Components are solvent-cleaned, media-blasted, or chemically stripped to bare metal.
  3. Metalwork and Body Repair – Rust repair and panel replacement are performed using OEM-style spot welds or copper-backed gas welding. Body gaps are adjusted to factory specifications before primer.
  4. Paint and Refinishing – Multiple coats of high-build primer are block-sanded, followed by color application in a filtered down-draft booth. Nashville NA uses PPG, Standox, or Sikkens paint systems, matched to original chip cards.
  5. Mechanical Reassembly – The engine, transmission, and differential are rebuilt with new bearings, seals, and gaskets. Brakes, suspension, and steering are restored or upgraded with modern equivalents for reliability.
  6. Interior Installation and Final Quality Control – Upholstery, carpets, and headliners are installed, followed by a 50-mile shakedown test. The final inspection covers torque checks, fluid levels, and a full systems verification.

Nashville NA has worked on a broad range of American and European classics. While every project is unique, certain models appear frequently due to their cultural significance and restoration demand.

  • Ford Mustang (1960s models) – early first-generation Mustangs, including some rare Fastback variants.
  • Chevrolet Corvette (1950s and 1960s) – solid-axle C1s and mid-year C2 Sting Rays.
  • Cadillac Eldorado – particularly the 1959 Biarritz with its iconic tailfins.
  • Volkswagen Beetle – split-window and oval-window models from the 1950s.
  • Mercedes-Benz classic models – 300SL Gullwing, 190SL, and W108 sedans.
  • Porsche 356 and early 911 – largely original, with an emphasis on matching numbers.
  • Datsun 240Z – increasingly popular among collectors for its Japanese design lineage.

Each model presents unique challenges. For example, sourcing accurate interior trim for a Mercedes-Benz 300SL can require international connections, while a 1962 Corvette may need a hand-laminated fiberglass panel repair. Nashville NA’s network of suppliers and fabricators allows them to overcome these hurdles without compromising authenticity.

Preserving Automotive Heritage

Nashville NA views each restoration as a contribution to automotive cultural preservation. The shop maintains a small library of original factory service manuals, sales brochures, and color chip books to guide decisions. They also collaborate with local museums and car clubs, occasionally providing restoration services for display vehicles. The philosophy is that a properly restored car is not just a recreation—it is a piece of history that can be enjoyed on the road for generations. This commitment extends to educating clients about proper maintenance, storage, and insurance options through resources like Hagerty.

Sourcing Authentic Parts

One of the biggest hurdles in restoration is locating correct, date-coded components. Nashville NA has built a preferred vendor list spanning the United States and Europe. They regularly attend swap meets in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to find NOS ignition parts, lenses, and trim. For American iron, they rely on national suppliers such as Year One and Classic Industries. European marques often require sourcing from specialist houses like Karmann Konnection for Porsche or Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. When reproduction parts are the only option, the team tests fit and finish against original samples before installation.

Why Choose Nashville NA

Clients choose Nashville NA for their steadfast dedication to authenticity and uncompromising quality. The team combines decades of combined experience with a genuine passion for vintage cars. Every restoration is treated as a collaborative artwork—each panel gap, stitch, and fuel line is scrutinized. Communication is clear and consistent; clients receive weekly updates and are encouraged to visit the shop during the process. The shop’s reputation is built on trust, craftsmanship, and a love for automotive history, not on fancy marketing slogans. They do not cut corners, even when a “good enough” approach might save time. As one client put it:

“I had a 1967 Corvette that had sat in a barn for twenty years. Nashville NA brought it back to life with such precision that it scored 99.5 at a local concours. They knew the car better than I did.”

Customer Stories and Testimonials

Beyond the numbers, Nashville NA’s portfolio includes many stories of cars restored for sentimental reasons. One team spent nearly a year rebuilding a 1956 Ford Thunderbird that had belonged to a client’s late father. The original logbook and dealer paperwork were preserved and installed in a new glovebox folder. Another project involved a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that was found in a Mississippi junkyard with only 12,000 original miles under a layer of surface rust. After a gentle mechanical rebuild and careful preservation of the original interior, the car won a preservation class award. These narratives underscore that restoration is not merely technical—it is emotional.

Future Projects and Expansion

Nashville NA is not content to rest on its achievements. The shop recently acquired a vintage GMC moving van to serve as a mobile parts procurement and transport vehicle for out-of-state projects. Plans include a dedicated engine machine shop with a CNC cylinder head porting station, allowing the team to perform in-house performance work for race-oriented clients. They are also developing a restoration education program for aspiring technicians, in partnership with a local community college. The goal is to train the next generation in the trade skills that are increasingly rare. Meanwhile, current projects in the queue include a 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider and a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, both requiring extensive metal fabrication.

Contact and Location

Nashville NA is located at 1156 Pope Circle, Nashville, Tennessee, just off I-65 and easily accessible from the city center. Their workshop is open by appointment Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours for concours preparation. Prospective clients are invited to schedule a consultation by phone or through the website. The team is always eager to discuss new projects, provide competitive quotes, and share their enthusiasm for bringing vintage cars back to life. Whether you are contemplating a full restoration or a targeted mechanical refresh, Nashville NA offers the expertise and dedication that classic cars deserve.