Callaway Classics: Premier Muscle Cars For Sale in VA

Stepping into a classic car is like stepping back in time, offering a nostalgic journey down memory lane. This allure is keenly understood at Callaway Classics in Marshall, Virginia. Owned and operated by the father-son team of Tom and Chris Callaway since spring 2021, the dealership has quickly become a destination for enthusiasts seeking American-made classics, particularly offering sought-after muscle cars for sale. They blend a deep-seated passion for automobiles with a savvy understanding of their investment potential.

From Passion Project to Premier Dealership

Tom Callaway’s journey into the world of classic cars began years ago. Following the stock market downturn in 2000, where he faced losses in IT stocks, Tom sought alternative investment avenues. “I needed to make some changes, so I put extra money into buying classic cars. It’s important to diversify your investments and classic cars [are] one way to do that,” Tom explains. His personal collection grew steadily over the years.

Father and son team Tom and Chris Callaway, owners of Callaway Classics, specialists in American muscle cars for sale.

The opportunity to turn this passion into a full-fledged business arrived in 2018 when Tom sold his Manassas-based T.A.C. Ceramic Tile Company. This enabled the purchase of the historic former Ford dealership building in Marshall, paving the way for Callaway Classics. “Collecting classic, muscle cars from the 1963 to 1973 year range has been my hobby, my passion. And opening this business is a dream come true,” Tom shares.

Why Invest in Classic Muscle Cars?

Chris Callaway echoes his father’s sentiment regarding the dual appeal of these vehicles. “Some customers are looking for classic cars for pure enjoyment. Others purchase for investment benefits,” he observes. The investment angle is particularly compelling. “Every year the number of classic cars dwindles so it’s a great investment,” Chris adds, highlighting the increasing scarcity and potential appreciation of these automotive treasures. Tom’s initial foray into classic cars as a portfolio diversification strategy underscores this financial aspect.

Inside Callaway Classics: History and Inventory

Callaway Classics operates from a location steeped in automotive history. Situated at the intersection of Main Street and Winchester Road in Marshall, the buildings housed what was known as the oldest continuously run Ford dealership in the nation, dating back to 1915. After acquiring the property, the Callaways undertook extensive renovations throughout 2020, carefully preserving the site’s historic character before officially opening in April 2021. While not an official Ford dealership today, they frequently feature Ford models and honour the location’s legacy.

The inventory boasts a diverse selection, including collector cars from as early as the 1930s. However, the core focus remains on the niche market of American-made cars, primarily from the prime muscle car era of the 1960s and 1970s. “I have over one hundred cars that I’ve collected over the years,” Tom notes.

A vintage Ford Model A Pickup truck featured at Callaway Classics, representing their diverse inventory beyond muscle cars.

Among his personal favorites are icons like the 1968 Ford Mustang and the 1965 Buick Riviera. He also holds onto his original 1978 Ford pickup. The hands-on aspect is crucial for Tom: “I really like working on them — the tactile function of it all. And, seeing the ‘before and after’ of restoring cars is so fulfilling.” Their showroom often features legendary muscle cars for sale, such as the Ford Mustang Mach 1, Plymouth GTX, Plymouth ‘Cuda, and Dodge Challenger.

Showroom view at Callaway Classics displaying iconic muscle cars for sale like a 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and 1970 Plymouth Cuda.

The Roots of a Lifelong Passion

The Callaways’ love affair with cars started early. Tom’s first car, inherited at age 14, was his grandfather’s white 1965 Chevy Impala. “My dad said if I could fix it, I could have it,” he recalls. Relying on his mechanical aptitude, he read up on it and got it running before he was even old enough for a license. Later, in 1976, while working as a janitor, he saved $850 to buy his first purchased car: a burgundy 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback – the very image that inspires the Callaway Classics logo today.

Chris’s passion ignited around age 12 or 13. His first car, bought at 15 in 2003, was a silver 1979 Pontiac Trans Am with the iconic eagle on the hood, boasting only 28,000 original miles. “I still have it,” Chris says. “I learned the mechanics, read books. My dad took me to car shows and I was taking an interest in it.”

Chris and Tom Callaway examine the engine of a 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1, showcasing their hands-on expertise with classic muscle cars.

Community and Camaraderie: Cars and Coffee

To foster the community spirit surrounding classic cars, Callaway Classics hosts “Cars and Coffee” events. Held from 8 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month between April and October, these gatherings provide a welcoming entry point into the classic car world. “It’s a good entry into the car industry,” Chris explains. “You get to see other people’s cars and talk to the owners. Some come to us to sell their cars; and we buy them, clean them up, and put them up for sale.”

For Tom, the enjoyment comes from “Tinkering on them, polishing them, and the camaraderie it brings.” Chris adds, “When people see classic cars, there’s a nostalgia surrounding them… It sparks memories from a generation of people who remember them.” This echoes the building’s past, as recalled by Fauquier native Charlie Ebbets, who owned the Ford dealership from 1976 to 1988. He remembers locals gathering around the old potbelly stove, drinking coffee, and talking shop – a tradition of social connection the Callaways continue today.

What Customers Say About Callaway Classics

The dealership’s approach resonates with customers. Erick Gustafson, who splits his time between D.C. and The Plains, purchased a white 1987 Chevrolet Blazer in July 2021. “It has a terrific burgundy interior; it’s super cool,” he shares. After stumbling upon the dealership, he was impressed. “They’ve got an extraordinary collection of vehicles — it’s not a typical dealership — it’s more of a collection.” Gustafson enjoys driving his classic on the scenic back roads, appreciating the local history and the positive interaction with Chris.

The historic building housing Callaway Classics in Marshall, VA, a dealership known for quality muscle cars for sale.

Sherri Spellar of Aldie fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a Rangoon Red 1965 Ford Mustang convertible from Callaway Classics in October 2021. Having searched for years, she specifically wanted to buy locally. “Chris was very accommodating and honest, and he still checks in to see how I’m enjoying the car,” Spellar notes. She now relishes driving “Scarlett” through Hunt Country, adding, “It seems like a dream when I walk out to my garage and see her sitting there.”

Callaway Classics is more than just a dealership; it’s a place where automotive passions are shared, investments are cultivated, and legacies are preserved. For anyone seeking quality American classic and muscle cars for sale, combined with genuine enthusiasm and expertise, it’s a destination worth exploring.

To see Callaway Classics’ online inventory, visit callawayclassics.com. Drop-in at their location at 8323 W. Main Street in Marshall, Virginia, or call 540-364-5484.