The Weekly 3

Towards the end of 2005, I turned 21 years old, which is also when I met my future wife, Torie. There wasn’t a whole lot else going on in my life. I was working full-time with Pepsi, trying to finish my degree and halfway through my first enlistment contract.

Mel Martin, on the other hand, had already established himself as an expert mechanic. A very successful real estate developer and avid car collector.

In 2005 Mel created Martin Auto Museum. I’ve had the privilege of spending some time with Mel and what he has created is special. I’ve been able to visit the current location, but just Miles Through Time Automotive Museum, he had humbler beginnings.

Mel has amassed a huge collection of cars that even includes one of the uber-rare Tuckers. If you’re a Tucker fan like me, you’ll want to visit just to see #1021.

Back in 2005 again, Chick-Fil-A had been serving their breakfast menu for one year. Truett Cathy, the founder, was 84 years and had quite the car collection he accumulated over the years.

Unfortunately, Truett passed away in 2014 at the age of 93, and many of his cars went to auction as so many do under similar circumstances. However, a few were kept and could be considered a pleasant surprise if you visit the Chick-Fil-A Backstage Tour.

This is definitely not your typical car museum, and it really isn’t a “car museum,” but it is an impressive car collection curated by a man with a vision who had tremendous success in his life.

Surprisingly enough, despite living in the Atlanta metro, I have not had time to visit Chick-Fil-Backstage Tour. It is on my list though, and if I can find the right person to talk to, there could be some synergy with Miles Through Time. I have a vision. 😉

Back in 2005, Marshall Belden Sr.’s Canton Classic Car Museum had already been open for 27 years, and sadly, Mr. Beden had been gone for 10 years.

It’s great to see Marshall’s vision stay alive so many decades after he’s been gone, which unfortunately is uncommon in the “car museum” world, but only because so many “museums” are really private collections.

There’s nothing really wrong with that, but it does almost always put an expiration date on the museum, which is something I admittedly avoid.

Sometimes you never really know what the future will be. I believe it is always best to go do what you can now, rather than put anything off. Whether it is the museum you’re considering visiting, or something else in your life, it’s best to just do it.

If you want to see more, visit the Weekly 3.

Plan your next trip, discover your new favorite, or find the nearest museum

 Sean Mathis
Creator of Automotive Museum Guide
Founder of Miles Through Time Automotive Museum

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