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For years, thousands of people have passed by the car on Gatlinburg’s Parkway, with who owns it a mystery.
GATLINBURG, Tenn — Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a small city that draws visitors from around the world.
Known for its busy hotels, like the Rocky Waters Motor Inn, and its iconic attractions, the city offers something for everyone. Innkeeper Keith Dalke said his hotel alone sees around 300 guests a week.
“There’s so much to do here,” Dalke said.
Visitors can play at the world’s most unusual golf course, or take a ride on Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, an experience that Daniel Trinidad, a staff member, said brings in a steady stream of tourists.
“We definitely get a lot of people here,” Trinidad said.
However, there’s one attraction in Gatlinburg that isn’t listed on any pamphlets or signs — just on Google Maps. It’s a spot that’s not as widely known but has become a local landmark over the years.
David Parton, a Gatlinburg resident, owns a 2013 black BMW 335 that sits near the old Parton’s Deli, just off the parkway. Parton, who lives above the deli, describes the car as an attractive ride, though not flashy.
“It’s better than 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. It’s not a fancy, rich car; it’s just a common man’s car,” Parton said.
Despite its humble appeal, the car has become a beloved attraction for visitors like Wayne Dean, who came from Alabama to see the car.
“It’s like a Gatlinburg landmark,” Dean said. “I wanted to see it.”
Parton didn’t realize how popular his car had become until a few years ago. A Facebook group dedicated to the car helped boost its fame, with one member, Tyler Mount, even declaring the car the “most iconic attraction on the Parkway in Gatlinburg.”
“I think everybody noticed it over the years,” Mount said. “It tells the story of a basic car, but it’s special to me.”
For Parton, the attention has been a pleasant surprise. He says people often stop by to admire the car, even sending birthday cards and greetings.
“I’ve gotten a birthday card last week with names from people I don’t even know,” Parton said.
The black BMW, however, has come to mean more than just a car. Parton, who is in remission from cancer, says that despite tough days, the support he receives from the community keeps him going.
“I walk out the door and people blow their horn and wave,” Parton said. “It’s pretty cool.”
In a city filled with tourist attractions, this small, ordinary car has become the heartbeat of Gatlinburg, a symbol of the unexpected connections that make a place feel like home.
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