Abandoned cars in forgotten junkyard

These pictures were taken in May of 2010 in the Michigan woods. The junkyard is permanently closed and has posted no trespassing signs all over the place. I spoke to the person who owns the property and was given special permission to explore. This site covers 120 acres and is packed with cars from the 1930's on up. I only had an hour to look and it must be done on foot. Enjoy the pics, places like this just don't exist anymore. Truely a rare find. Thanks to my buddy Chris for the tip on this hot spot.

[@hebneh]

And to think, each one of these, at one time, was sitting in a dealer's showroom, gleaming and mint condition and with that "new car" smell inside...

[@soylentgreen7991]

I am not American but I do think you Americans made some of the greatest looking cars to have ever existed between the 1920s to the 1970s. That's why it is hard to sit and see these old gems rotting away like that. Almost sad really!

[@TheModelingHermit]

I am a model car builder, and am currently working on a large junkyard diorama. What you show here will live on in the diorama that I'm constructing, with much of the same type of horticulture. This video is quite inspiring and a great asset to me. I'm truly appreciative to still have it available some 13 years after it was posted.

[@utuberlesmouches]

hope this will remain "forgotten" by the metal hunters and saved by cars lovers

[@randyboggs2263]

9

[@utuberlesmouches]

sorry but i don t understand this "9" : , ( french)

[@BB-so7ws]

@asteinmann where was this?

[@FORDmustangs100]

Who would have known, those cars were once rolled off the showroom floor. So many stories in that place, too bad :(

[@Therrito]

I'm sure that every vehicle there has its own story. If only they could talk ...

[@2009walkingman]

JIMMY HOFFA ...

[@FUBAR762]

It really is sad to see something like that.

[@tru2nrtt777]

Whenever I see things like this it hits close to home. I used to work at a junkyard and all that was in there was 30's-80's cars and most were restorable... I used to take lunch and just walk through staring at the history.....

[@xcape455]

Thx for yhe update. I haven't been back by there in a long time. It's good to know that someone is maybe saving some of these cars.

[@jbpthesquirrel3128]

xcape455 i would really like to know where exactly that is i am really into old cars

[@ericjohnson4915]

Chester the squirrel it's about 15 minutes north of sylvania ohio.

[@Chris-from-AZ]

Chester the squirrel That's what I'm saying

[@sincityq]

The owner could sell those old wrecks off and never have to work another day. That Hudson, in particular, is worth a mint. Great vid... thanks for sharing!

[@33MRED]

+Redoubt South i love these when other people know where they are atbut no share 'll take th e corvair when and if.

[@johnfranklin5277]

Lol, its just a pile of junk. Only crusher worthy. The elements rain and snow, and some stripping have destroyed them. All together final cash total, maybe 6, 8 thousand, maybe less..

[@Reel4u]

As that kid says to Toad in American Grafitti - "What a waste of machinery!"

[@rtp3962]

That's one of the greatest junkyards I've seen on you tube. Great presentation. Thanks for taking the time to make the video!

[@Steve197201]

I agree. These cars once meant something to someone. The people who owned these cars decades ago might have fond memories of road trips, first cars, and cherished moments never to be forgotten. These old cars were once a part of someone's life. Now they just sit there, never to be driven again, never to even be seen by those to whom they meant so much. They'll only live on in their memory.

[@Jgeneraledger23]

Judging by the size of most of the trees, this j/y was closed around 1984.

[@GreenmanXIV]

Two miles from my house there's a 5 acre plot loaded with UK cars from the 30s, to the 70s. They too are just rotting away, covered in brambles and scrub. The two barns on the property contain classic Rileys, Wolesleys, Rovers, Talbots and MGs. The man who owns them, won't sell one bloody part... Thanks for posting, I saw a 1967 Cuda, and a 61 Impala in there, the man should be arrested, it's a f**king CRIMINAL waste..............

[@griffnut666]

I had a 64 cuda. Black with gold stripe down the middle. Had an automatic with shifter on floor. Not pushbutton, miss that car. real headturner

[@TheGammalight]

Wow, I awesome to see. My father in-law had an auto salvage yard here in SW Maine. He passed away several years ago. He save saved some hood emblems, and quarter panal marques. I found them cleaning his garage. I painted a board up and mounted them on the board. Ahhh....I wish it was still here. We cleaned up the land, as my mother in-law had no one else to carry on the JY. ( I had a full time job at the time). Thanks for the vid. JF Maine

[@mariarusso1155]

Hi how are you doing today. I'm Maria from Minnesota, looking for a new friend OK

[@RozbehVahabzadeh]

Thanks for your hard work to make this video. It's sad to see them like that. Hope with help, someone can bring them out or to life again.

[@komerwest9520]

Lots of great hard to find parts just going to waste. What a shame.

[@stevejones8486]

I've seen late 90's vehicles with more rust, this is a museum

[@michaelwilson6806]

This junkyard looks like the one you can see from the highway when the leaves are off the trees just south of Harrison Mi.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hi how are you doing today. I'm Maria from Minnesota, looking for a new friend OK

[@MrCorvairGuy]

The reason places like this are getting rare is because the old guys who own them are starting to die off and their families would rather call in the crusher than try to sell each car or parts. The high prices of scrap metal aren't helping this either. Another reason is some counties are getting super aggressive with their beautification and cleanup bylaws. I know of several people here in Alberta who've been forced to sell, remove or otherwise crush their (neatly parked in rows) project car collections due to bylaw enforcement. It sucks but that's the direction we're heading in.

[@Littlegoatpaws]

To me it looks like the case of an inheritance and potential treasure trove that whoever has it now is too overwhelmed with lack of time or lack of knowledge to really know what to do with it. So it just sits rusting away.

[@kylewight7559]

where in Michigan is this at? id like to get a hold of the owner?

[@waverly24]

Having watched my Dad and uncles rebuild and do engine swaps on everything from Corvettes to Jeeps, this is painful to watch. But it is comforting to know that some of these cars will get the attention they deserve and be restored.

[@briandamon4387]

This could be a gold mine of old parts, original stuff from old cars

[@alieng9983]

we can build spaceships from those

[@johnroberts4755]

yeah, and drive to mars.

[@alieng9983]

totally

[@fiber9m]

That's a good idea how does 10,000 a year sound to get started

[@mikhail-kf3my]

Well, there is one car in the space)

[@5610winston]

Note the defiantly shiny chrome on the mid-range '57 Studebaker at 2:32Think about it: Every one of those derelicts once was the bright, shiny apple of someone's eye when they wheeled it into the driveway for the first time while admiring neighbors looked on. Every one of them held someone's hopes and dreams. Where are those owners now?

[@STUPIDMEMBER]

I note with satisfaction the fact that red cars appear to be a little less rusty. I have always suggested that anything red will run faster (Keds), fly higher, and last longer.

[@timothyroatenberry1274]

I love places like this, its like a treasure hunt ! But also sad to see these beautiful cars knowing some are / will be to far to salvage ! 😥

[@obamacarreviews1043]

roadkill be like MINT

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

I bet they'd love it there

[@apocyldoomer]

I would bring a 6 pack of beer, and spend the day gawking at all of this, wondering, who was the first owner of these magnificent vehicles, and who was the last owner, just ponderous! Why would a junkyard be permanently closed? Seems stupid to me?! Anyway, an interesting video, fascinating.

[@thewaywardwind548]

I love the care from about 1955 through the end of the '60s. This video is interesting because it shows so many, but it breaks my heart to see the condition they're in.

[@thewaywardwind548]

Oops! That was supposed to be: I love the CARS from about 1955....

[@spazzcat03]

Oh man those cars look like there hurting big time ! Thanks for taking the time to post this .

[@dead-manproduction8286]

I Love 1965 Pontiac B-body ever since a was kid and to see that Catalina (2:26) kind of upset me >:/

[@dead-manproduction8286]

AND A FREAKIN CHARGER!! 3:51

[@nickclayton2517]

There is a junkyard like that on us 23 between Ann Arbor and ohio

[@miragexl007]

Pretty nice to look at. thanks to the owner to allow the footage for many to enjoy. Lot of history there...and from Michigan. cool

[@MrLrry1266]

"Enjoy the pics, places like this just don't exist". Well, yes they do by this account. There are many of these places that may only be seen by air and or word of mouth. My brother would travel from Fl to PA and back twice a year for 20 years or so to the Hershey and Carlisle swap meets. He would stop on the way to and from at places just like this one only spread out throughout the southern states. I took many pictures also of some of those yards as I traveled with him once. Something very tranquil yet very disturbing about the metallic carnage. Trees growing through engine bays, cars literally rusting right back into the Earth, and most will never ever hear the voices of owners ever again. Quite fitting that this yard is in Michigan I guess. Thanks for taking the time to photo and post these, very poignant.

[@bliz2912]

I can hear the owners now ....well were going to fix them up and sell'em for big money one day ...better hurry there turning to dirt .

[@Sunfadedlovejaded]

None of them are made in China, that's why they are still around.

[@londonaverill9204]

Non of them are made in germany. That's why they are not still working.

[@Sunfadedlovejaded]

You do know that some major German brands are made in USA and most of the parts are made in China. If they are assembled in Germany still most of the parts are made in China.. In Cuba, I heard they used to use tuna fish cans to replace old pistons. Haha

[@neckarsulme]

London Averill I am pretty sure the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE at 2:06 was made in Germany smartguy.

[@greenlay]

Sunfadedlovejaded heh Charley da Tuna says watch it

[@TheItsmegp46]

German junk? Most of these cars date from the 1950s to the 1960s. Except for the VW Beetle, German cars were virtually non-existent back then in the US market.

[@lambretta8853]

"yes" you are a wise man, and i share your love for old cars , and like me , just the chance to have a walk around a place like this ! ! ! well what can i say , it gets the hairs on the back of my neck standing right up, , places like this are a shrine to us ,," who are we" lovers of history "cars " or are we "artist"s and we do not know yet,,,,,,,,,,," you know who you are", you are just like me, love you , mark

[@Barking914]

Nice vid but sad as well. Saw a lot of classics. Thanks for the post!

[@mariarusso1155]

Hi James how are you doing today. I'm Maria from Minnesota, looking for a new friend OK

[@6ford9]

i would love to have one of them

[@s10onbillets]

Me 3

[@Therrito]

Me 4

[@Voodoo8648]

Me 5

[@-_-_415]

Me 6

[@heretohear8662]

Darrin Curtis Me 7

[@kombibus]

American Auto History wasting away!

[@Todd82TA]

Awesome pictures, thanks for posting them. I always say... better lost and forgotten than crushed and turned into a Civic! At least if they're lost, there's still a chance!

[@teknonut1946]

I had the pleasure of talking with Irv a few years back. He told me how he started picking up and bringing cars home he saw out in fields and yards on his way home from work in Lansing. What a guy. I wish I could have spent more time talking with him and I hope he is doing ok. I asked him if he would allow camping out in his fields but believe it or not that far out away from cities he was still having security issues. His son has it under control. And yes all are for sale money talks bs walks and posts on ut. I also was allowed to take the tour, I laughed but understood when he told me no smoking, no tools and no kids.

[@ivanhuerta8097]

Location please

[@kiddatplayz2917]

I would save ALL the mustangs

[@ashtonherren5233]

Me to leave all the Chevys to rot

[@rodneywoodall950]

+kiddatplayz Me too and I seen a couple of Galaxie's to that should be saved aswell

[@Justice_Akbr]

+Ashton Herren hi, can i know why most Americans or people hate Chevys?

[@theaxejunkie251]

+Mark7com because they are shit boxes.

[@dirtydub3245]

gross

[@Awsom47Merc]

* Such a shame to see so much American Iron left to rot ! And think of all the personal memories each one held. Left to disappear like tears in the rain !

[@rat65novaman]

Amazing!!! it's like an old car show that the people just disappeared from. What a piece of history!! Should be a museum!!! What a waste of beauty !!

[@onlyceltic1]

My friend, Jim MacSorley has owned over 4,000 cars and feels the same way!!! Restore them!!!! He has purchased "new" parts for every car out there - now, in his 60's he's attempting to inventory his 50 years of purchases, he has it all He lives in LA and can sell you any part you ever thought of in any car ever made!!! Our auto heritage is in those woods!! Maybe a group effort like the "Nature Conservantcy" but the "Car Conservantcy" and lots of people spend the next 10 year fixing them!!!

[@benmatt01]

My mouth is dry and my eyes are full of tears. So sad to see so many beautiful and rare machines rotting away.

[@crlaw75]

Some good restoration vehicles here.

[@ROBBEAUDOIN66]

Plenty of great projects there..... I would love to have the money to gather a bunch of old forgotton beautys and restore them. Great video!

[@ericdesjardins5352]

I'm in Montreal Canada, where salty roads make cars rust away within 8 years. Makes me nostalgique to see see those cars just laying there and rusting in time!!! Could of find owners for a few 100 bucks back then!!!

[@mariarusso1155]

Hi how are you doing today. I'm Maria from Minnesota, looking for a new friend OK

[@redradiodog]

0:51,red 63 Impala convertible.My brother bought one identical to this one new back in 63.A beautiful car.

[@CyberSpice5762]

Beautiful. There is very little plastic on these cars...so the components will return to the earth and the cycle will continue. Love the Michigan woods.

[@cindylawrence1515]

That 52 or 53 Hudson at 2:55 is ultra cool..... When you go to find a part or a body panel for a restoration project, you'll see how valuable what you're looking at really are....

[@Explorersea]

love this, thanks for sharing

[@j_badach_xvi6261]

Nice find with the mustang all of those are so cool

[@philipbrazill2155]

Wow that place is special. Most people see junk but I see treasures even though there is no way to restore any of them cars. Still very cool to see them

[@pmh189]

Thank you for the reply. Didn't know if he had enough solid parts to piece together for one good one.

[@kalebbyrd]

Most of these cars were to far gone. They had served their purpose and left nothing but a shell. Miss it

[@jeremymcgrath8612]

This is the first video I've watched that made me cry.

[@lghtspeed96]

I go by this place all the time.

[@madisonvillegirl1]

Right now I'm 52 years old and I remember when some of these were in the showroom through the years.

[@mustangmooney21]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@richardmorley8871]

I love looking at these I'd love to visit that place

[@curtismoff]

In high school 1980 I got a 1966 galaxy with a 289 hi-po with a 9" rear end a 4 speed for 750 bucks.I had the fastest car in the parking lot after a new cam and holley carb with what we called cheater slicks.I blew it up 2 years later and sold it for 1500 and the block had a hole in it.I miss that beast and my 8 track player Jensen 6X9's with a power booster lol.I have a 2003 cobra now that would smoke that galaxy.But you can't beat the sound of a cammed push rod V8 with glass packs!!!

[@mariarusso1155]

Hi how are you doing today. I'm Maria from Minnesota, looking for a new friend Ok.

[@BrownPride2010]

Beautiful, worth d momento of this video.

[@CATniteOwl]

WELL DONE! Very interesting (and a bit depressing) - thanks for posting.

[@left4deadzoeylover]

this makes my tear up a little cuz they all were/are very good cars

[@IAMshredrmk]

To the owner of the 67' Ford you left your lights on......, your hood. Ha, Thanks for the tour Xcape, I miss seeing cars with charachter.

[@mrdeathwing18]

nice..appreciate them while they are still with us.

[@TheCamarodude96]

it's crazy. these cars that have became a part of past American life are just rusting away..my grandmother told me she remembers being in the back seat of a brand new '57 Chevy when she was little. how much you wanna bet it ended up like this? it's a shame we cant save 'em all, but atleast some are saved. I love going to car-shows and seeing them as they were when new.

[@GordonTurnerpark]

This reminds me of an old junkyard near Durand Michigan, actually on your way out of Byron right off of Durand Road. Some great old wrecks in those photos. Did anyone else notice the Edsel?

[@ihateregistering2322]

yep! I know somebody with that car here and whenever he parks he leaves his park lights on absolutely paranoid as hell about not being able to find the rear window again!

[@dianapena2565]

How can you wown the property knowing that you have all those cars in there and not do anything?! If i owned that i would have one hell of a restoration project! Love it

[@billfeld5883]

At one time they were all brand new and someone's pride & joy!!! 2101

[@pedrof830]

Just to think all these cars were someone's pride and joy at one time.

[@stevest1300]

1:36? Plymouth Barracuda +/- 1965. That glass is super valuable...just like so many bits and pieces of those cars. Itlooks like much of the good stuff was removed in the day that it was an active junker. The Michigan weather isn't exactly known for preserving metal. Sad. 20 years ago this place would have been a dream!

[@jongibson4599]

The chrome off that Edsel at 2:40 would be worth something, along with those Barracuda rear windows. Hemings Motor News would pay/make a fortune for & off this place!

[@ddbash71054]

The best things in life always end up like this...

[@bigbrian2977]

alot of michigan history in that one spot

[@mariarusso1155]

Hi Brian how are you doing today. I'm Maria from Minnesota, looking for a new friend Ok.

[@hamtrak]

Nice you got in there in the spring,another month and it would of been like a jungle.

[@nowitsabadtime]

0:55 Oh man, I remember these plates!

[@randomrules93]

So much potential in that yard, but will never see them again.

[@Pontoondude]

Can u tell me where this is at? I live in Michigan and this place seems cool

[@pfhaarland]

@ Ricky - Aloha friend, at 1;36 is a Barracuda from 64-66. The V badge was 65-66 as they were the only ones where the 273 was offered. Most of them were stripped from the wussy 225 S-6 and swapped with 413 (early hemi) and were brilliant drag cars. I had 3 running junkers, a 62 Power wagon with a 413, and about 2 months spare with more stolen tools than I could use, but I had me a relic drag dogfish Barracuda for a bit Cheap and EZ work even or the novice builder -

[@patrickscranton3296]

It is heartbreaking to see these cars in this condition. But there are still parts that can be salvaged. Hard to believe all the glass that has survived in these cars

[@ifonlyurmum]

this is one of those rare moments where a man is allowed to shed a tear or two

[@normaburgess6044]

plenty of gems there, man.

[@duallydriver2]

Looks like a bunch of Michigan salt rust buckets. Might have the odd part or two, but mostly junk.

[@KtmDriver96]

Holy Jesus, I feel a twinge in my chest when I see all the nice cars and so the decay ;-(

[@XLordLeamingtonX]

I saw a Chevy Nova (a Toyota-based one) and a Plymouth Reliant K-car, both were made around 1984-1986. So whoever owned this was still putting cars here at that time.

[@BoyzNAcne]

Back in the day people didn't really give a shit about these cars as much as we do today because we now view them as a rare classics, but back then they were just everyday cars of that era. Really sad...

[@TheLogTog]

Gods it breaks my heart to see these photos...

[@Swedbander]

Imagine rescuing one of those wrecks, and only fix whatever needed for passing car inspection. Imagine the inspectors face when he realizes he has to let that corpse of a car through!

[@bretoff]

Appears from what I can see a mid to late 60's Ford Galaxie wagon or Ford Country Squire wagon, usually equipped with the 390V8, basically was the SUV of it's day

[@MrCntryjoe]

one of the best yards I have ever seen

[@quantumbitz3473]

I'd pay large for a sweat equity project from there; Lot of fine projects . Cheers to the creator!.

[@ARMY21tango]

UGH! It pains me to see such BEAUTIFUL machines just sit there and rot away! What I wouldn't give to get a hold of each one of those and bring them back to life!

[@akiamimasen8608]

This is my the worst nightmare seeing such car cemetery :(