I Found An Abandoned MOT Garage With Rare Cars Everywhere!

[@neildaniel8232]

The chassis on the ramp is for the TR6 out the front, it was the project the owner was doing when they passed away. There has been plenty of attempts to buy the various cars there but the family either don't want to sell or just don't care as they never reply to any approaches. The bus arrived a few years ago and allegedly has been in and out too. There's a massive thread over on Pistonheads about the place (and other abandoned classics) so it's a well known site. Seeing as it has survived for so long without being trashed hopefully it'll stay that way after this video too. Every few years the brambles covering the Porsche outside get cut back, it has turned round once too going by Street Map pictures.

[@theroadahead6033]

I reckon the cars have been stripped while being parked up over the years.

[@alisonmoutiq1578]

😮 Sad.When did the owner pass away?.

[@sarahjane8400]

​@alisonmoutiq1578 Even sadder the family don't seem to want to know.

[@barrycaldwell5461]

Really bugs me when families like you mentioned deny others from doing the right thing as regards buying and restoring cars like this, we have all seen cars a lot worse than these and after hard work they became concours winners in shows, so these are certainly restorable and this family are denying restorers the chance to do the right thing, i understand they may still be upset at their fathers passing however long ago but they should get closure on it by selling the cars where possible, and selling the property.

[@Earlofdavetona]

Barry, as much as I agree with you some people react to the death of a loved one differently to how you may react. Some people just cannot let go and that place obviously forms a connection to the person who passed away. You can’t blame the family, they’re human and by nature will deal with their loss in their own way. I would suggest that in time as the older members of the family pass on the plot will be sold off by those that inherit it, unfortunately that may well be too late for the cars stored there.

[@jeffskillman6161]

Great video. It is indeed a Maserati Merak with its flying buttresses removed making it look like a pick up. The Maserati Bora was very similar but had a fully enclosed rear. The chassis on the ramp is from the TR6 outside. Strange someone removed the 944 door handle as it's basically the same as a VW Golf Mk1 and hence easy to source. Fascinating video. Thanks for sharing.

[@dubayadot]

Some of the handles say porsche on them and mk1, 2 golf owners love them, pricey aswell 👍

[@FRFRANKIE]

Thanks!

[@TheBeardedExplorer]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@FRFRANKIE]

@@TheBeardedExplorer Your welcome Colin. Your a LEGEND!

[@LouiseHobbs-t8i]

Hi Colin, my husband has travelled past this garage since the early 90s but can't actually remember it being open, only used for a school mini bus business. Originally there were more cars parked on the forecourt and over the years some have gone and the rest have deteriorated to how you seen them. Occasionally he has seen mini buses still parked outside when he passes by. Keep up the good work, both myself and my wife enjoy your videos.

[@russ8949]

I used to drive by this garage every week delivering soft drinks to Devon and Cornwall. There used to be more classics out front but I gather people have just taken them. I often thought about asking about the cars but never saw a soul. Great vid 👍

[@chrisblay]

I only brought it in for an MOT and look at the state of it. 😲 🤣🤣🤣

[@darrennorman36]

Wow, can’t believe this place is still abandoned. Went past it & turned back for a better look back in 2011. There were a lot more cars in the workshop & a few more on the forecourt along with 4 or 5 mini buses parked up next to it, back then.

[@wkdgeezer]

Love you're video's mate, this garage is near where i live and used to drive buy it quite often. There used to be a lot more car's than that parked out the front hopefully been taken away for restoration. Keep up the good work.

[@ollydubhead]

The car inside indeed does look like a Maserati Merak. with the rear 'strakes' removed. The chassis on the lift looks like TR6.

[@chriswilson8757]

What a crying shame, as a Triumph Collector from Australia the amount of "useable " parts literally had me in tears as the amount of effort and cost to get cars and parts to OZ is incredible ! Perhaps the current owners may have a change of heart ?

[@dnf1903]

Always a great watch Colin-Saturday is Bearded Explorer day! Keep them coming sir!

[@J-D..]

Good one Colin brilliant to see it still in one piece and not trashed by idiots keep it up mate look forward to next Saturday video thanks

[@matthewgodwin3050]

What an amazing find. It's a shame it's all been left to rot, but at the same time, it is now beautiful automotive art. I'd leave it all just the way it is now. It's lovely.

[@FRFRANKIE]

Hi Colin how are you? I loved that M.O.T. abandoned garage video, that was so cool. I can't believe 2 red Porsches were just left behind like that. That's a shame. Stay safe and take care.

[@richkent7938]

Another great find/upload, Colin. So many great Models: just a shame about their condition. Looking forward to the next upload.

[@spikeyplants438]

Hi Colin another great video,nice to see you down in my neck of the woods for a change.Same all those cars again being left to rot away. Why the family just leaves it all to decay is abit strange. Must be a fair amount of money in the building and land.Great commentary as usual Colin shame there was no way in so you could give us a more detailed viewing. Look forward to next weeks. Take care.😃

[@kfkwAL7]

1977 Maserati Merak. Used to be blue, untaxed since your birth year Colin

[@wiedietie]

We have a winner!

[@willparry]

Judging by the lifeboat 175th anniversary sticker it was still open 24 years ago.

[@SonyaTucker]

That's just criminal that all these old cars have been left and then to sadly get in the state they are in now, and it's such a shame you can't get inside the workshop and the shop as that would have been awesome, but yet an amazing video, thanks again Colin 👌🫶🤯

[@nigelstringerNVS]

Hi, missed loads of your videos so just catching up on them now, glad I’ve found you again, I have about 5 to watch.

[@danielaumirall4093]

Amigo me gusta mucho tus videos, y la musica de inicio nunca la cambies. Abrazo Daniel From the Argentina😊

[@leonardofalcones7776]

Saludos desde Guayaquil 🇪🇨

[@greenbunnyinabongo7299]

The condition of that Mars bar box is pristine

[@SimonFrench-v5d]

Great video! At around the 10 minute mark, I'd say that's the rest of the TR6 sitting up on that shelf/deck. Easy to pick by the wheel rims.

[@thughes52]

Some cool cars colin pity the inside is non accessible ....but well rotting ...good find 👍

[@bunnymad5049]

Colin, I meant to thank you for this, but I am slowly making my way through all your vids cos I'm a recent sub. I don't know if this will help ... I saw the one today that you did with your lovely skeptic friend. The one where you were getting "responses". My son has a .. "gift". He sees them. He said it's safe for you both to go back if you'd like. What was there was so happy to have your company and was not meaning to scare you, but show you it was there and "be" with you both. It loved your company and the intelligent conversation and interest in it. Sorry if that just sounds too weird for words. xxx

[@ritchi4343]

The XJS has only been parked 2 days but it rained 😂. Great vid mate!!!

[@patrickezra7159]

Superbe ! Vieux garage sans dégradations ! Incroyable ! En France ,toutes les vitres seraient cassées ! A l’image de nos racailles françaises actuelles ! Bravo ! 👏

[@godzianthony1193]

Exactement ...

[@patrickezra7159]

@@godzianthony1193 ,hello ,can you give me the musician name of generic ,I love it! Thanks

[@fhwolthuis]

It's a Merak, the flying butresses have been removed but you can see the screws.

[@ExploringWithin]

You left your camera behind mate 2:26

[@turboflash666]

That RNLI sticker celebrating 175yrs was from around 1999.

[@Zocky73166]

that door looks like belonged to Maserati Bora / Merak and that car is Merak but with back pillars taken off

[@kindelvanterpool1417]

Well My Bearded Friend, you have yet found another great find 😮wow 😮The old Triumph and the Porsche 944 I want a 944 really badly, but great Video My Bearded Friend 👏👏😎😎 cheers to you mate.

[@davidkinson6610]

Hi Colin. I watch your video's whenever you post them, and always wander what is the haunting music you use for the intro?

[@clairefunnell8481]

Noooo, not a Jaguar. Mot? Thats that mean? Poor old cars. Its sad to see them like this. Shame. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@markyboy545]

How cool to see you in the sun news paper 👍 good work keep safe on your many more explores

[@petersylvester2905]

I googled the lifeboat 175 year celebration and that was in 1999, so it was open 24 years ago or less.

[@jadeowen6636]

Hey colin ,have you ever been to les oakes reclaim yard in cheadle , staffordshire . Thats sort of abandoned and forgot about and theres some awesome things left there .

[@TheBeardedExplorer]

No I’ve not.. sounds very interesting 😊

[@jadeowen6636]

​@@TheBeardedExplorer worth a look into ... was an amazing reclaim yard then the old man died in a road accident and was taken over by the family who dont seem to have an interest in it. Some very old (1930's) cars , horse dawn stuff , and all kinds of weird and wonderful things.

[@jadeowen6636]

kzbin.infoX2rfWwZMhBI?feature=shared

[@lporeliantkitten]

Very interesting place and there's many buildings around Staffordshire area that are derelict

[@kwoody1986]

I've driven past this place for 20 odd years I've been looking at the 944 gradually disappear into the hedge is a shame. Always wanted to stop and have a good look. Thanks for the video. The owner has a the garage befor st Giles Cheers Karl

[@jamesquine99]

chalfont st giles?

[@barrieainge4937]

Hi Colin, just found your channel and have subscribed (of course!). What a fascinating video and such a shame that these classics have been left to rot. I did a check on the Jaguar xjs on my app and apparently it was last untaxed in June 1983. Only five years on the road and perhaps been in that garage since then? How strange. You do wonder what happened to all the owners. Keep up the good work.

[@davidsewell3745]

Another great video Colin, my idea of heaven finding a garage like this love it

[@broadkamikaze]

Your van is still looking good. Need a video on your restorations/ builds 👍

[@mahcooharper9577]

XJ-S was only on the road for 5 years... Probably nice low mileage!

[@deanhickling3814]

I think the car inside is a triumph TR7 👍

[@benmarshall787]

Great video as usual Colin, yes I think it's a Maserati with buttresses removed, interesting idea. The chassis inside on the ramp looks to my non mechanic eyes to have TR6 alloys so maybe that's what the wrecked one outside was for? The RNLI 175th was in January 1999 so you're looking at 98 or 99 time warp. The transit minibus looks interesting I assume kitted out to carry a car? ie for Motorsport of some sort?? The octagonal shapes remind me of the trim of a Special edition of Escort Cosworth. If its the case that the owner has passed away the now owners are lucky to have it in a rural location as if it had been anywhere near suburbia they would have been stripped. The 944 strikes me as the original model not a turbo, the reg if I'm not mistaken originated in Northern Ireland, and is a cheap way of getting a "private" plate, though at the tome of this car running about would have more than likely attracted police attention being so far away from "home" , this is the days when folk bought cars in their registration area not from anywhere in the Country as of today's world! An interesting if sad video of somebody's plans not seen through due to a sad passing. As ever, whilst obviously you have highlighted the place (as have others previously) you have handled the "explore" with your usual great respect for property and possessions. As usual well done and seasons greetings to you. Ben 🇬🇧🇺🇦🚌🚐☃️🧑‍🎄

[@angelsone-five7912]

As you say - amazing!

[@richardwilliams4985]

That old red jag was built in 1978, it was last registered in 1982 and hasn't been taxed since. The Porsche OIW 9185 was last registered in 1998 It's a huge shame they were left there to rot

[@john0597]

Hi there Collins great video as usual I watched this on Saturday the 9th of December 23😊

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

I always wonder what you will be exploring next and it was another interesting one you had found. Again another sad ending to a once well used place but great you could share it with us what was left.

[@user-vc4yb8sb1m]

I had a look at this place in 2017. There were a lot more cars inside, 2 TR’s, a Porsche a BMW and a Granada. Plus a Stag outside by the TR6.

[@CLA82529]

Definitely a Merak inside that garage

[@roomullan3050]

That’s terribly sad and such a shame

[@robertmustard1711]

Hi Colin great find there mate

[@paulademarco1585]

Must have awesome scenic drive to. Xo

[@joangravel2436]

Thanks for the video

[@garybooth7121]

Correct Maserati Merak with the buttresses removed Has the latter non Citroen dash. Could it be a SS in RHD?

[@LazurusEnterprises]

Probably know or someone else commented. But 1978 Red Jag XJS last V5 change in 1982 & tax ran out 1983. Hasn’t been declared SORN. 1982 Red Porsche 944 Last V5 change in 1998 Declared SORN. Daniel.

[@danielrussell9775]

I believe the vehicle you asked about is Merik curiosity with a couple pieces removed from behind the rear window

[@robertcharles8664]

That car in the garage you couldn't see properly, looks like a Lotus Europa ??

[@robsrcjourney970]

I'm sure the car in the garage Colin is a triumph TR7

[@AndreasMaxe]

Think so to 👍

[@patriciamariemitchel]

Very well done. I'm not an old car fan. The older they art, the less I like them. I'm not too fond of new ones either. I'm having trouble with the brake lines on my 98 Windstar. But I've found lots to hate in other cars too. When they first came out, we got a new Aerostar, and we were paying 360 a month for it and shelling out big bucks for repairs too, even though we were told it was covered from bumper to bumper. Even in cold weather, I use my electric bikes alot. 😶‍🌫️

[@Petey910]

This might be one of the best videos you have put out Colin😮

[@rickysmy3443]

Hi colin the car at the end of the video is a maserati merak, enjoying your videos

[@mrbipolarmattyhoward6071]

Great video

[@neilparish9444]

The XJS tax expired in June 1983 according to my Vehicle smart app, so could have been there for some time. Such a shame have fun memory's of a XJS as my grandparents had one.

[@reece4884]

I pass this garage nearly on a daily basis, it’s about 5 ish miles from launceston Cornwall heading north, I think the owner died and there’s an issue with the brother or something that refuses to do anything about the garage so it’s basically left to rot.

[@jonlyons1033]

Thanks

[@motorvelo]

There is a sticker on the door celebrating 175 yrs of the RNLS. This year they celebrate 200yrs.

[@marcoreis6609]

Looks like a 944 1st series with Recaro sport seats, in berber fabric.

[@stefgarvie6427]

Surprised signs are still there worth a few pounds now

[@frankforrest1597]

Another great find, Colin. It's such a shame to see such automobiles left to rot and ruin. Stay safe and keep up the fantastic content. Cheers from the states 👍🏻 🤙

[@philhawley1219]

Cornwall had another place like this about five years ago. An old man died and left a tumbledown shed of rusty old motorbikes. His family were about to call in the scrap man when someone approached them and called in Bonham's the auctioneers. Saved in the knick of time the family profited to the tune of £650 000. The bikes were all Brough Superiors. The scrap man wouldn't have payed that much! Sadly I don't think any of these cars are viable restoration projects.

[@stuartcutmore5848]

The 944 has the wrong front end for a Turbo, definitely a Merak of course - I used to own one and even up and running it was a pile of crap, although worth a lot more these days because everything is. I used to live in Devon and had a workshop on a farm specialising in Porsche restoration and race prep. This looks like a lot of places did back then, some weren’t much different even when they were going concerns. Such a shame to see this sort of abandonment, it’ll all end up in a skip one day I expect.

[@frankwilson4622]

I know the guy who owns the garage the Porsche as no engine in it. If it had I would have bought it off him and the rest of the stuff there is scrap.

[@Jakegordon147]

Surely not. Like the air compressor will be worth something. Or the 4 post ramp will.

[@frankwilson4622]

As I say I know the owner he's a multi millionaire who doesn't need the money.

[@Jakegordon147]

@@frankwilson4622 oh Is he? Seems like a cool old garage though.

[@oggei2317]

Where abouts in Cornwall is this as I live in Cornwall but never seen this before

[@brianleaney7477]

The tax on the Jag was due 1st June 1983

[@jayjayuk-f1x]

Looking at the shape of the rear window Colin, it's a Merak with the rear strakes taken off, yes.

[@antdb4]

Bulid the cars out of the Michelin sign😮😂its lasted v well😂😂the 944 looks like i imagine all motors will look after the apocalypse 😮what is on the ramp? The wheels are mega

[@sandwichbar8226]

XJS untaxed since June 1983!

[@johnmonks6079]

You could only take take your car there for an mot if it was red obviously 😅

[@roglong38]

Have you done any videos on your van it looks interesting..thanks

[@super16bithero83]

Down my way in Cornwall but never new about this place

[@davidhayes4814]

Unless vehicles are stored in reasonably dry conditions, they do rot surprisingly quickly, particularly when they are older and rust has gained a foothold. I guess that unless a car is intrinsically valuable, they are pretty worthless.

[@nickb5391]

@8.51, it's a left hand drive, must be a re-pat from the USA?

[@maxbaxter7338]

Hi there this place has visually looked the same obviously a long time but is actually used 2/3 days a week and consistently. The owner keeps a sharp eye on this place and literally lives just down the road and has a fantastic car collection. If I recall this red car inside this place is a Maserati Merek SS the other merek it at his place. Has literally 2 of them! Great guy tbh with you. This place I’m sure was used as a paint booth one time I was there and the bus was outside with a make shift covers and a very large vehicle whatever it was being restored

[@russellpetrie119]

yet again wish i knew what happened here and amasing so close to a road that it hasnt been raided nice find

[@focus3415]

That xjs was first registered in 2nd August 1978 and tax ran out on 1st June 1983 which makes this car only 5 years old when she was abandoned here what a waste

[@yorkiegilly4355]

This garage for many years has been in various classic magazines and also been on KZbin before ,nothing of real value just a snapshot of a time long gone and what could have been ,but the commentator must have a massive pair of rose coloured spectacles and no engineering or car repair knowledge whatsoever ! .

[@focus3415]

The car inside the garage on the ramps by looking at the alloy wheels is a TR6

[@larathornhill3509]

I just tagged you in my Instagram, sprung across this in 2020 and looks the same as your video when i saw it 3 years ago!

[@theritsmancavequadfather8990]

Looks very triumph tr7

[@JAY61ish]

Deffo a TR6 chassis on the lift.. wheels and straight 6 give it away

[@ringo196]

That's rust f straight from BL lol.im just as interested in why and what happened to the family and staff?

[@stephensmith7456]

might be a FIAT X19 ?

[@keithglasgow5146]

Jaguar in the video was due tax renewal June 1st 1983 so 40 years ago. It was around 4 years old at the time. Always wonder why owners just leave vehicles lying around.

[@johnathanrowley2707]

That bus looks like 2006 transit minibus ,that car inside maybe a TR7

[@amandabeech8472]

Another great video, it’s a shame these car are disintegrating. Too late to be saved.

[@jamesranson8383]

Jag was last taxed in 1983 so sat for 40 years. Sad considering its only a 45 year old car.

[@emmahawkes2434]

This is just up the road from me the garage has not been used for over a good 20 years that i can remember there was alot more cars there back along that have now been cleared

[@Diary-of-Discoveries7]

It would be great to restore one of the cars

[@mrharry8466]

Old car at end looks like a TR7 at first glance. I'll refrase that ...it is a Triumph TR7.

[@mrharry8466]

@waltersobchak1719 disagree, wrong shaped windows. So many similarities in the two cars. It would help if the window wasn't so dirty and there wasn't reflections effecting the view of the car. Nice spot on the similarities though. All the best

[@mrharry8466]

@waltersobchak1719 all ready have. Also why would a £50k to £80k car ve sat rusting to nothing with the family living next door 🤔 would be a crime. Anyways I've given up caring 🤣. All the best mate, really good spot on that maserati thing though, can't believe how similar they are....madness.

[@mrharry8466]

@waltersobchak1719 LoL

[@mrharry8466]

@waltersobchak1719 My god, you actually care... lol Just for you I've actually looked at the video again and you are absolutely correct it is in fact a Maserati Merrick. The real question is do they know what they have ? Seriously though I really don't care, All the best.

[@stevepitts7998]

To prove Neil Young's quote ''rust never sleeps''