CC regulars know that I have a fondness for the bittersweet topic of old cars lost in the American wilderness. And for today, here’s a nice variation of the theme, with a good number of them seen through the talented eye of regular contributor Ralf K, who’s been uploading a good deal of his material lately at the Cohort.
We’ll start with a 1961 Falcon Ranchero, in what appears to be the truck section of this yard.
I would think this 1940s International and early Ford F-Series must reside not far from our opening Falcon.
Now for lost luxury, with a 1953 Packard and its glistening, thick chrome grille, making for a sharp contrast in the outdoors.
Some Mopars are in this one, with a pair of 1970 A-body Dodges in the foreground, and an early 1970s B-body ahead of them (a 1973 Satellite 2-door?). Then, what looks like a 1959-1960 Studebaker Lark is in the distance.
Few things look like a classic Cadillac’s silhouette. The 1960’s fins may be lower than the extreme 1959 ones, but they still make for quite a sight.
Back to trucks with this 1958 Dodge model.
The 1971-1973 long hood Mustangs are an acquired taste, but they certainly make for some drama, particularly when captured this way.
No drama in the 1978-1980 Ford Fairmont, just lots of rational and sensible qualities; still evident in this rather complete one.
Back to utilitarian Dodges, with a 1960s van next to a Dune/Beach Buggy. Those fiberglass critters used to be everywhere back in the day, where have they all gone?
I really like the worn look and livery on this Ford Big Job F-800 truck.
Various decades are mixing it up in this one, as well as body types and purposes. American made seems the one link between them I can see.
And we’ll close with more automotive recycling, getting some good use.
With a title of “Forgotten Beauties” I was surprised to see an early Falcon in the first photo. An accuired taste I guess.
On second thought, that “Forgotten…” text seemed unnecessary. It’s out now.
Rich, hard to tell from this photo but the Falcon is a Ranchero
Yes, it’s, now I see it. The text is updated. Thanks!
Nice ;
For many decades I bought my vehicles at junkyards because they were usually incredibly original, this is hard to find .
I look at those old pickups and heave a great sigh .
-Nate
It’s fun to look at pics like this, but I still don’t get the hoarding thing. Why do people do this? If a car breaks down, either fix it or sell it. If it’s not broke down but you don’t plan to use it, sell it or trade it in. Gift the car to someone in need or charity. But why just park them and continue to grow the hoard?
Seems like a real waste IMO.
My guess is there are being sold, pennies on the dollar, and the owner of the yard is the one who buys them and then lets them sit. Why, I don’t pretend the know the psychological aspects of the person. There is a yard north of me that is pretty much the same with way more cars than this. Here is an overhead of it.
Some of those early International pickups got rebodied as coupes in NZ, no not the Aussie coupe utility version actual coupes for use as company rep vehicles for IH, Ive seen two survivors, in museums.
I noticed a few license plates from Washington and Oregon, so this cars-nest may well be in SW Washington.
The wrecker from Oakville is another giveaway. Great shots, RK.
I was getting the PNW vibe from the first pic, wasn’t surprised to see the OR plate and then several WA ones. The Oakville Wn wrecker seals it for me and makes me believe that these are located in SW WA. Plus of course the fact that many of Ralf’s previous work is from WA.
Some beautiful pictures! Sad too, imagining the stories and lives behind each car. So many of those vehicles could provide donor parts for restorations, etc.
The back end of that Dart/Valiant in the 4th picture drew a tear; my dad’s last new car was a ’75 Dart. It was a sensible car at the time, something we could use today with its simplicity of design and function. Perhaps the new Slate will fill that role in a sense….