{"id":76957,"date":"2026-07-27T21:18:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T01:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/?p=76957"},"modified":"2026-07-27T21:20:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T01:20:04","slug":"ll-classic-auto-salvage-yard-reveals-the-forgotten-diversity-and-rarity-of-american-vintage-cars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/ll-classic-auto-salvage-yard-reveals-the-forgotten-diversity-and-rarity-of-american-vintage-cars\/","title":{"rendered":"L&L Classic Auto Salvage Yard Reveals the Forgotten Diversity and Rarity of American Vintage Cars"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Distinguishes L&L Classic Auto as a Salvage Yard of Unusual Significance?<\/p>\n

The evidence suggests that L&L Classic Auto in Wendell, Idaho, occupies a category apart from the typical American salvage yard. Its 120-acre sprawl, housing over 8,000 parts vehicles and 400 project cars, is not simply a matter of scale. Rather, the yard\u2019s significance lies in its function as an informal archive of automotive history, stretching from the 1920s to the 1990s. Unlike more curated collections, the disorderly arrangement of vehicles\u2014where rare Cadillacs might abut battered British imports\u2014creates a landscape where serendipity trumps systematic cataloging. This lack of order, while frustrating for the methodical, allows for the accidental rediscovery of obscure models and configurations that more curated museums might overlook or discard as irrelevant. The practical implication is that L&L serves both as a parts resource and as a living document of shifting American automotive tastes, industrial priorities, and the unpredictable afterlives of mass production.<\/p>\n

How Does Idaho\u2019s Climate Shape the Preservation and Value of Vintage Cars?<\/p>\n

A less obvious but critical factor in the yard\u2019s prominence is the local climate. Wendell\u2019s annual rainfall, at just 10 inches compared to the US average of 38, produces a microenvironment where rust\u2014the nemesis of vintage car preservation\u2014is less aggressive. This environmental quirk means that vehicles, even those exposed for decades, often retain structural integrity that would be impossible in more humid or coastal regions. However, the aridity does not confer immunity from all forms of decay: interiors, especially those exposed by open doors or broken windows, suffer from sun damage and animal intrusion. Thus, while the yard\u2019s cars may appear outwardly solid, their restoration potential is always a negotiation between surface preservation and hidden deterioration. For collectors and restorers, this means that the Idaho provenance carries both promise and caveat.<\/p>\n

What Patterns Emerge in the Types of Vehicles Preserved\u2014and What Do They Reveal About American Automotive Culture?<\/p>\n

A close reading of the inventory reveals a tension between the ordinary and the exceptional. The yard contains not only iconic models\u2014Cadillac hearses, Lincoln Continentals, and DeSoto convertibles\u2014but also a surprising number of commercial failures and niche imports: the Edsel Ranger, AMC Pacer, Ford Anglia, and Saab 96, among others. This heterogeneity challenges the mainstream narrative that only \u201csuccessful\u201d or \u201cdesirable\u201d cars merit preservation. Instead, the yard\u2019s contents suggest that the afterlife of a vehicle is shaped as much by accident, local demand for parts, and the idiosyncrasies of American taste as by initial commercial success. For example, the persistence of Edsels\u2014often cited as an emblem of failure\u2014indicates that cultural notoriety can confer a kind of negative value, making them more likely to be saved as curiosities. Conversely, European imports like the Ford Cortina, despite respectable sales, languish due to limited parts demand and weak nostalgia among American buyers.<\/p>\n

How Do Market Forces and Historical Accidents Shape the Fate of Specific Models?<\/p>\n

The yard\u2019s pricing and sales patterns expose the volatility of classic car markets. Vehicles like the 1954 Cadillac hearse or 1953 DeSoto Firedome convertible command prices justified by rarity and condition, but these valuations are contingent on the tastes and resources of a small, fluctuating group of buyers. The Oldsmobile diesel debacle of the early 1980s, for instance, is instructive: once-popular engines became toxic assets after reliability issues, tarnishing the reputation of diesel passenger cars in the US for decades. Similarly, the AMC Eagle\u2014now recognized as a precursor to the crossover SUV\u2014was a commercial outlier in its day, only to be retrospectively valorized as \u201cahead of its time.\u201d These cases illustrate that the salvage yard is not merely a passive repository but an active participant in the ongoing revaluation of automotive history, where yesterday\u2019s failures may become tomorrow\u2019s cult classics.<\/p>\n

Who Benefits\u2014and Who Is Overlooked\u2014by the Existence of Such a Salvage Yard?<\/p>\n

The most immediate beneficiaries are restoration enthusiasts and parts hunters, who gain access to a trove of otherwise unobtainable components. Yet the yard\u2019s broader significance extends to historians, designers, and even social scientists interested in the material culture of the automobile. Less visible are the local economic and ecological impacts: the yard provides employment and a modest tourist draw, but also raises questions about land use, environmental stewardship, and the fate of unsold or unsalvageable vehicles. Notably, the yard\u2019s informal wildlife population\u2014rabbits among the Oldsmobiles\u2014underscores the unintended ecological niches created by human abandonment. The absence of systematic cataloging, while romanticized by some, also means that certain vehicles or parts may be lost to time, their stories unrecorded.<\/p>\n

What Are the Structural Limitations and Blind Spots in the Salvage Yard Model?<\/p>\n

Despite its virtues, the salvage yard model is structurally limited by several factors. The lack of inventory order, while fostering discovery, impedes efficient retrieval and risks the permanent loss of rare components. Vested interests\u2014whether in maximizing short-term parts sales or catering to popular restoration trends\u2014can skew which vehicles are preserved intact versus stripped for profit. Moreover, the yard\u2019s preservationist aura is belied by the reality that many vehicles are only temporarily spared from the crusher, their ultimate fate determined by fluctuating scrap prices and regulatory pressures. The absence of a public archive or digital catalog means that much of the yard\u2019s historical value is accessible only to those able to visit in person, or to those with insider knowledge.<\/p>\n

What Should the Informed Reader Conclude About the Value and Future of Such Automotive Repositories?<\/p>\n

The L&L Classic Auto yard stands as a paradox: both a sanctuary for endangered automotive species and a reminder of the contingency of historical memory. Its existence challenges the assumption that only the celebrated or commercially successful deserve preservation. At the same time, its operational limitations highlight the fragility of informal archives in the face of economic, environmental, and generational change. For the informed reader, the practical takeaway is twofold: first, that the preservation of material culture\u2014cars included\u2014depends as much on accident and local circumstance as on deliberate curation; and second, that the stories and lessons embedded in these vehicles are at risk of vanishing unless actively documented and interpreted. The yard is not just a place to find parts, but a living argument for the complexity of value, memory, and loss in the American landscape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"L&L<\/a><\/p>\n

The world\u2019s finest junkyard? Gems from L&L Classic Auto in Wendell, Idaho<\/p>\n

\n

L&L Classic Auto of Wendell, Idaho, is surely one of the world\u2019s greatest salvage yards, and definitely one of the US\u2019s biggest vintage car specialists. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The yard was founded in 1968, and has more than 8000 parts vehicles spread over its sprawling 120-acre site, ranging in age from the 1920s to the 1990s. Additionally there are more than 400 project cars for sale, and several warehouses packed full of spare parts.<\/p>\n

\n

Aerial<\/h2>\n

\"Aerial\"\n<\/p>\n

We spent several pleasurable hours exploring L&L Classic Auto, but as you can see from this aerial photograph, we would have needed several days to have done the place justice. There is very little order to the stock, and you never know what gems you\u2019re going to uncover down the next dirt track, or lurking behind the numerous rocky outcrops and shrubs that litter this incredible yard.<\/p>\n

\n

Cadillac hearse 1954<\/h2>\n

\"Cadillac\n<\/p>\n

L&L Classic Auto is asking $5500<\/strong> for this extremely solid 1954 S&S Cadillac hearse. Although it\u2019s missing its driveline, that\u2019s probably not a bad price, considering how rare it is. After all, just 1611 commercial chassis were sold to bodybuilders that year for conversion into ambulances, hearses and flower cars. This one was initially built for a San Francisco-based customer.<\/p>\n

\n

Ford Anglia 100E 1953<\/h2>\n

\"Ford\n<\/p>\n

\n

It looks like someone has taken a can-opener to this British-built Ford Anglia 100E.\u00a0Look at the shape of the door.\u00a0It makes us think that whoever created this monstrosity was attempting to replicate a Nash Metropolitan\u2019s styling.\u00a0<\/p>\n

More than 100,000 of these cars were built between 1953 and 1959.<\/p>\n

\n

Cadillac Coupe de Ville 1977<\/h2>\n

\"Cadillac\n<\/p>\n

Wendell, Idaho gets an average of just 10in of rain per year, compared with a national average of 38in, which is why the cars at L&L Classic Auto tend to be so solid.<\/p>\n

That said, judging by the position of its windshield wipers, it must have been raining on the day that this 1977 Cadillac Coupe de Ville took its final journey.\u00a0Billed as \u201cThe next generation of the luxury car\u201d, the 1977 Cadillacs were smaller and lighter than their predecessors.<\/p>\n

\n

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1981<\/h2>\n

\"Oldsmobile\n<\/p>\n

Between 1978 and 1985 Oldsmobile offered diesel engines, as fitted to this 1981 Custom Cruiser.<\/p>\n

Although the V6 and V8 units were initially popular, peaking at 310,000 units in 1981, reliability issues ensured that their success was short-lived.\u00a0In fact they arguably did enough damage to tarnish the fuel\u2019s reputation in the US for car for the next three decades \u2013 at which point another scandal came along, this time courtesy of Volkswagen\u2026<\/p>\n

\n

AMC Pacer 1979<\/h2>\n

\"AMC\n<\/p>\n

\u2018Glass egg\u2019, \u2018pregnant guppy\u2019, \u2018glassmobile\u2019, \u2018pacemaker\u2019 and \u2018fishbowl on wheels\u2019, were some of the more popular nicknames the AMC Pacer picked up over the years.\u00a0But beauty is only skin deep, and between 1975 and 1980 a total of 280,000 people were prepared to overlook its aesthetically challenged exterior, and take ownership of a new one.<\/p>\n

According to the scribbling on the side of this car, it was built in 1979.<\/p>\n

\n

Cadillac Catera <\/h2>\n

\"Cadillac\n<\/p>\n

Like us, you\u2019d probably forgotten all about the Cadillac Catera, which isn\u2019t surprising considering that less than 100,000 were sold between 1996 and 2001.\u00a0Built by General Motors in Germany, and badged as an Opel or Vauxhall Omega in Europe, these cars featured a UK-sourced 3-litre V6 engine.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This is one of 25,411 that hit the road in 1997, its most successful year.<\/p>\n

\n

AMC Eagle 1980 <\/h2>\n

\"AMC\n<\/p>\n

Who would have thought that cash-starved AMC would spawn an entirely new class of car?\u00a0But that\u2019s exactly what happened in 1979, when it launched the four-wheel-drive Eagle.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s just a pity that the world\u2019s first crossover vehicle was about 30 years ahead of its time. This four-door sedan appears to be a 1980 car, one of nearly 10,000 built in its first year of production.<\/p>\n

\n

Lincoln Continental MKIII 1971<\/h2>\n

\"Lincoln\n<\/p>\n

The Lincoln Continental MkIII two-door hardtop coupe, Ford\u2019s flagship vehicle at the time, apparently came about when Ford vice-president Lee Iacocca instructed the designers to put a Rolls-Royce grille on a Thunderbird.\u00a0Unfortunately, the grille is missing from this 1971 example.<\/p>\n

\n

DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 1957<\/h2>\n

\"DeSoto\n<\/p>\n

The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as DeSoto\u2019s top-trim car.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, in 1957 when this Sportsman hardtop was built, the Adventurer had taken over the top spot. Of the 28,430 Fireflites to find buyers, less than 7217 were Sportsman hardtops, making this a genuine rarity.<\/p>\n

\n

Jeep SJ 1974<\/h2>\n

\"Jeep\n<\/p>\n

Hidden behind one of numerous rocky outcrops, we discovered this reasonably tidy 1974 Jeep Cherokee SJ.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We wonder why it ended up here, and more puzzling still is why it hasn\u2019t been rescued yet. Built between 1974 and 1983, the SJ was basically a two-door version of the Wagoneer.\u00a0In 1974 Jeep used the term Sports Utility Vehicle for the very first time.<\/p>\n

\n

Rambler Station Wagon 1962<\/h2>\n

\"Rambler\n<\/p>\n

In the early 1960s AMC was on a high, and its Rambler brand was consistently the third or fourth best-selling make of car in the US. But the position wasn\u2019t tenable, and a decade later AMC had dropped to ninth place.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This Rambler Classic is one of 100,000 four-door station wagons built in 1962.<\/p>\n

\n

Opel GT 1968<\/h2>\n

\"Opel\n<\/p>\n

German car-maker Opel, which was owned by General Motors between 1929 and 2017, turned a few heads at the 1965 Frankfurt and Paris auto shows when it showed its GT concept car.\u00a0It was well received, and three years later full production commenced.<\/p>\n

Between 1968 and 1973, 103,463 of these attractive fastbacks were built, proving particularly popular in the US, where they were sold through Buick dealerships.<\/p>\n

\n

Plymouth Gold Duster<\/h2>\n

\"Plymouth\n<\/p>\n

Over the years Plymouth made several special editions of the Duster, including the Feather Duster, Space Duster and this, the Gold Duster.<\/p>\n

Introduced in 1970, amongst other things it featured distinctive decals,improved insulation, and plush carpets.\u00a0But the pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance was a snakeskin pattern vinyl roof. But this car\u2019s wire aerial and hole in the front fender weren\u2019t part of the Gold Duster package\u2026<\/p>\n

\n

Ford Cortina <\/h2>\n

\"Ford\n<\/p>\n

Relatively undesirable European imports, like this British-built two-door Mk2 Ford Cortina, can sit in salvage yards for years without yielding a single part.\u00a0Surprisingly though, this one has actually donated one of its rust-free fenders.<\/p>\n

The Mk2 Cortina was sold in the US between 1967 and 1970, achieving 60,000 sales. That might sound like a decent figure, but it was dwarfed by the Cortina\u2019s small-car rival, the VW Beetle, which was consistently selling over 350,000 units per year in the late 1960s.<\/p>\n

\n

Desoto Custom 1948 <\/h2>\n

\"Desoto\n<\/p>\n

When it left the factory this 1948 DeSoto Custom four-door sedan was finished in Butterfly Blue, but there\u2019s not much evidence of that color left. What we do have though is a very solid and complete restoration project.<\/p>\n

The car\u2019s inline six-cylinder motor still runs, and the optional semi-automatic Fluid Drive (with Tip-Toe shift) transmission is working. Admittedly the exterior has one or two battle scars, and there\u2019s a smashed window, but other than a missing center grille piece and hood ornament it\u2019s complete.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a similar story inside, where just a sun visor, gear-shift knob and radio buttons are missing. It could be yours for $4500.<\/p>\n

\n

Chevrolet Corvair 1960<\/h2>\n

\"Chevrolet\n<\/p>\n

This 1960 Chevrolet Corvair looks a bit down-in-the-mouth, but then with its windows and interior missing, it has very little to smile about.<\/p>\n

Despite Ralph Nader declaring it \u201cunsafe at any speed\u201d, in actual fact the Corvair is the only vehicle ever certified as \u2018safe\u2019 by the US government. In total, close to 2 million of them were built between 1960 and 1969.<\/p>\n

\n

Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 1968 <\/h2>\n

\"Oldsmobile\n<\/p>\n

Oldsmobile Vista Cruisers used to be favorites amongst Demolition Derby drivers, but that\u2019s when they had very little value. These days they\u2019re far more sought after, receiving a popularity boost when a 1969 example had a starring role in That 70s Show.<\/p>\n

This one, with its characteristic raised roof and panoramic skylights, was built in 1968. Note the rabbit on the right of this picture, one of hundreds that live amongst the cars.<\/p>\n

\n

Mercury ParkLane 1964<\/h2>\n

\"Mercury\n<\/p>\n

Only 2420 buyers parted company with the $3413 needed to secure a brand new Mercury Park Lane Breezeway hardtop sedan in 1964. That makes this impressively straight and rot-free example rather rare. Look how the chrome gleams in the Idaho summer sunshine.<\/p>\n

\n

Buick Riviera 1972 <\/h2>\n

\"Buick\n<\/p>\n

While some salvage yards are fastidious about ensuring that doors and trunk lids are always closed, it doesn\u2019t seem to be a priority at L&L Classic Auto. This 1972 Buick \u2018boattail\u2019 Riviera\u2019s driver\u2019s door has probably been open for years, which explains why the seat has been totally destroyed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We wonder how many years it has sat in this same spot to have sunk this deep into the Idaho dirt.<\/p>\n

\n

Frazer Standard 1948 <\/h2>\n

\"Frazer\n<\/p>\n

Fancy restoring a rare Frazer Standard? If so, spending $3500 on this rust-free 1948 four-door sedan could make a lot of sense. Although there is a bit of external damage, particularly to the front and rear bumpers, other than a missing taillight and rear windshield, it\u2019s all there.<\/p>\n

The six-cylinder engine and three-speed manual column-shift transmission are still in place, and other than the door panels, the interior is complete too.<\/p>\n

\n

Pontiac Grandville 1973<\/h2>\n

\"Pontiac\n<\/p>\n

The Bonneville\u2019s reign as Pontiac\u2019s flagship car ended in 1971, when the Grand Ville arrived on the scene. It was big and brash, and well received, and this 1973 example is one of 90,172 built that year.<\/p>\n

However, the oil crisis of late 1973 had a detrimental effect on the demand for gas-guzzlers, and in 1974 less than half that number of Grand Villes found buyers.<\/p>\n

\n

Ford 1959<\/h2>\n

\"Ford\n<\/p>\n

Although this picture only features a tiny portion of the yard, you do get a feel for the sheer expanse of L&L Classic Auto. Stick to the miles of dirt tracks which meander through this yard, and it\u2019s relatively easy to navigate around the place, but venture into the tall grass and you\u2019re dealing with uneven ground, boulders and hidden car parts.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no wonder that they asked us to sign an insurance disclaimer before being allowed to explore. At the forefront we have a 1959 Ford.<\/p>\n

\n

DeSoto Firedrome 1953 <\/h2>\n

\"DeSoto\n<\/p>\n

Some of the rarer vehicles have been kept undercover, like this desirable 1953 DeSoto Firedome V8 convertible. It\u2019s one of just 1700 built, and it\u2019s looking for a new home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Incredibly, the car was driven into the shed some 30 years ago, having covered just 70,897 miles. It is solid, rust-free, and other than a few missing bits of trim, is pretty much complete.\u00a0This particular barn find has an ambitious $16,000 price tag.<\/p>\n

\n

Rambler Cross Country 1960<\/h2>\n

\"Rambler\n<\/p>\n

As you can tell from the 1964 Cadillac and 1990s Chevrolet Lumina behind the 1960 Rambler Cross Country, there isn\u2019t a whole lot of order to the yard.\u00a0And how the employees are able to locate particular vehicles on the 120-acre site is a mystery to us.<\/p>\n

At the time of taking the picture the Rambler was pretty much complete, but seeing as it\u2019s not being sold as a project car, it could well have lost a few more of its valuable parts since then.<\/p>\n

\n

Nash Ambassador Country Club 1953 <\/h2>\n

\"Nash\n<\/p>\n

This rare 1953 Nash Ambassador Country Club hardtop coupe\u2019s final journey must have been a traumatic one, as it clearly suffered a massive rear-end shunt. Whatever hit it must have been travelling at quite some speed to inflict this much damage to such a solid car.<\/p>\n

\n

Chevrolet Step-Van 1960s<\/h2>\n

\"Chevrolet\n<\/p>\n

An early 1960s Chevrolet Step-Van is another resident of L&L Classic Auto that ended up in the yard after a crash. Judging by the damage, it clearly rolled onto its side, and probably slid for some time. That said, it\u2019s a mystery how the door handle survived the accident.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chevrolet Step-Vans were built from 1940 to 1999, and older ones are gaining popularity as quirky mobile catering vehicles.<\/p>\n

\n

Jeep Wagoneer 1982 <\/h2>\n

\"Jeep\n<\/p>\n

We spotted a number of ex-Police cars at L&L Classic Auto, our favorite being this 1982 Jeep Wagoneer. It belonged to the Sheriff\u2019s Department in Gooding, a small town about 10 miles north of the yard, with a population of just 3500.<\/p>\n

\n

Dodge Charger 1972 <\/h2>\n

\"Dodge\n<\/p>\n

This was one of two almost identical 1972 Dodge Charger hardtop coupes we spotted. The better of the pair was a project car, and had a $5500 price tag, but this one is gradually being stripped for parts. You\u2019d need to spend well in excess of $20,000 to pick up a decent one today.<\/p>\n

\n

Plymouth Valiant Signet 200 1962<\/h2>\n

\"Plymouth\n<\/p>\n

If this 1962 Plymouth Valiant Signet 200 two-door hardtop coupe had a Facebook account, we reckon it would use this rather misleading photo for its profile picture, as it\u2019s definitely its best side, believe it or not.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But look a bit closer, in particular at the blue sky that\u2019s visible through the nearside turn signal orifice, and you soon realise that things aren\u2019t what they seem. The driver\u2019s side is almost completely missing.<\/p>\n

\n

Dodge Seneca 1961<\/h2>\n

\"Dodge\n<\/p>\n

It almost looks as though this 1961 Dodge Seneca was mid-way through a Dukes of Hazzard-style jump when the photo was taken. That said, although the V8-powered wagon could certainly get up to speed, managing 60mph in a fraction over 9sec, it weighs 4000 lb, so wouldn\u2019t be airborne for very long\u2026<\/p>\n

\n

Ford Edsel Ranger 1958<\/h2>\n

\"Ford\n<\/p>\n

Considering it was one of the biggest automotive flops of all time, a surprisingly large number of Edsels have survived.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This one is a 1958 Ranger four-door sedan, and with 7414 being sold, it proved to be the most popular of the 18 models offered in its first year of production.\u00a0By 1959 the model range had been slimmed down to 10, and dropped to just seven in 1960, its final year.<\/p>\n

\n

Imperial Crown Coupe 1965<\/h2>\n

\"Imperial\n<\/p>\n

Whoever purchased this Imperial Crown Coupe two-door hardtop in 1965 specified it with the optional vinyl roof. But unfortunately there\u2019s not much left of it now. It\u2019s also lost its front right fender and a couple of bits of trim.\u00a0On the positive side, the tan interior is complete, the V8 engine and auto transmission are in place, and it\u2019s rust-free.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This classic could be yours for $4,500.<\/p>\n

\n

Chrysler Newport 1973 <\/h2>\n

\"Chrysler\n<\/p>\n

Look at how incredibly straight the bodywork is on this 1973 Chrysler Newport sedan. While this car is huge, measuring 230in bumper-to-bumper, it\u2019s certainly not the biggest barge to sail out of Detroit. That honor goes to the 1974-76 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 nine-passenger sedan, which measured 252.2in.<\/p>\n

\n

Mercury Cougar 1977<\/h2>\n

\"Mercury\n<\/p>\n

Despite having not been on the road since 2001, this 1977 Mercury Cougar Brougham sedan still looks incredible. From this angle it appears to be 100% complete, and gives the impression that a little bit of elbow grease is all that\u2019s keeping it from winning trophies at a classic car show.<\/p>\n

However, it probably has some serious mechanical defects, and the fact that the hood is cracked open, means it may well have parted company with its V8.<\/p>\n

\n

Lincoln Towncar 1976<\/h2>\n

\"Lincoln\n<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s another incredibly straight car from the same period, which looks like it could be driven straight out of the yard, and onto the highway. Judging by its condition, you\u2019d think it had been parked here yesterday, when in actual fact the sleeping giant arrived at L&L Classic Auto in 2007.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a 1976 Lincoln Town Car, which weighs a whopping 5344 lb. It needed a 7.5-liter V8 to propel it to 60mph in 12.4sec.<\/p>\n

\n

Dodge Coronet 440 1969 <\/h2>\n

\"Dodge\n<\/p>\n

1969 Dodge Coronet 440s are relatively desirable: after all they can accelerate to 60mph in just 7.5sec, and do a quarter mile in 16sec.But in this condition they\u2019re worth little more than their weight in scrap metal, which in this instance, isn\u2019t much at all.<\/p>\n

\n

Chevrolet Nova Custom 1973<\/h2>\n

\"Chevrolet\n<\/p>\n

How do you fancy rehoming a classic? This 1973 Chevrolet Nova Custom four-door sedan is desperately seeking a new owner, ideally someone with deep pockets and plenty of time on their hands, who will restore it to its former glory.\u00a0It seems to be in relatively good condition, so justifies its $4000 asking price.<\/p>\n

The third generation Nova was launched in 1968, and remained in production until 1974. They were consistently good sellers, finding 369,511 buyers in 1973 alone.<\/p>\n

\n

Studebaker Champion 1958 <\/h2>\n

\"Studebaker\n<\/p>\n

Studebaker only built 1455 two-door Champions in 1958, and finding them in salvage yards is incredibly unusual. This one is for sale at $5500, which seems like a reasonable price for such are rare automobile.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although the rust-free bodywork is straight, and most of the trim appears to be in place, unfortunately that missing rear windshield has had a devastating effect on the interior.<\/p>\n

\n

Saab 96 1969<\/h2>\n

\"Saab\n<\/p>\n

The 96 was the first Saab to sell in significant volumes in the US, where it was available between 1961 and 1973. This example hails from 1969, and was powered by a European-built Ford 1498cc V4 engine. Back in Sweden, the car enjoyed a 20-year production run, during which time 500,000 were manufactured.<\/p>\n

\n

About the author<\/h2>\n

\"About\n<\/p>\n

British automotive journalist Will Shiers has been photographing abandoned American cars for 35 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He has visited all 50 states on his tin-hunting trips, exploring barns, fields, deserts, ghost towns and salvage yards, while searching for hidden treasures. Will has been contributing to car magazines for three decades, and is the author of Roadside Relics – America’s Abandoned Automobiles.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":76958,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76957","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76957","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76957"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76957\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76959,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76957\/revisions\/76959"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/76958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76957"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76957"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}