Abandoned Car of the Week

A 'bullet nose' survivor



Just say the word Studebaker, and the chances are good that the image that springs immediately to mind is of the 1950-1951 models, a.k.a. the "bullet nose." Studebaker was the first major manufacturer to put a totally new design on the market after WWII (1947) using the slogan "First by far with a postwar car." But its most noteworthy post-war design came in 1950. It was radical, but commercially successful. This 1951 "bullet nose" Studebaker was found in eastern North Carolina, awaiting restoration, according to the owner.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

The first sport utility vehicle



The Jeep Wagoneer was built from 1963 through 1991, a go-anywhere 4X4 family station wagon. It became known as the first sport utility vehicle and was sold for 29 years with an almost unchanged body-structure. This early '70s model was found in retirement in Glendale, Utah. Most Wagoneers at the turn of the decade came with a Buick-derived 5.7-liter V-8 making 230 horsepower.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

Dodge van in retirement



The active life of this early 1950s Dodge delivery van appears to be over. The van rests in retirement in Nevada after it probably covered hundreds of thousand of miles delivering goods and services.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

A Tennessee Dodge



This mid-sized 1966 Dodge Coronet was found in central Tennessee minus an engine. The Coronet was built from 1965-1975 as an intermediate-sized car. It could be purchased as a wagon, 4-door sedan, 2-door sedan, 2-door coupe and hardtop and 2-door convertible. A 273 cubic inch V-8 was standard equipment.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Chevrolet 6400



This circa 1950 Chevrolet 6400 heavy duty work truck was found in eastern North Carolina. The 6400 Series was powered by a 235 cubic inch straight six mated to a floor-shift 4-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission. A Hydra-Matic transmission would not appear until the 1954 model year.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Living in the snow

A post-WorldWar II International bus lives in retirement next to a late-40s' GMC truck on a snowy day in Nevada. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

A North Carolina Hudson



In 1948 Hudson launched its "step-down" bodies, which lasted through the 1954 model year. The term step-down referred to Hudson's placement of the passenger compartment down inside the perimeter of the frame; riders stepped down into a floor that was surrounded by the perimeter of the car's frame. This "ready for restoration" 1948-1950 Hudson was found in eastern North Carolina.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Chevrolet truck has new look for 1941



Chevrolet's new 1941 truck design was related to the passenger cars, but by no means identical and far removed from the very car-like 1941 Chevrolet Series AG sedan delivery and coupe "pickups." Bevelled grille bars were horizontal in the upper section, vertical below; headlamps sunk partly into the front fenders. All this added up to quite a streamlined Chevy, more modern looking than the 1941 Dodge and the 1941 Ford. This restorable example was found in eastern North Carolina.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

A Utah '57 Chevy



This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air four-door was discovered in Utah. The iconic '57 was available in three series  — the upscale Bel Air, the mid-range Two-Ten, and the One-Fifty. A two-door station wagon, the Nomad, was produced as a Bel Air model. Initially, General Motors executives wanted an entirely new car for 1957, but production delays necessitated the 1955–56 design for one more year. Ed Cole, chief engineer for Chevrolet, dictated a series of changes including distinctive chrome headlight that helped make the '57 Chevrolet a classic.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

The Rolls-Royce experience



This circa 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud stretch limo was spotted in junkyard retirement in South Carolina. Vintage Rolls-Royce limos of various years are used by many wedding planning companies around the country to give newlyweds a unique experience. This example looks as if its has given its last ride.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)