Abandoned Car of the Week

Looking good in snow



This circa 1949-53 Studebaker pickup was discovered a few winters ago resting in a field of melting snow. It's in the 2R-Series family of Studebaker pickups. They were Studebaker's first pickups after World War II, a rather stylish truck compared to the more popular competition. Standard issue was a carryover inline six-cylinder engine with a three-speed manual transmission.
(Photo by Peter Hubbard)

Fourth-generation Ford F-Series



Ford introduced its fourth generation F-Series pickup in 1961, a longer and lower version of the third generation with new engine and gearbox choices. This circa 1961-62 pickup was found in restorable condition in Cuba, Mo.
(Photos by Jim Meachen)

Uncovering a 1937 DeSoto



DeSoto was a mid-level brand built by Chrysler from 1928 through 1961 with over 2 million built in its 56 years of existence. In 1934 DeSoto was given the dramatic Chrysler airflow design, a big mistake because sales tanked in 1934-35. In 1936 the DeSoto was returned to a more mainstream design called Airstream. This 1937 DeSoto specimen was discovered by Peter Hubbard near Denton, Texas.

End of the line for International pickup

International Harvester produced the Light Line pickup truck from 1969 through April 1975 when production ended. This example, a 1973 International 1210 pickup was discovered in Comfort, Texas. The Light Line had a wider range of engines and wheelbase options than any of its competitors. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

A rare Chrysler Airflow rusts away



The 1934-37 Chrysler Airflow large sedan was ahead of its time with a streamlined, aerodynamic design. But the sleek-looking mid-30s Airflow simply did not catch on with the public and its short four-year run ended with less than 25,000 total sales. Because of its relative rarity it's hard to find one in the wild, but Peter Hubbard spotted this 1937 model in an Illinois salvage yard several years ago. It could be purchased in five trim levels/sizes starting at $1,245.
(Photo by Peter Hubbard)

A Missouri Ford convertible



This 1963 Ford Galaxie convertible was discovered in Cuba, Mo. The Galaxie name was applied to all of Ford's full size models in 1962. The 1963 model marked the third year of the 1960-1964 design, although exterior styling was altered in each year. Several engines were offered all mated to a three-speed automatic.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Seventh-generation Oldsmobile 98



This seventh-generation Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was discovered in retirement in South Carolina. The seventh generation of the 98 was built from 1961 through 1964. We think this is a 1964 model. The Oldsmobile 98,
which was built from 1940 through 1996, came in six body styles in 1964 in 2-door, 4-door and convertible configurations. Standard equipment included power steering, power brakes, power windows and power seats. The powertrain was 6.5-liter Rocket V8 mated to a 3-speed automatic. (Photo by Ralph Gable)

1955 Hudson Hornet



The Hudson Hornet, produced from 1951 through 1957, underwent a major re-design for the 1955 model year after Hudson merged with American Motors. Even with the new body style, which included a broad eggcrate grille and distinctive two-toning, sales were dismal, measured at 10,010 sedans in 1955. This 1955 model living in retirement in Texas is part of Peter Hubbard's Junkyard Dog collection. (Photo by Peter Hubbard)


 

A Utah Chevrolet pickup



In early 1947, Chevrolet introduced its Advance Design trucks, the first completely redesigned GM vehicles to appear after World War II. Owners of earlier pickup models had asked for a roomier, more comfortable cab with improved visibility and a wider pickup box. They got it all. The Advance Design was built through 1954 before Chevrolet completely overhauled the lineup. The first, and only, major Advanced Design styling and engineering changes occurred with the 1954 models. These models featured a one-piece windshield, an all-new grille and new parking lights. This 1954 model was discovered in Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah.
(Photos by Jim Prueter)

End of line for this Audi 4000



The Audi 4000 was sold in the U.S. from 1980 through 1987 before it was replaced with the 80/90 series. It could be purchased through the years with either a 5-cylinder engine or a four-cylinder that grew from an initial 1.6-liter, then to a 1.7-liter and finally to a 1.8 liter. The 4000 was of compact size with a length of 176.6 inches and a wheelbase of 99.4 inches, about the same size as the current Audi A3. This 1982-84 model was spotted living by itself in a salvage field in N.C.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)