Abandoned Car of the Week

Old International rusting away


This circa 1949-1952 International Harvester L-Series truck cab was found rusting away in an eastern North Carolina field.The L-Series was introduced in 1949 as a replacement for the KB-Series and was available as everything from light pickup trucks and delivery vehicles to full-size tractor-trailers. Electric wipers, a radio, and a clock were optional. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

1955 Oldsmobile ready to rocket away



This 1955 Oldsmobile, resting in a Wisconsin field, looks ready for restoration. Oldsmobiles were completely restyled for the 1954 model year with new longer and lower body shells and wrap-around windshields and rear windows. The 1955 models were heavily face-lifted with new grillework, taillights and body-side chrome. Horsepower for the 324-cubic-inch Rocket V8 increased to 185 for 88s and 202 for Super 88s.
(Photo by Jerry Brown)

New Mexico yard art



This 1937 Chevrolet one-and-a-half ton work truck was spotted serving as yard art near Santa Fe, N.M. In 1937, Chevrolet introduced new trucks with streamlined styling that many still consider the best designs of the era.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Chevrolet Impala lives without an engine


This 1966 Chevrolet Impala has been the object of cannibalization with its engine bay completely gutted. The Impala was redesigned in 1965 and set an annual sales record of more than one million in the U.S. There were some minor styling modifications for 1966 including new horizontal taillights, which replaced two sets of three round lights. (Photo by Ralph Gable)

This Chevy appears ready for some help

This 1950 Chevrolet was discovered in rather good condition living in a field in New Mexico. In 1950 the Chevrolet two-door Styleline Special started at $1,390 and came with an inline six-cylinder engine making 92 horsepower. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

A different kind of Buick

McLaughlin Automobile Company under the guidance of Sam McLaughlin formed a 15-year alliance with Buick under the direction of William Durant near the turn of the 20th Century. For the first few years cars produced by the alliance were known as McLaughlins. Then the name was changed to McLaughlin-Buick. Our photographer, Jerry Brown, discovered this circa 1914 McLaughlin-Buick living in Canada. Notice that it sports very aggressive tires that probably weren't found on the car when it was new.

 

This Mack's glory days are over

This mid-1950s Mack B Model truck was discovered in retirement along the side of a highway in south-central Virginia. The B Model was manufactured from 1953 through 1966. Above is a magazine advertisement for the 1955 Mack. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Morris Minor lives among the junk


This Morris Minor 1000 2-door from the 1950s lives among the trash of a junkyard. It probably was once a proud family car. The Morris Minor 1000 was produced from 1956 through 1971 in Oxford and Birmingham, England. Nearly 850,000 copies were sold. The car had limited sales in North America. (Photo by John Harper) 

1940 Chevrolet ready for shipment



A 1940 Chevrolet coupe has been abandoned on a flatbed in eastern North Carolina, perhaps ready for shipment to a junkyard. Chevrolet was restyled for the '40 model year and the changes resonated with the public with 760,000 produced — 38 percent more than 1939 — in three "series" starting at $659 and ranging up to $934 for the top end Special DeLuxe. (Photo by Ralph Gable)