Go into a junkyard, and you're likely to find at least one car from each American automaker, including brands that have been discontinued. But while most junkyard owners will take anything, some focus on certain companies. This scrapyard from Big Spring, Texas, is mostly about Mopar brands.
If you're a fan of Dodges, Plymouths, and Chryslers, this is a good place to look for a project car. But it's not just these three brands that are represented here. Amazingly enough, the place is also packed with DeSotos and Imperials.
With both brands discontinued many decades ago, their cars are getting increasingly harder to find. Phased out in 1961, DeSoto is becoming a rare sight, even in junkyards. I've seen at least four of them in the video below, including a late 1950s four-door and a 1955 coupe.
Introduced in 1955 as Chrysler's luxury division, Imperial survived until 1983, but its early models are also hard to find nowadays. The oldest I've seen here is a 1959 model year. And it's quite the long four-door, similar to the Crown limousines the company offered in its first 10 years on the market.
There's also a 1967 version, most likely powered by the big 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Wedge V8 and a 1961 example with the iconic "free-standing" headlamps. The latter is actually in good condition, perhaps ready to hit the road with a mild restoration.
Since we're talking about luxury cars, this junkyard is also home to quite a few Chrysler 300 "letter cars," including C, D, and F models. You'll spot a couple of them at the 26:43-minute mark, tucked away from the elements. These two appear to be in decent condition.
But there are a few more goodies worth mentioning, including a 1950s Dodge Coronet police car, a pack of Plymouth Savoys and Valiants, and a few Fury models. Plenty of options here if you want to build yourself a "Christine" tribute.
There's also an original 1965 Satellite survivor, a 1961 Belvedere (a better option to the Chevrolet Impala if you ask me), and a couple of Dodge A100 vans. These compact haulers aren't incredibly rare, but you don't see them very often either.
But as you'll see for yourself, this junkyard also includes a few Chevrolets, Pontiacs, and Fords, as well as a very lonely Porsche 928. Hopefully, it will find a new home during one of the junkyard's upcoming auctions because these grand tourers are too cool to meet the crusher.
Meanwhile, hit the play button below if you're a Mopar fan. You're certainly going to enjoy this lengthy video.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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