AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: Max Rockatansky on August 22, 2025, 05:07:02 PM

Title: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 22, 2025, 05:07:02 PM
My travels in the Sierra Nevada range often take me to some pretty remote places.  Sometimes these places are remote enough that people dump or wreck vehicles along the roadway and they just become a fixture.  I found one such vehicle two days ago on Camp 9 Road:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54733640257_9123358dbe_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2roCdmH)IMG_3251 (https://flic.kr/p/2roCdmH) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Worth noting, I think this is a long wrecked PG&E work truck.  My basis for that is that blue body paneling coupled with the fact PG&E owns Camp 9 Road.  They pretty much have zero incentive to remove this wreck.

Wards Ferry Road on the other hand is owned and maintained by Tuolumne County.  The bridge over the Don Pedro Reservoir (Tuolumne River) is generally referenced as the graffiti bridge due to locals having their way with it.  It seems that another favorite past time is to launch vehicles off the Graffiti Bridge into the reservoir.  These vehicles aren't hard to spot when the water level recedes.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52101772333_a50dadcb93_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2no4cHx)IMG_8843 (https://flic.kr/p/2no4cHx) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Someone appeared to have rolled this Scion on CA 175 back in 2020.  I passed it a couple times during the course of a week and didn't have much visible change:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50475834212_a5c1557411_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jUnQXE)IMG_9220 (https://flic.kr/p/2jUnQXE) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Probably the most famous abandoned car in the California State Highway System is on CA 4 just east of Pacific Grade Summit.  The curve descending into Hermit Valley is called Cadillac Curve due a car from the marque having gone over the cliffside there.  The Cadillac is pretty difficult to spot now because of tree growth.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50302836661_dd7c173b12_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jD6bPg)IMG_4138 (https://flic.kr/p/2jD6bPg) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: formulanone on August 22, 2025, 06:52:47 PM
I recall there were several abandoned vehicles down along CA 23, near CA 1 in Malibu, near the last postmile or so. Wasn't sure if they were stolen or from accidents so I didn't photograph them, but they must have been irretrievable.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49835262346_0479c58923_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iVLKg9)
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: vdeane on August 22, 2025, 09:23:28 PM
Not a car, but I pass this boat (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0881109,-76.3437709,3a,27.3y,2.46h,90.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.63716732111304%26panoid%3DopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA%26yaw%3D2.460438162945207!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) fairly frequently on the Thruway.
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: freebrickproductions on August 22, 2025, 09:44:56 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 22, 2025, 09:23:28 PMNot a car, but I pass this boat (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0881109,-76.3437709,3a,27.3y,2.46h,90.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.63716732111304%26panoid%3DopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA%26yaw%3D2.460438162945207!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) fairly frequently on the Thruway.

Wonder how that got there?
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: LilianaUwU on August 22, 2025, 09:46:10 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 22, 2025, 09:44:56 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 22, 2025, 09:23:28 PMNot a car, but I pass this boat (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0881109,-76.3437709,3a,27.3y,2.46h,90.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.63716732111304%26panoid%3DopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA%26yaw%3D2.460438162945207!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) fairly frequently on the Thruway.

Wonder how that got there?

Seems like there's a related scrapyard behind the hill?
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: freebrickproductions on August 22, 2025, 09:47:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on August 22, 2025, 09:46:10 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 22, 2025, 09:44:56 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 22, 2025, 09:23:28 PMNot a car, but I pass this boat (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0881109,-76.3437709,3a,27.3y,2.46h,90.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.63716732111304%26panoid%3DopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA%26yaw%3D2.460438162945207!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) fairly frequently on the Thruway.

Wonder how that got there?

Seems like there's a related scrapyard behind the hill?

Looks like it? Also, love how that boat's also marked as a landmark on Google Maps.
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: Henry on August 22, 2025, 10:50:16 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 22, 2025, 09:47:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on August 22, 2025, 09:46:10 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 22, 2025, 09:44:56 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 22, 2025, 09:23:28 PMNot a car, but I pass this boat (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0881109,-76.3437709,3a,27.3y,2.46h,90.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.63716732111304%26panoid%3DopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA%26yaw%3D2.460438162945207!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) fairly frequently on the Thruway.

Wonder how that got there?

Seems like there's a related scrapyard behind the hill?

Looks like it? Also, love how that boat's also marked as a landmark on Google Maps.

Well, it seems like it's not the only boat on that hill, because you can see  even more abandoned boats (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0906423,-76.3423783,3a,77.3y,220.22h,95.25t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sHMQv6KwYMi3MFfvuYQKKgA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-5.246137952545197%26panoid%3DHMQv6KwYMi3MFfvuYQKKgA%26yaw%3D220.21870483198336!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) from NY 173, where a dirt road leads to said boat off the Thruway.
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: kphoger on August 22, 2025, 11:15:52 PM
Here's the grille from an abandoned pickup truck I found along TX-163 somewhere between Comstock and Juno.

(https://i.imgur.com/aH2YSOQ.jpeg)
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: oscar on August 23, 2025, 12:13:50 AM
Here's some "graveyards" along Yukon highway 6 (Canol Road), near the Yukon/Northwest Territories border, with the remnants of vehicles used for construction of the highway and a parallel oil pipeline during World War II. The military went back after the war was over to salvage any reusable parts, and the Canadian government later imposed "historical relic" protections to keep collectors from picking through the remains.

http://www.alaskaroads.com/CanolRd-1st-junkyard-near-km381_DSC6988.jpg

http://www.alaskaroads.com/CanolRd-junkyard-at-km398point2_DSC7064.jpg

http://www.alaskaroads.com/CanolRd-junkyard-at-km398point2-closeup_DSC7064A.jpg
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: pderocco on August 23, 2025, 12:38:46 AM
Quote from: vdeane on August 22, 2025, 09:23:28 PMNot a car, but I pass this boat (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0881109,-76.3437709,3a,27.3y,2.46h,90.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.63716732111304%26panoid%3DopjuWOEvUhNBO6vJjuCjaA%26yaw%3D2.460438162945207!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) fairly frequently on the Thruway.
Another well-known one in our neck of the woods:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VH4dqHhTYMih5HoZ7 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VH4dqHhTYMih5HoZ7)
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: hbelkins on August 25, 2025, 02:03:34 PM
I'm sure @Rothman knows about this one.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/585131344903525/?multi_permalinks=900835849999738&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&__cft__[0]=AZVex85edbVP44NvBZ_nJPGvWvdx-voCUuheHjJ4dU83sWPmPhJ5rmvFiYE--G_1HcePz8hqCOijYucG9M0ACK_kxMM_0yT37rDzVtgRZIQAR-Z-VWXVSA_sxDAECNmGkGXAdXMGgFOlCMPQQCr8HcNT&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: kphoger on August 25, 2025, 02:07:13 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2025, 02:03:34 PMI'm sure @Rothman knows about this one.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/585131344903525/?multi_permalinks=900835849999738

Removed unnecessary gobbledygook that isn't part of the link.
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: Rothman on August 25, 2025, 04:08:28 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2025, 02:03:34 PMI'm sure @Rothman knows about this one.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/585131344903525/?multi_permalinks=900835849999738&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&__cft__[0]=AZVex85edbVP44NvBZ_nJPGvWvdx-voCUuheHjJ4dU83sWPmPhJ5rmvFiYE--G_1HcePz8hqCOijYucG9M0ACK_kxMM_0yT37rDzVtgRZIQAR-Z-VWXVSA_sxDAECNmGkGXAdXMGgFOlCMPQQCr8HcNT&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Something went amiss with the link, but there are a couple I can think of.
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: hbelkins on August 26, 2025, 05:29:30 PM
It's along KY 114 in Floyd County.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AbandonedPorn/comments/m4e3eu/1969_chevrolet_impala_photog_unknown/

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-story-is-this-1969-caprice-was.html

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/car-under-a-boulder-eastern-ky-i-remember-driving-past-this-with-my-pappy--377598749979483647/
Title: Re: Abandoned car finds along roads
Post by: gonealookin on August 28, 2025, 06:53:57 PM
Our local abandoned car along an abandoned road, on the slope above the Stateline casinos:

(https://i.imgur.com/yvWwRZ0.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/M2R3y4X.jpeg)

The road, which was apparently a USFS fire or service road, looks like it was abandoned at least 40 years ago.  What's left of the deteriorated and partially overgrown road is used as a mountain biking and hiking trail now.

If that car could be driven to that point, there must have been an opportunity to drag it out while the road was still somewhat passable.  Now, even if someone wanted to fund the work privately, getting a hauler in there would first require using a bulldozer to restore sufficient access.  The community would undoubtedly object to the damage to the forest caused by the bulldozer, so, the cure being worse than the disease, the car will evidently be left to allow rust to do its work.

The car and the road/trail in relation to Lake Tahoe:

(https://i.imgur.com/lyp9s1n.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VRYBvAJ.jpeg)