Explorers baffled to find vehicle inside the shipwrecked USS Yorktown and need help identifying it

The USS Yorktown is an aircraft carrier with a deep and iconic history.

The lead ship of the Yorktown class of aircraft carriers was sunk following the Battle of Midway in 1942.

Recently, NOAA sent a remotely operated camera to explore the shipwreck.

And they found…a remarkably well-preserved vehicle?

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USS Yorktown: one of history’s most iconic ships

Even non-history enthusiasts have heard of the legendary Yorktown.

Named after the historic battle of the same name in 1781, the ship was launched in 1936.

During the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Yorkdown avoided disaster.

That’s because none of the US Navy’s major carriers were there at the time.

In May 1942, the Yorktown saw her first major action during the Battle of the Coral Sea.

The ship was ordered back to Pearl Harbor, but had sustained considerable damage.

Despite needing around two weeks of repairs, Admiral Chester Nimitz ordered that she be ready within 48 hours.

One month after the Battle of the Coral Sea, the US and Japan engaged in the Battle of Midway.

It became the most important naval battle in history, as well as one that would change the war.

On June 4th, 1942, the Yorktown was hit by three bombs from Japanese dive bombers.

The ship actually survived the Battle itself, but sadly was sunk by a Japanese submarine on June 7th while being towed home.

Dr Robert Ballard discovered the wreck on May 19th, 1998 – three miles deep, but in excellent condition.

Car discovered among the Yorktown wreckage

Last Saturday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explored the Yorktown wreck.

And the team was absolutely shocked to discover, of all things, a very well-preserved car inside the wreckage.

The first reaction among the crew was confusion – why would an auto be onboard an aircraft carrier?

One theory is that it belonged to Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher – the Yorktown was his flagship.

The working theory at the moment is that the ride is a 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe ‘Woody’.

The video released by NOAA shows that the vehicle had flared fenders, as well as remnants of chrome trim.

You can see that the side panels appear to be made of wood, supporting the belief that it’s a ‘Woody.’

The researchers are asking auto fans everywhere for help in identifying the sunken vehicle.

Are you able to work out what the auto is and why it was onboard the USS Yorktown?

Because honestly, we’re absolutely stumped – perhaps only time will tell.

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