7 mind-blowing cars found for under $1,000 in US junkyards

Ever dreamed of stumbling upon something amazing in the most unassuming places? These US junkyards are the sweet spot.

In American junkyards, hunters have found extreme bargains — cars that once roared on highways now rest on scrap piles.

We’ve gathered seven unbelievable discoveries — each reportedly found for under $1,000.

Here’s what they unearthed, and why car lovers can’t stop talking about it.

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1. US junkyards: America’s largest Volkswagen graveyard

Found in a Pennsylvania VW graveyard for as little as $500, this rare 1950s Volkswagen Beetle example is one of only around 15,000 made.

Discovered by the automotive content creators behind Backyard Barn Finds, it’s said to be ‘America’s largest Volkswagen graveyard’ – and the late collector nabbed some vehicles for just $50.

Also from the same yard, a U.S.-rare 1972–74 Volkswagen 412 Hatchback shows how low the price can go in salvage conditions.

They’re rare in the United States due to their limited production.

One more for good luck, Larry, who inherited the above US junkyard, also inherited a slew of buses collected in a junkyard due to their restoration and parts potential.

2. Classic car farm in Minnesota

Meanwhile, an auto enthusiast revealed the wonders of a huge junkyard full of vintage cars.

From Chevrolets to Oldsmobiles and from Fords to Lincolns, they are sorted by year and type, with some originally acquired for under $1,000 for parts or restorations.

MattsRadShow showed off cars like an old Chevrolet Impala, a Dynamic 88 Oldsmobile, a Ford wagon, a Ford Galaxy, a Plymouth, a Dodge Coronet, and even a Mercury Monterey.

3. US junkyards: GTO, Corvettes & Mustangs in Detroit yard

A graveyard full of muscle car icons was discovered rusting away, many originally priced for salvage under $1,000.

A rare 1970 Chevelle was found in the yard on the site in Detroit, Michigan, as well as a ‘basically untouched’ 1970 Camaro.

There was a four-door Pontiac Catalina and a Mustang SportsRoof from 1970 nestled in some weeds.

But the cherry on top of the cake was a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang, which Ryan said was one of his ‘all-time favourite cars’.

4. Ford Model T collection

Over 70 Model Ts were found in a classic car graveyard beside a road.

“This place is called the Model T graveyard,” URBEX and Broken Things said in their YouTube video.

Anyone can visit the piles of rare decaying vehicles, but the owner is a mystery.

Ford’s Model T was initially produced in 1908 and is widely considered the first American mass-produced vehicle.

5. US junkyards: Bangers used in drift builds

Robby Layton headed to ‘Country Auto Salvage’ in Aurora, Utah, searching for used parts like Bronco doors, truck bed, fender) and a sub-$1,000 drift car—specifically avoiding Fords and Chevys.

After rejecting multiple options, they finally come across a BMW 528i that starts up (barely) and meets the rear-wheel-drive, non-Ford/Chevy requirement, deeming it the best candidate.

They negotiate and buy the BMW for just $250, achieving their goal and heading home with a plan to transform it into a budget-friendly drift machine.

6. Private collections unearthed

PrizzaMike unexpectedly discovered a private junkyard while dropping off axles and is invited to explore and spot rare cars, including project cars bought for less than $1,000.

A rare 2000s Toyota Supra MK4 A80 JDM car was found, a handful of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, IX, and several Lancer Evo 10’s.

He also found his first Nissan R35 GTR, Toyota Supra MK5, and Toyota MR2, a late spec 1996 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo, and a Honda Civic Type R that ‘still smelled like a new car’.

7. Massive private ‘car farm’ collection

Not strictly speaking under $1,000, but worth a mention for boasting over 1,000 cars, Tennessee is home to entrepreneur Don Baskin and his impressive car collection.

Many people dream of having a huge collection of cars, but Baskin, from Memphis, has collected a huge array of cars over the years.

His fleet of cars looks more like a private museum than a car collection, and there are some amazing vehicles on show.

YouTuber 1320Garage managed to get into the collection to take a look and showed viewers exactly how big the Baskin collection really is.

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