A story making the rounds this week has to do with exploration of one of our nation’s most significant shipwrecks, that of the U.S.S. Yorktown. The investigation of sunken ships has been a fascinating aspect of American culture in recent years, especially following the incredible work done to uncover the mysteries of the Titanic by Robert Ballard. The U.S.S. Yorktown was hiding a secret, however, which was that of a never-before-seen classic car hiding deep within the tattered remains: an officer’s car, most likely the remains of a 1940-1941 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody” wagon. Read more here on Fox News.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Junior Samples for the tip. Finding things on the sea floor will never not be exciting; after all, the depths of the ocean remain one of the few places human beings haven’t been able to exploit in some way. It’s treacherous terrain, too, a constant reminder that there are some places we’re simply not equipped (yet) to go. Yet unlike far-off planets, we do possess the technology to hover above and explore safely from the cocoon of a massive research vessel above. The images shown here capture what no one knew was hiding on this ship, and despite what led to its final resting place, the Ford is remarkably intact.
Close-up images confirm that the vehicle was most likely used by a high-ranking official for use when on land, and while early reports speculated it was a personal car, it most likely was simply treated like any other piece of inventory loaded aboard before departing port. This incredibly intact license plate seems to affirm its status as a government-issued vehicle, and for whatever reason, it remained on the Yorktown when it was in the heat of battle. The ship played a vital role in the Battle of Midway, quickly returning to combat after being hammered back into shape following damage incurred at the Battle of the Coral Sea.
While it will undoubtedly remain in its watery grave, there’s no doubt some of us would love to see it recovered and hoisted onto land as a tribute to the durable spirit of American will and firepower. However, it’s critical to remember that the U.S.S. Yorktown is a grave site as 141 members of her crew perished after the vessel was torpedoed by the Japanese. This discovery is a fascinating reminder of how much more there is left to learn about our history and the secrets contained within the depths of the sea.
Very interesting story. Thanks Jeff for writing it up.
Salute!
I hate it when they don’t list the asking price.
Great story, probably the last place you’d expect to find something like that. Thanks for the write up and posting the link.
Steve R
WOW! After 83 years, there’s still water in the radiator!…I wonder if there’s still air in that tire??… I’ll just let myself out now! :-)
Talk about getting underwater on a restoration…
On a similar note, there’s a ship in the Mediterranean(?) that’s full of – I think – 16H Nortons and BSA M20s.
At least the sunk costs are obvious…..
It wasn’t that long ago that I discovered that submechanophobia was a real thing, and I definitely have it. But finds like these are still interesting and thought-provoking; I just have to fight through the heebie-jeebies.
@Aaron Toth
Seems to be a “phobia” for everything. I’m uncomfortable on large bridges but more importantly I’m a disaster in tunnels. I have claustrophobia. And it’s gotten worse over time.
When I was 16, I was suffering the effects of sun poisoning, but my brother and I went to Disneyland in Anaheim, California and went on the submarine ride. Which as you know is not submerged but gives the illusion that it is. I’m sure the sun poisoning had a lot to do with it but I did everything I could to keep from freaking out on that ride. I was seconds away from screaming my lungs out. So, combined with claustrophobia I’m sure I have a touch of submechanophobia.
You don’t ever want to drive the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel then. It runs between the Delmarva Penninsula and the mainland in VA and it is a really wild drive. For a while you’re over the water and the next thing you know you’re driving UNDER it, only to come up again and be over it.. and this repeats for 17.6 miles. I drove it with my late wife in the 80s when we took a trip to Virginia Beach and I was super glad to be out of it when we finally got up on dry land again. Having said that, it is an amazing feat of engineering.
Ran when parked.
It’s been in a climate controlled environment.
Check the birdcage.
Let me guess, rust free.
So this how saltwater soda blasting is done. 😜😙
I bet this 40 Ford has quite a bit of sea horse- power 🐴
Cool find and salute to our hero’s of past and present that served the USA. 🇺🇸
WOW! super Kool read here. Gotta say the writers been knockin em outta the park. More time on “barnfinds” then work😆.
It’s not a 40, the shape of the fenders, the headlights and the fender top parking lights, identifies it as either a 41 or 42 Ford. It also appears to have a 6 cylinder engine, 1941 was the first Ford offered a 6 cylinder.
“No lowballers. I know what I’ve got.”
Sorry to dampen the mood but I refuse to be washed away by this flood of negativity. The floodgates of creativity have taken over and I am diving into a sea of possibilities…I mean totally overflowing with excitement! You guys just wait, this project is gonna make a huge splash!
Sorry but that is NOT a Barnfind.
Boatfind yes, Barnfind no.
Oceanfind.
LS swamp.
Ran when parked, been sitting for years, would recommend pulling the plugs and injecting oil in the cylinders.
Like the 1925 Bugatti retrieved from Lago Maggiore, later in the Mullin Museum, which was kept as a static and untouched display.
Whatever happened to the cars from the Mullin collection, which closed in 2024 when the founder died?
AS Navy UDT SEAL combat divers we have seen many of these in various parts of the world Lake superior has the most I think. In the far north Atlantic we saw an entire ship load of military trucks. deep i 1957..
“Ran when sunk”
Probably would fetch a ton of money, due to its historic background…make jokes laugh…would love to see it at auction.
All of these comments and not ONE:
“HEY, YOU CAN’T PARK THAT THERE!”
Will crank over,engine may be flooded……
” A Stash of Nashes at the bottom of Lake Michigan” from Hagerty News.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/automotive-history/a-stash-of-nashes-is-sitting-at-the-bottom-of-lake-michigan/
I was just about to post this. Glad I read through the comments first.
A very topical subject, as this was just featured in Hagerty this week – 268 Nashes in freshwater Lake Michigan.
Interesting story and appropriately respectful write up. Thanks for keeping things interesting.
“However, it’s critical to remember that the U.S.S. Yorktown is a grave site as 141 members of her crew perished after the vessel was torpedoed by the Japanese.”
Thank you for remembering that and reminding us.
I like the image of the 1941 Ford woody in near-showroom condition: reminds me of when these were new cars. Interesting article, fraught with accompanying sadness.
Buyer must have cash and scuba gear.
There Is A Real AC Cobra Super Snake Off Coast Hiway 1. True Story It Was The Car Bill Cosby Gave Back To Carrol Shelby. He Was To Scared Of It The Person That Bought It Died In It Off Coast Hwy 1. .
Bubble top.
Must sea to appreciate.
Must sea to appreciate.
Well, at least the wood isn’t all dried out…buh dum bumb!
This ship is a tomb. 142 Officers and crew lost their lives on it and it’s disrespectful to be tromping around it without even acknowledging their sacrifice.
@John Michael
I actually have driven the Bay bridge/tunnel and down to the keys. But I was younger then. Being from New Jersey originally, I spent a lot of time driving the George Washington Bridge and/or The Lincoln Tunnel and The Holland Tunnel. Of course I was younger then, THEY were younger then. Not sure I would trust them now.
Hi Angel, this thread has certainly taken an interesting turn. Here I thought I’d just add in a bit of personal experience on phobias but it turns out you have been there and done that already. Then I read Kenneth’s post about being a performer at the Bolero in Jersey and you walking into the lounge, and I’m wondering if you were one too?
@John Michael
Hi John,
We’re all glad you’re here and input your comments. Yes, quite often the thread takes a detour into “personal” accounts or feelings. Some members and readers don’t care for it and have voiced their objection to it. They want to read about Barn Find cars ONLY. Which is cool I get it. This is why I asked management to please come up with a chat room where we can discuss other aspects of car collecting as well as being ‘personal”. Many of us have considered being friends with other members and contributors even though we haven’t physically met.
I enjoy the comments on here, express my own opinions and if someone pisses me off, ignore them rather than starting a fight on here.
Anyway, management assured me they are working on a chat room.
Kenneth is a good friend. We exchange emails and photos outside of BF only because BF accidently printed his info. I’ve tried to make my info public but BF won’t allow it. Hence the request for a chat room.
So, thanks for your input, as Kenneth told you the lounge was not in New Jersey but Illinois and I was never there much less performed there.
Kenneth has lots of stories of his performing all over the country when he was younger. Very interesting man.
Ya’ll have a great weekend.
I grew up in Charleston SC and have a hatch cover off of the 2nd Yorktown CV10 and a Buick woodie – and was in the last Iraq war – I’m not special – those sailors are, and all Americans that gave their life so we could enjoy our Barnfinds, which I do! God Bless America.
Hi Angel! While we’re talking phobias,
mine hit me just before I played in public for the first time. It was at the Bolero Lounge in July of ’69. I’d go with my Mom, who was in the the bowling league at Oakland Bowl back then. Sure, I watched my Mom’s team bowl a few games, but the Bolero Lounge was where I wanted to be and the closest I got was the snack bar just before you walked into the lounge
itself. I went there just to hear the bands that played there. Well, this fella named Marty Olmsted came up to me and asked me if I wanted to play and sing with him. I said “You bet I do!, but I gotta ask my Mom first”. So I asked my Mom and she said that it was okay with her. So she
met Mr Olmsted and talked it over with him and he said that I could play
with them the following week. Boy was I excited– at least until that Monday night rolled around, and then
I got really scared. My heart was in my throat as the time got closer. Mr
Olmsted could see that I was scared so he told me to just imagine the people in the lounge in their underwear. The trick worked and before I knew it, I wasn’t scared anymore. I sang I Never Go Around Mirrors by Lefty Frizzell. And I still
remember part of that song to this very day.
I never go around mirrors.
’cause I can’t see me
without you by my side.
No I never go around mirrors.
’cause it breaks me up
to see a grown man cry.
And Lord it breaks me up
to see a grown man cry.
That’ll be 56 years ago this July and I’ve never looked back. Point is, if I can perform in front of 50,000 people
at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago, I
can help you lose that fear you have.
Just hold my 👌 hand, and I’ll walk you through it. It’s easy! You can do it. Well honey, it’s time for me to hit the sack. Gotta put our place back together after a pipe burst in one of the bathrooms. BTW, I sent you an
email as to why I like Italian people.
Good night Angel 💋. Night all.
I wonder if it had the Marmon-Herrington 4WD conversion?
No John Michael, the Bolero Lounge
I mentioned in my comment last night
is/was located in Bloomington, Illinois, and not in New Jersey. And as far as Angel being a performer too,
no way in hell! She’s a really nice lady
who’s become a friend of mine, and I’ll
stick up for her anytime she needs me to. And besides, when you get to be my age, (70) good friends like her are hard to find.
Don’t worry, old henry ford got even for sinking his car. He built lots of planes, tanks, and jeeps to get back at um. I think will need a roll-back for this one…
Even if you could get it to the surface, you’ll still be underwater