Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Stories from Junkyards and Car Lots
Do you remember that time you stumbled upon a treasured find in a junkyard or car lot? Sometimes, a simple visit to these places can result in incredible discoveries, whether they're valuable items or simply a memorable experience. Let's explore some of these amazing stories and inspire you to see beyond the ordinary.
Valuable Discoveries
Imagine the scenario: while going through some glove box papers in a wrecked car at a junkyard, you find an envelope containing four one hundred dollar bills. This wasn’t your typical loot, but it certainly made your day a bit more profitable at the yard. While the part you were looking for wasn’t in there, sometimes the real treasure is right in front of you.
A Legendary Find: The 1931 Bugatti Royale
One of the most amazing stories tied to junkyards and car lots is the one of the 1931 Bugatti Royale. This not-so-luxury car, which was one of only six ever built, found its way to a Bronx junkyard in 1943 and was purchased by Charles Chayne for what many say was a mere $400. Chayne, at the time the chief engineer for Buick, restored the car and even made a few modifications after the war. He drove it for a few years and eventually donated it to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where it’s been on display in running condition ever since. According to museum staff, if this rare gem were to be auctioned off today, the starting bid might be in the millions. The original purchase price in 1931 was estimated to be around $30,000, making the discrepancy between the initial cost and today's value truly staggering.
Queen Street Finds
Feeling inspired yet? Now, let's dive into some more practical examples of tangible finds. One of my neighbors, a tenant who worked for a massive auto salvage yard in Walpole, near a prison, would occasionally bring home a pail filled with coins. He meticulously went through the cars brought in and picked out all the coins from the seats and floors. This diligent process allowed him to make a decent profit every month from these finds.
Police Trooper's Lunch Money
Another intriguing story comes from my brother, a State Trooper, who once showed me some odd but intriguing sights behind their barracks in South Boston. After drug busts, numerous seized cars from drug dealers had been left there for some time. My brother suggested I search these cars for money to pay for lunch, knowing that drug dealers often leave change behind when buying snacks. During a quick search, I managed to gather about fifty dollars from the floors of these vehicles. It was certainly not legal for the cops to collect the money, but it was fine for me to take a slice of the pie. When the car crushers operated, they removed the coolant, battery, and radiator, and the discarded car bodies often spilled out more change on the pavement, ready for the taking.
In conclusion, whether you're on the lookout for valuable bills, vintage cars, or simply change left behind, junkyards and car lots can be fascinating places to explore. So, the next time you're in the area, consider your options. You might just uncover some hidden treasures yourself!