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The Largest Known Classic Car Junkyard

Old Car City USA in White, Georgia, is widely recognized as the largest known classic car junkyard, with more than 4,000 vintage vehicles spread across roughly 34 acres of pine forest and about six miles of walking trails. Located an hour north of Atlanta, it operates today as a photogenic outdoor museum of automotive history, drawing enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers from around the world.

What and Where Is Old Car City USA?

Old Car City USA sits in the small town of White, Georgia, and has been run by the Lewis family for decades. While it began as a traditional auto-salvage operation, it has evolved into a unique open-air gallery of American cars—many from the mid-20th century—resting under trees and moss, their patina and decay part of the attraction. As of 2025, the site remains open to the public for self-guided walks and photography.

Why It Holds the Title

The claim to “largest” hinges on both the number of vintage vehicles and their era. Old Car City USA concentrates heavily on classic American iron—from the 1930s through the early 1970s—consolidated in one location and accessible via marked footpaths. This combination of volume, age range, and public access has led media outlets and visitors to consistently describe it as the world’s largest classic car junkyard.

Below are core facts that are most often cited by the venue and reporting outlets when describing Old Car City USA’s scale.

  • Inventory: More than 4,000 classic vehicles, many dating from the 1930s to early 1970s.
  • Footprint: Approximately 34 acres of wooded property with cars arranged along forest trails.
  • Trails: Around six miles of walking paths through the property.
  • Focus: Primarily American brands—Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, and others—spanning sedans, pickups, and occasional rarities.
  • Access: Open to the public; primarily a photography and sightseeing site rather than a parts-pulling yard.

Taken together, these characteristics distinguish Old Car City USA from typical salvage yards and underpin its standing as the largest known destination focused on classic automobiles in a junkyard setting.

How It Came to Be

The roots of Old Car City USA reach back to the 1930s under the Lewis family, with the property evolving into auto salvage in the mid-20th century. Over time, rather than scrapping everything, many vehicles were left to age in place. That decision transformed the property into a time capsule of midcentury design and Americana. In recent years, the site has emphasized preservation and photography; parts sales are limited, and the cars are largely kept as found.

Visiting: What to Know

Visitors typically come for the scenery, history, and photography opportunities. The property is rustic, and conditions vary by season, so a bit of preparation helps ensure a good experience.

  • Location: White, Georgia, roughly an hour north of Atlanta by car.
  • Admission: Entry fee required; hours and rates can vary seasonally—check current details before visiting.
  • Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes or boots; trails can be muddy or uneven.
  • Photography: Encouraged; many visitors plan several hours to explore the trails.
  • Safety and rules: Respect posted guidelines, avoid climbing on vehicles, and be mindful of wildlife and terrain.

With a thoughtful plan—comfortable clothing, charged camera, and time to wander—you can cover a significant portion of the trails and see hundreds of cars in a single visit.

Comparable Large Yards (for Context)

While Old Car City USA is broadly regarded as the largest classic-focused junkyard, several other big American yards also attract enthusiasts and can house thousands of older vehicles, though their inventories often span newer eras or function as active parts operations.

  • Desert Valley Auto Parts (Arizona): Multiple locations with vast inventories across large acreage; known for dry-climate preservation and many classic-era vehicles.
  • French Lake Auto Parts (Minnesota): A long-running yard with significant vintage stock alongside later-model vehicles.
  • CTC Auto Ranch (Texas): Specializes in older American cars and parts, with a substantial collection of classics.
  • Turner’s Auto Wrecking (California): Historic yard with a deep mix of vintage vehicles and parts.

These sites are notable in size and selection, but they typically operate as active salvage/parts businesses and are more mixed in age range, which is why Old Car City USA stands apart as a single, concentrated classic-car environment.

The Debate Over “Largest”

“Largest” can be defined by vehicle count, acreage, classic-only focus, or public access. Some modern salvage operations may occupy more land or hold more total vehicles, but their inventories skew newer and are not curated as classic-only destinations. Old Car City USA’s well-documented emphasis on midcentury classics, large consolidated collection, and openness to visitors explain why it is most often cited as the largest known classic car junkyard.

Summary

Old Car City USA in White, Georgia, is widely recognized as the world’s largest classic car junkyard, with 4,000-plus vintage vehicles across roughly 34 acres and miles of trails. Its focus on midcentury American cars, public accessibility, and striking setting make it the definitive destination for seeing a vast concentration of classic automobiles in a junkyard environment.

What is the biggest junkyard in the United States?

The largest known classic car junkyard in the world is nestled right here in Georgia and FOX 5 took to the skies over what’s being called a 32-acre work of art. You can find Old Car City on US Hwy 411 in White, Georgia.

Where is the world’s largest classic car junkyard?

Over 4,000 classic cars decorate 32 acres of forest at Old Car City. Old Car City in White, Georgia, is the world’s largest known classic car junkyard.

What is the largest classic car museum in the United States?

The Gilmore Car Museum
The Gilmore Car Museum is an automobile museum located in Hickory Corners, Michigan, United States. The museum exhibits over 400 vintage and collector vehicles and motorcycles from all eras in several vintage buildings located on a 90-acre campus. The museum claims to be the largest automobile museum in North America.

What is the most sought after classic car?

Top Ten Most Popular Classic Cars

  • 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427.
  • 1967 Ford Mustang.
  • 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air.
  • 1931 Ford Model A.
  • 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS.
  • 1957 Ford Thunderbird.
  • 1973 Ford Bronco.
  • 1969 Porsche 911T.

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