At Junk Trucks, we’re all about discovering automotive history in the unlikeliest of places. Our latest adventure took us to Jerome, Arizona – a once-bustling mining town turned ghost town, where the rusted remnants of vintage vehicles paint a picture of a bygone era. As we roamed through this eerie landscape, we encountered a diverse collection of old trucks, classic cars, and forgotten machinery. Here’s a rundown of some of the most intriguing vehicles we stumbled upon.
General Motors and Ford Trucks: The Workhorses
Among the many relics scattered around Jerome were old General Motors (GM) trucks and a few classic Fords. We found one GM truck that was still remarkably intact, though showing signs of decay typical of its long abandonment. These trucks were likely used in the mining industry, their robust frames and engines designed to haul heavy loads. One of the Ford trucks we spotted was fitted with a classic flathead V8, a popular engine choice for Ford vehicles from the late 1930s through the 1950s, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance.
The heavy-duty dump trucks we saw were typical of the mining era, built to withstand rugged terrain and carry substantial loads. Some of these trucks still bore traces of old company logos and faded paint jobs, a testament to their hard-working past.
Studebaker Electric: A Vintage Oddity
One of the more unusual finds was an electric-powered Studebaker. While Studebaker is primarily known for their stylish sedans and innovative designs, the company also dabbled in electric vehicles in the early 20th century, catering to niche markets with electric delivery trucks and utility vehicles. The one we found was a rare sight – a vintage relic with its electric motor still visible, though covered in years of dust and rust. It’s a reminder that electric vehicles are not a new invention but rather a concept that has been revisited over the decades.
Ford Model A and Other Antique Cars
Jerome’s ghost town also featured some classic cars, including a 1930s Ford Model A. The Model A was a popular car of its time, known for its ruggedness and affordability, helping to motorize America during the Great Depression. This particular car was in rough shape, yet it retained the iconic silhouette that makes the Model A an instantly recognizable piece of automotive history.
Another interesting find was what looked like a “Monkey Ward” tractor, possibly a kit vehicle sold through Montgomery Ward in the mid-20th century. These tractors were utilitarian, built for basic farm work, and often featured repurposed car engines, like the ubiquitous Briggs & Stratton.
Unique Machinery and Forgotten Tools
Beyond the trucks and cars, the town was filled with various types of industrial equipment. We came across an old gas pump still in decent shape, a chainsaw that had seen better days, and a host of belt-driven machinery and tools, like old PTOs and air compressors. These relics added to the sense of history in Jerome, serving as reminders of the town’s mining roots.
We even found some peculiar vehicles, such as a two-wheel-drive motorcycle – an unusual design that was likely modified for off-road use in the rugged Arizona terrain.
A Journey Through Automotive History
Walking through Jerome’s ghost town felt like stepping into an automotive time capsule, where the spirit of hard work and innovation lives on, even as the vehicles themselves slowly succumb to the elements. Each rusted truck and faded car has a story to tell, a piece of history waiting to be uncovered. For us at Junk Trucks, this journey was more than just a trip through a ghost town – it was a deep dive into America’s automotive past. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, history buff, or adventurer, Jerome offers a unique glimpse into a time when vehicles were more than just transportation – they were lifelines for industry and progress.
For more fun videos that run the gamut of subjects, check out Junk Truck’s channel.
About Junk Trucks
