In the 1950s, Donnas Oakleaf began Oakleaf Old Cars in Hartford, South Dakota, with the state’s first car crusher, preserving the best classic cars while crushing rusty machinery and vehicles. After he died in 1995, his sons opened the collection to the public in 2008, creating an extraordinary salvage yard. Despite focusing on metal recycling, the family maintained the car collection, which spans over 15 acres and has vehicles from the 1915s to the present. They reopened the salvage yard, aiding global car restoration and modernizing their inventory system.

Source: Oakleaf Old Cars

1958 Mercury Colony Park

Despite the apparent rusty spots, this American luxury full-size station wagon is a beast. Produced from 1957 to 1991 by the Mercury division of Ford, it featured a powerful V8 engine that could take the car up to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. In the 1980s, consumers shifted towards SUVs and minivans, pushing Ford to stop production. 

1952 Hudson Hornet

One of the most iconic vehicles is a classical 1952 Hudson Hornet, which many classic car lovers exploited for spare parts. A little more than 35,000 Hudson Hornets were built between 1951 and 1954, with only 260 convertibles. 

1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

It’s common to see some letters marked on car hoods like X to show that it’s off the crusher. But this 1951 specimen has a white M written that we can’t explain. It’s a full-size luxury car whose production started in 1949, with electro-hydraulically operated windows. The American President Henry Truman chose one as his presidential state car. 

1948 Crosley Station Wagon 

Produced by a small independent American manufacturer, this vehicle marks the best year for Crosley, with more than 24,000 cars sold. It’s a small but stylish car that you can still find today perched high as an advertisement for salvage yards. As a matter of fact, with some good research, you might be able to find a good restored option. 

1964 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88

This car showcases the evolution of a production process that started in 1949. The 88 model was one of Oldsmobile’s most profitable production lines, which explains why you might find several specimens of this masterpiece at junkyards. A total of 10 generations were produced until production stopped in 1999. 

1959 Nash Metropolitan

As a statement of the 1950s luxury, the 1959 Nash Metropolitan still stands at the Oakleaf Junkyard as a reminder of a bygone era. The interior shows significant damage signs, but the vehicle’s exterior is still intact, showcasing the quality of the manufacturer’s craftsmanship. 

1958 DeSoto Firesweep

Although this car is over 60 years old, a little paint and restoration can get it back on the roads. The DeSoto Firesweep was produced for only two years, starting in 1957, as the company wanted to introduce a lower-price entry-level car with a Dodge shell and a DeSoto bumper. 

1959 Edsel Villager

It’s not easy to find an Edsel Villager, as this car was produced in limited numbers between 1958 and 1960. It’s the intermedia trim level, offered in six and nine-passenger styles. This model shows a replacement of the boomerang-shaped taillights that caused problems in the 1958 models, as it confused drivers. 

1959 Chevrolet Biscayne

Back in the day, this car was instantly recognized on the road thanks to its remarkably unique silhouette and details. It’s hard to tell the exact trim, but it’s safe to assume this was an entry-level base-trim version due to the lack of chrome accessories. This vehicle was primarily designed for the fleet market. However, it became a popular choice when offered to the general public. 

1961 Ford Country Squire

Unlike the first generation, which was a true woodie, this 1961 vehicle used simulated wood on the body. Someone smashed the car’s window before it arrived at the junkyard, but other than that, it’s still in good condition. Perhaps some restoration can make it as good as new. 

1948 Buick

In a forgotten corner, a 1948 Buick reminds us of the 1940s glory. This beaten-up vehicle was once an American sensation, but it’s hard to tell with all the dents and scratches. The 1947 and 1948 models were hard to tell apart, except for the Super script added to each front fender. 

1968 Mercury Monterey

1965 Mercury redesigned its full-size line, introducing this 1968 Monterey as the base trim sedan. It has only a few similarities with the first-generation models produced in 1952. This vehicle could reach a top speed of 121 mph back in the day, but it’s hard to tell as this model is full of dents. 

1940 Lincoln Zephyr

This is one of the luxury models Lincoln produced before stopping production in 1942. The first models were quite trendy with their modern look, capturing the attention of automobile lovers. When it was first introduced, the car managed to increase Lincoln’s sales, as it was struggling due to competition. 

1953 Kaiser Manhattan

Apart from the visible rust, this 1953 gem seems to be in good shape. Thanks to the heart-shaped windshield, it’s instantly recognized, and two other specimens are available at the yard for exploration. Production for this iconic sedan stopped in 1955 as the company couldn’t stand competition in the automotive market. 

1963 Cadillac Hearse

Only about 2500 funeral coaches and ambulances were built in 1963, and somehow, one ended up at the Hartford junkyard. Unlike the standard limousine, these cars were designed for professional use with a stronger frame and easier 3-way access to the cargo area.