Abandoned Mine Is Home to Hundreds of Classic Cars, Golfs and Beetles Included

Published By: NEWSROOM_REPOST

We usually associate abandoned classic cars with barns and junkyards, but neglected vehicles have been discovered in all sorts of unexpected places. This time around, it's a massive mine that's home to more than 100 classic cars.

Abandoned for around 40 years, the mine has received considerable attention recently, with several vloggers documenting the massive collection inside. The extensive footage from YouTube's "Explomo" shows more than 100 vehicles parked in an underground network of mines somewhere in Switzerland.

While most junkyards and abandoned collections are usually diverse, this one is all about Volkswagen vehicles. All but a handful of rigs are Golfs and Beetles, with the remaining cars sporting Passat badges. Most Beetles are of the Type 1 variety, likely produced from the 1960s to the 1980s. However, the stash also includes more than a dozen New Beetle models (1998-2011).

Moving over to the Golfs, you'll see quite a few first- and second-gen hatchbacks. I think the second-generation models make up the majority. However, most of them seem to be mundane versions, with no GTi or other rare models in sight. A few fourth-gen Golfs are also parked in the mine and you'll also see a few first-generation Polos.

As for the Passats, I noticed a couple of B2 models. This fastback-style version was produced in Europe from 1981 through 1988 but remained on the assembly line in China (in various forms) until 2013. These are clearly German-made versions.

So, what's the deal with this massive stash? What are all these Volkswagens doing underground, and how did they end up here? Well, the mine is engulfed in mystery at first glance, with various sources claiming these cars were stolen and parked here so the police wouldn't find them. But the story is much simpler than that.

According to our host, all these vehicles belong to a guy who runs a Volkswagen Museum near the mine. His exhibition includes cars and parts he had hoarded for the past 25 years. With 200 already in the museum, the owner needed room to store the surplus he couldn't display.

Not only is the mine near the museum, but the mine's owner agreed to use the old underground network as storage space. Sadly, storing automobiles in a mine isn't a great solution. While the vehicles are still in relatively good shape at first glance, their interiors are covered in mold. And needless to say, they probably hide other issues as well.

There's no info on whether these Volkswagens will ever see daylight again, but it sure looks like none will be restored and returned to the road. It's a sad fate for any classic car, but I must admit this mine makes for an interesting place to explore. And you can do just that by hitting the play button below.