Old Car City: The 34-acre junkyard that became an art gallery

A curated collection of more than 4000 classic vehicles? That sounds huge. Well, it is. To give you perspective, it takes up 34 acres. Where can you find it? Eighty miles west of Road Atlanta at Old Car City USA.

It claims to be the “world’s largest-known classic car junkyard” as well as a “piece of art.” How can it be both? Well, there’s something picturesque about the patina of weather-worn classics against the natural beauty of northern Georgia. Old Car City USA bills itself as a place for car enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.

The collection consists of American-made vehicles from the 1970s and older, but it’s not limited to cars. There are trucks, vans and even a few school buses. Those vehicles are placed along 6 miles of trails, so bring comfortable shoes.

Significant vehicles include the last car Elvis Presley purchased in 1977, just before he died. The place also claims to have a car from a movie starring Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash, presumably the 1983 TV film “Murder in Coweta County,” which was based on actual events that occurred nearby.

A few rules, though. Don’t go in between cars or climb them. Don’t open any doors, hoods or trunks. No alcohol, drugs or nudity. And we’re pretty sure you shouldn’t pick wildflowers or parts.

There’s also a gallery of folk art. The mayor of Old Car City USA himself, Dean Lewis, uses a unique canvas for his work: Styrofoam cups.

Old Car City USA is open year-round, operating Tuesday through Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays, Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

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