Unlike the usual junkyards or barns where neglected cars are often found, this underground network of mines offers a unique and eerie setting for the forgotten collection.
The Volkswagens, which have remained hidden for around 40 years, recently caught the attention of several vloggers, including the YouTube channel "Explomo," which documented the extensive collection. The footage reveals an astonishing array of Volkswagens, primarily consisting of Golfs and Beetles, all parked deep within the mine's labyrinthine tunnels.
Among the collection, the majority of the cars are Volkswagen Beetles, particularly the Type 1 models produced from the 1960s to the 1980s. Additionally, there are more than a dozen New Beetles from the 1998-2011 production years. The Golfs, another staple of Volkswagen's lineup, are predominantly first- and second-generation models, with a few fourth-gen Golfs and even some first-generation Polos thrown into the mix. A couple of B2 Passats, known for their fastback style, are also part of the stash.
At first glance, the story behind these abandoned vehicles seemed shrouded in mystery, with rumors suggesting they were stolen and hidden away to avoid police detection. However, the truth is less dramatic but equally intriguing. According to reports, the vehicles belong to the owner of a nearby Volkswagen Museum. With over 200 cars already on display in the museum, the owner needed additional storage for his surplus vehicles and struck a deal with the mine's owner to use the underground network as a makeshift garage.
While storing cars in a mine might sound like a creative solution, it has proven to be far from ideal. The vehicles, though seemingly in decent condition from the outside, are suffering from the effects of long-term storage in a damp environment. Mold has taken over the interiors, and other issues likely lurk beneath the surface, raising concerns about the future of these once-proud automobiles.
As of now, there is no indication that these Volkswagens will ever be restored or see the light of day again. It’s a somber fate for such classic cars, many of which hold historical and sentimental value. However, the mine itself has become a point of fascination, offering a haunting glimpse into an automotive treasure trove hidden away from the world.
For car enthusiasts and adventurers alike, the mine provides a unique and captivating destination, though the state of the cars within serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preservation and decay. Whether these Volkswagens will remain entombed in their subterranean resting place or eventually be rescued and restored remains to be seen, but for now, the mine stands as a testament to a forgotten collection that has piqued the curiosity of many.