Unearthing the Automotive Treasure Trove in the Heart of Wyoming

Nestled in the vast expanse of central Wyoming, a hidden gem emerges – a collection of vintage automobiles that captivates the imagination. This is no ordinary junkyard, but rather a treasure trove of automotive history, where the ghosts of past roadways whisper their tales of adventure and exploration.

Reviving the Automotive Legends of the Past

A Passion for Preservation and Restoration

Steven Murphy, a lifelong car enthusiast, has dedicated nearly three decades to the art of restoring vintage automobiles. His property, tucked away on a few acres in Wyoming, is a testament to his dedication and vision. From a 1954 Ford Skyliner with a jet-like hood ornament and rare glass top to a 1956 DeSoto boasting power windows, the collection is a veritable time capsule of automotive history.Murphy's journey began with a 1971 Dodge Demon that was passed down through his family, igniting a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of perfection, he has tackled numerous restoration projects, both for himself and for others. His expertise spans not only the mechanical aspects of car restoration but also the intricate art of body work, which he has honed through hands-on experience and formal training.

Transforming Wrecks into Automotive Gems

The acreage is a treasure trove of automotive marvels, some in pristine condition and others bearing the scars of time and the open road. Rusted-out hulks, convertibles without tops, and bumpers that have seen better days all find their way to this sanctuary, awaiting the skilled hands of Murphy and his team of restoration experts.Among the collection are Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts, once the terror of the streets, as well as a few 1960s Plymouth Belvederes, similar to those driven by legendary racer Richard Petty on NASCAR tracks. Each of these vehicles holds the potential to be transformed from a "wreck" into a "jewel," a vision that drives Murphy's passion for restoration.

Envisioning a Restoration Mecca

Murphy's dream extends beyond his own projects, as he envisions a facility where car enthusiasts and restoration experts can come together to collaborate, learn, and create. His vision is a one-stop shop for all things automotive restoration, complete with a sand-blasting space, an acid dipping tank, a paint booth, and all the necessary equipment to bring a neglected vehicle back to its former glory.Murphy has already begun reaching out to his network of mechanics, upholstery specialists, and auto body experts, who have expressed interest in joining his collective once the facility is operational. He sees this as a "school of restoration," where knowledge and skills can be shared, and the art of car restoration can be passed down to future generations.

Rare Finds and Unique Gems

The collection on Murphy's property is a true treasure trove, with various rare and unique automobiles. One of the standouts is a 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 big block convertible, one of only 666 made that year. Another rare find is the 1954 Ford Skyliner with its distinctive glass top and jet-like hood ornament.But the collection is not limited to the well-known models. Murphy has also unearthed a 1962 Plymouth Savoy, a vehicle that Chrysler had attempted to design with a European influence. Despite its unusual appearance, this "oddball" has found a dedicated following among car collectors.

The Art of Convertible Restoration

Restoring a convertible presents its own unique challenges, as Murphy well knows. Convertible tops require meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a seamless operation and a perfect seal when closed. This delicate process separates the true masters of restoration from the rest, and Murphy has honed his skills to perfection over the years.The restored value of a convertible can be substantial, with Murphy estimating the value of a Plymouth Belvedere convertible to range from $25,000 to $75,000, depending on the engine and transmission. However, he cautions that the restoration process can be time-consuming and costly, often requiring an investment of $35,000 or more to bring a vehicle back to its former glory.

The Impala's "Ridiculous" Trunk

Among the unique vehicles in Murphy's collection is a 1960 Chevy Impala with a truly impressive trunk design. With no door posts between the front and rear passenger windows, the trunk of this Impala looks more like a "huge table" than a traditional automobile storage compartment.Murphy marvels at the engineering behind this unusual feature, admitting that he would love to speak with the designer responsible for such a "ridiculous" yet captivating design. These quirks and idiosyncrasies are what make the collection so alluring, serving as a testament to the creativity and innovation of automotive engineers of the past.

The Importance of Storytelling

For Murphy, the true value of his collection lies not just in the vehicles themselves but in the stories they carry. Each car has a history, a journey, and a connection to the people and places it has encountered over the years. As he works to restore these automotive legends, Murphy recognizes that the relationships and the narratives surrounding the cars are just as important as the physical transformation."The best part about cars, honestly, is that the cars are fun but it's relationships with the people that you meet and the stories that you can tell," Murphy says. "A car is worthless without a good story."As he continues to build his restoration facility and bring together a community of like-minded enthusiasts, Murphy's vision extends far beyond the mechanical aspects of car restoration. He seeks to create a space where the rich tapestry of automotive history can be celebrated, preserved, and passed down to future generations, ensuring that these automotive treasures continue to captivate and inspire.