What Led to the Discovery of a 1940s Car in the Wreckage of a WWII American Naval Ship?

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The mysterious automobile was found in a hangar on the USS “Yorktown,” which has been resting on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean since 1942

Sarah Kuta – Daily Correspondent

April 23, 2025 6:00 a.m.

In a remarkable discovery, researchers utilizing a remotely operated underwater vehicle have uncovered an unexpected automobile amidst the wreckage of the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that sank during World War II. This rare find has sparked intrigue regarding its purpose and history.

On April 19, a team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was exploring the sunken ship when they noticed the outline of a vehicle within the hangar area at the ship’s stern. After returning the following day to investigate further, they identified the car as a black 1940-1941 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody” based on its distinctive features such as flared fenders, a split windshield, chrome accents, and a spare tire. Notably, the front plate bore the inscription “SHIP SERVICE ___ NAVY,” hinting at its potential use by naval officers.

This discovery was part of NOAA’s ongoing expedition named Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific. The research team aboard the NOAA vessel Okeanos Explorer aims to map and gather data about the Pacific Ocean’s vast expanse.

Originally launched in 1936, the Yorktown measured 809 feet in length and was lost in June 1942 after being struck by Japanese torpedoes during the pivotal Battle of Midway. As the vessel took on water, Captain Elliott Buckmaster ordered the crew to abandon ship, while they jettisoned heavy cargo such as guns and aircraft in hopes of keeping the carrier afloat. However, the decision to leave behind the automobile remains a mystery.

Speculations abound regarding the car’s presence. It is possible the vehicle was utilized by high-ranking officers, like Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher or Buckmaster himself, for official duties in ports visited during their missions. Alternatively, it may have been awaiting repairs following damage incurred during the Battle of the Coral Sea a month prior.

This incident is not the first time the Yorktown has been examined. The wreck, located approximately three miles deep in the Pacific, was first discovered in 1998 by Robert Ballard and his team, leading to numerous subsequent explorations. Despite previous investigations, the vessel has continued to reveal hidden facets of its history. Alongside the car, scientists recently came across a colorful mural inside one of the elevator shafts, known as A Chart of the Cruises of the USS Yorktown. This 42-by-12-foot hand-painted artwork, previously only partially visible in historic photos, depicts a world map showcasing the ship’s extensive travel history.

NOAA described the mural as a testament to the pride of the Yorktown’s crew, reflecting both the scale of its operations and the strategic role it played in U.S. naval defense efforts.

In addition to the automobile and mural, underwater explorers documented at least three aircraft within the Yorktown wreckage, including a Douglas SBD Dauntless, notable for still carrying a bomb. This type of plane played a crucial role in the war, particularly at the Battle of Midway, where they were instrumental in defeating Japanese naval forces.

Furthermore, during their exploration of the sunken ship, researchers captured images of a vibrant red jellyfish that may belong to a previously unidentified species, showcasing the ecological discoveries that arise from such explorations.

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www.smithsonianmag.com