Mystery Car Found in USS Yorktown Wreckage Raises Questions

HONOLULU, Hawaii — During a recent deep-sea expedition, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) discovered a vintage car inside the wreck of the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier. This discovery, made on April 19, 2025, has left experts puzzled about how the car ended up on the ship.

The car, identified as a 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody,” was found upright in the ship’s elevator shaft. It bears the inscription “SHIP SERVICE ___ NAVY” on its corroded front plate. NOAA announced their findings following the “Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition,” which aimed to explore the submerged wreck.

“It’s a full-sized car,” a researcher exclaimed upon seeing the car in a live camera feed from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The presence of the vehicle on the ship raises questions, particularly about its purpose and how it survived the war while remaining aboard a sinking ship.

According to NOAA, the Yorktown was commissioned in 1937 and played a significant role in major battles in the Pacific, including the Battle of Midway, where it was sunk in 1942. Despite damage from enemy fire, the ship floated after being abandoned by its crew, who hoped to save as many lives as possible. However, a Japanese torpedo ultimately sealed its fate.

The shipwreck was initially discovered in 1998 by renowned explorer Robert Ballard. While NOAA’s latest exploration offers new insights, researchers have not yet confirmed the identity or purpose of the car. They are appealing to vintage car historians for assistance in understanding more about the vehicle.

Additionally, a large hand-painted mural tracking the voyages of the USS Yorktown was also discovered during the expedition. Measuring 42 feet by 12 feet, the mural shines light on the pride taken in the ship’s missions.

The questions surrounding the vintage Ford Woody—its owner, its journey, and how it came to rest in the depths of the Pacific—further highlight the many mysteries still remaining from World War II.