Abandoned for nearly 40 years, the mine has received considerable attention recently, with several vloggers documenting the massive collection inside. Extensive footage from YouTube's “Explomo” shows more than 100 vehicles parked in an underground network of mines somewhere in Switzerland.
While most junkyards and abandoned collections are usually mixed, this one is all about Volkswagen vehicles. All but a handful of vehicles are Golfs and Beetles, with the remaining cars sporting Passat badges. Most of the Beetles are Type 1s, likely produced from the 1960s through the 1980s. However, the stash also includes more than a dozen New Beetle models (1998-2011).
Moving on to the Golfs, you will see quite a few first and second generation hatchbacks. I think the second generation models make up the majority. However, most of them seem to be run-of-the-mill versions, with no GTi or other rare models in sight. There are also a few fourth generation Golfs parked in the mine, and you will also see a few first generation Polos.
As for Passats, I noticed a couple of B2 models. This fastback version was produced in Europe from 1981 to 1988, but remained on the assembly line in China (in various forms) until 2013. These are clearly German-made versions.
So what’s the deal with this huge stash? What are all these Volkswagens doing underground and how did they end up here? Well, the mine is shrouded in mystery at first glance, with various sources claiming that these cars were stolen and parked here so the police wouldn’t find them. But the story is much simpler than that.
According to our host, all of these vehicles belong to a guy who runs a Volkswagen museum near the mine. His exhibit includes cars and parts he has accumulated over the past 25 years. With 200 already in the museum, the owner needed space to store the surplus he couldn’t display.
Not only is the mine close to the museum, but the mine owner has agreed to use the old underground network as storage space. Unfortunately, storing cars in a mine isn’t a great solution. While the vehicles are still in relatively good condition at first glance, their interiors are covered in mold. And needless to say, they probably have other problems as well.
There is no word on whether these Volkswagens will ever see the light of day again, but it looks like none of them will be restored and put back on the road. It's a sad fate for any classic car, but I have to admit that this mine is an interesting place to explore. And you can do so by clicking the play button below.
