Jalopy Jungle (Gone)
Phoenix, AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Cruising along historic Van Buren Street brings you past the old stomping grounds of the Jalopy Jungle in Phoenix. Back when this busy thoroughfare carried heavy cross-country traffic along U.S. 60, 70, 80, and 89, independent used car lots lined the asphalt with fluttering pennants, bare-bulb string lights, and eye-catching signs designed to pull drivers right off the road. 11-20

Despite the playful, self-deprecating name, a nod to the classic slang for a worn-out clunker, the business catered to budget-conscious motorists looking for dependable daily commuters and work trucks. The open-air lot showcased rows of pre-owned rides parked nose-first toward the sidewalk, inviting travelers and locals alike to stop in for quick in-house deals.

As the old highway strip gradually transformed and modern redevelopment cleared away much of the corridor's vintage roadside character, the lot eventually closed its gates. While the classic "Jalopy Jungle" sign has vanished from the property frontage, the memory of its quirky name remains a fun reminder of Van Buren's colorful automotive past.

UPDATE: Jalopy Jungle is permanently closed, and its vintage roadside sign has been removed.

Ames Brothers (Gone)
Winslow, AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Rolling along the historic Second Street corridor in Winslow puts you right on the westbound track of old Route 66. Standing along the road is the quiet, weathered shell of the Ames Brothers dealership, a classic stop from the days when downtown showrooms greeted cross-country motorists directly from the highway. 09-21

Built with thick masonry block walls and expansive front showroom glass, the building was designed to show off new models to passing traffic. Known as Ames Bros, the lot operated as a prominent regional Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury dealership for decades. The booming downtown trade changed dramatically on December 14, 1979, when the completion of Interstate 40 bypassed Winslow, diverting travelers onto the freeway and eventually leading to the showroom's closure.

Over time, the freestanding Ames Bros lettering and Lincoln-Mercury signs were completely removed, leaving the vintage showroom bare of any identification. Even so, the structure remains a quiet, evocative checkpoint for Mother Road travelers.

UPDATE: Ames Brothers is permanently closed, and all original dealership lettering and brand signage have been removed. The vacant building shell remains standing along historic Second Street. 08-26

Ugly But Honest (Gone)
Tucson , AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Tucson is home to this used car dealership called Ugly But Honest. Looks like this car lot operates with integrity? 07-22

The business became a local legend thanks to its delightfully self-deprecating name. Instead of pretending every car on the lot was in pristine showroom condition, the catchy slogan was a playful marketing move designed to signal pure integrity and transparency to working-class commuters looking for affordable, reliable transportation. With a low-slung cinder block sales office and rows of budget rides parked across an open gravel lot, the setup captured the quintessential feel of mid-century roadside commerce.

Over time, as commercial patterns shifted across the South Tucson corridor, the lot eventually closed its gates for good. While the iconic sign with its clever name has been taken down, the memory of its humorous branding remains a beloved piece of local highway lore.

UPDATE: Ugly But Honest is permanently closed, and its humorous roadside sign has been removed. The property has since transitioned to alternative auto repair and utility yard use. 08-26

Cobre Valley Motors (Gone)
Globe, AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Taking a drive along the historic highway corridor through the mining country of Globe brings you right past the spacious complex once home to Cobre Valley Motors. Designed with wide showroom windows and expansive service bays, this mid-century dealership served as a vital transportation hub for local copper miners, cattle ranchers, and desert travelers. 07-23

The dealership first opened its doors in 1950, adopting a trade name derived from the Spanish word for copper as a proud nod to the rich mining history of the surrounding Cobre Valley. Over the decades, the showroom provided generations of drivers with new cars, utility trucks, and dependable mechanical service.

UPDATE: Cobre Valley Motors is permanently closed as an auto dealership, and its original franchise signage has been removed. The property remains active as a U-Haul moving and storage facility. 08-26