A junkyard special is a running car assembled haphazardly from used parts pulled from various donor vehicles. These cars are easily identified by their multi-colored body panels, mismatched wheels, and improvised bracketry. Mechanics use the term for beaters that prioritize cheap functionality over aesthetics or safety.
Heard on the job
That Civic in bay three is a total junkyard special, it has a red fender, a blue hood, and an engine harness held by zip ties.
Insider tip
Working on a junkyard special is a diagnostic nightmare because you can never trust that the wiring or sensors match the chassis VIN.
Also heard as
- Frankenstein build