Junkyard Drive-Ins

The Empire Drive-In Salvages Junkyard Cars and Turns Them into Seating

The Empire Drive-In, created by Jeff Stark and Todd Chandler, salvages wrecked or abandoned cars. This one of a kind drive-in is surrounded by junkyard cars, which people can sit in or on. The speakers in each of these cars are used to transmit sound (which is how traditional drive-ins work.)

Though the Empire Drive-In may not look glamorous, it provides movie-goers with a great experience. It's not easy to find drive-ins anymore, but they have a nostalgic quality that makes them unbeatable. Stark and Chandler are hoping that their junkyard drive-in will help to spark discussions on planned obsolescence and car culture in general.

This clever cinematic project is only a temporary installation, but it's sure to be popular while it lasts.

Junkyard Drive-ins
Repurposing wrecked or abandoned cars into seating for unique drive-in experiences.
Nostalgic Experiences
Capitalizing on the appeal of nostalgic drive-in movie experiences in a modern context.
Discussions on Planned Obsolescence
Using unique drive-in installations to spark conversations about planned obsolescence and consumer culture.

Industries Being Reshaped

Film and Entertainment
Opportunities to create unique movie-watching experiences by repurposing unconventional spaces like junkyards.
Automotive
Potential for salvaging and repurposing wrecked or abandoned cars to create value-added experiences and products.
Sustainable Design
Exploring innovative ways to reuse and repurpose materials, such as junkyard cars, for sustainable architectural installations and experiences.
SCORE
1.5 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 23%
Activity 14%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X