Junkyard Empire became one of the most recognizable automotive reality shows on television by giving viewers an inside look at the fast-paced world of salvage vehicles, custom car builds, and family-run business operations. The series follows father-and-son duo Bobby and Andy Cohen as they buy, restore, sell, and recycle vehicles through their successful automotive business in Maryland. The show originally aired on Velocity, later rebranded as MotorTrend TV, and quickly developed a loyal fan base among car enthusiasts.
Many viewers wonder where Junkyard Empire was filmed because the show features a variety of junkyards, auctions, workshops, and restoration projects. Unlike many reality shows that rely heavily on studio settings, Junkyard Empire was filmed primarily at the real businesses owned and operated by the Cohen family. These authentic locations helped create the show’s distinctive atmosphere and gave audiences a genuine look into the automotive salvage industry.
This guide explores the major Junkyard Empire filming locations and explains why these sites became essential to the success of the series.
Damascus Motors: The Main Junkyard Empire Filming Location
The primary filming location for Junkyard Empire was Damascus Motors in Damascus, Maryland. This family-owned business served as the heart of the series and appeared in nearly every episode. The facility functions as both an automotive salvage yard and a restoration center, allowing the production team to capture every aspect of the business.
Damascus Motors is operated by Bobby Cohen and Andy Cohen, whose working relationship became one of the show’s central storylines. Viewers regularly saw the property’s massive inventory of vehicles, spare parts, and project cars. Because the location was a real operating business rather than a constructed television set, the series maintained a level of authenticity that appealed to automotive fans.
The sprawling property provided producers with a wide variety of filming opportunities. Whether the team was negotiating purchases, dismantling vehicles, or showcasing completed restorations, Damascus Motors served as the show’s operational headquarters throughout its run.
Damascus, Maryland: The Community Featured Throughout the Series
While the salvage yard received most of the screen time, the broader community of Damascus, Maryland, also appeared frequently in Junkyard Empire. The town’s roads, local businesses, and surrounding areas provided a natural backdrop for vehicle transportation, test drives, and business meetings.
Damascus is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, and its mix of rural and suburban landscapes made it an ideal setting for an automotive reality series. The area’s open roads allowed the production crew to film vehicle demonstrations and restoration reveals while maintaining the authentic feel of a working business environment.
The location also helped reinforce the show’s identity as a family-owned Maryland business rather than a large corporate operation. This local connection became an important part of the series’ appeal and helped distinguish it from other automotive television programs.
Auto Auctions and Vehicle Recovery Sites
Another key component of Junkyard Empire involved visits to vehicle auctions and recovery locations. The series regularly followed Andy Cohen as he searched for profitable deals on damaged, abandoned, or collectible vehicles. These scenes often took place at auction facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
The auction sequences added excitement to the show because they highlighted the risks involved in the salvage business. Viewers watched the Cohen family evaluate vehicles, place bids, and determine whether potential purchases could generate profits. These real-world locations helped showcase the business strategies that fueled the family’s success.
In addition to auctions, the show occasionally filmed at recovery yards, storage facilities, and customer locations where unique vehicles were discovered. These off-site shoots expanded the scope of the series while remaining true to the realities of the automotive salvage industry.