By Shawn Henry 
An abandoned BMW became an unexpected winter attraction this week after severe weather off Lake Erie encased the vehicle in ice at a Hamburg, New York, restaurant parking lot.
The sedan was discovered Monday outside Hoak’s Lakeshore Restaurant, which sits along the shoreline overlooking the lake. Police later confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from Buffalo before being left in the lot with all of its windows down. As powerful winter storms moved through the region, the exposed car was battered by wind, lake spray, and freezing temperatures.
The harsh conditions quickly transformed the vehicle. Ice formed over nearly every surface, sealing the exterior and freezing the interior solid. By Tuesday, the BMW remained in the same spot, still locked in ice, as officers monitored the situation and coordinated with the vehicle’s owner. Police said the owner had been notified and was making arrangements for the frozen car to be removed.
While authorities worked through the logistics of towing the immobilized vehicle, the scene drew steady attention from local residents. The combination of extreme weather and the car’s dramatic appearance turned the parking lot into a temporary gathering place, with passersby stopping to observe the effects of Lake Erie’s powerful winds and waves.
For the restaurant, the frozen BMW was more of an inconvenience than a novelty. Management acknowledged the unusual attention but focused on keeping business running as usual while police handled the situation. The car’s presence added to foot traffic, though the priority remained clearing the lot safely.
The incident also revived memories of a similar event at the same location nearly a decade earlier. In January 2016, another vehicle left in the restaurant’s parking lot became completely encased in ice during a winter storm. Images of that car spread widely online and earned it the nickname “Ice Car.” Unlike the current case, that earlier incident did not involve theft or suspicious circumstances.
This week’s frozen BMW highlights the intensity of Lake Erie’s winter weather, particularly when vehicles are left exposed near the shoreline. Authorities have not released further details about the theft investigation, and no additional information has been provided about how long the vehicle remained abandoned before it was discovered.