By definition, a barn find is a car person’s classic car that’s fallen off the radar of other car people. They’re old cars (or trucks) that were stashed away in shelters large enough to protect them, without getting in the way, typically on properties that haven’t changed ownership in decades.
Once a vintage car drops off the radar, we may not see or hear of it until the property it’s stored on goes up for sale. These days, we use the term “barn find” to describe any found automotive treasure that’s been hidden away for a long time. But it doesn’t have to be stuffed into a literal barn to be a barn find car or truck.
We use a variety of methods to locate barns that may be storing classic or valuable cars. This includes researching property records, networking with other enthusiasts and collectors, and pursuing leads and tips from the community. Our team has years of experience in tracking down these hidden automotive gems.
We’re interested in any classic, antique, muscle, or otherwise historically significant cars from eras past. This can include everything from pre-war classics to 1950s-era fins and chrome to powerful American muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s. Essentially any vehicle that has become rare or highly collectible over time.
Yes, when we discover a viable candidate car stored in a barn, we make every effort to fairly negotiate a purchase from the owner or their estate. We have the resources and expertise to accurately appraise the vehicle’s value and make a fair offer.
The condition can vary widely from accidentally preserved time capsules to decrepit shells in need of full restoration. Part of our skill is in being able to envision a car’s potential beneath decades of dust, rust, or neglect. Even extremely weathered barn finds can be worthy candidates for revival.
In some cases yes, but we also work with a trusted network of restoration professionals and shops. Our goal is to properly return significant cars to their former glory through comprehensive, accurate revivals using period-correct parts and methods whenever possible.
There are a few key factors we look for – rarity, condition, completeness, and vehicle history/provenance. Even very common models can become quite valuable if they are in truly exceptional preserved condition after decades untouched. We also evaluate things like original components, documentation, unique options, and the car’s specific production details and equipment. Our experts are skilled at identifying diamond-in-the-rough potential.
While American cars make up a big portion of our finds, we’re always on the lookout for any kind of vintage foreign car discovered in barns as well. From British sports cars to German classics to obscure models from smaller international marques, we love the hunt for overlooked gems from all over the world. The allure of a barn find transcends borders.
We’re always eager to hear new leads! The best way is to contact us via the form on our website with photos and details about the vehicle’s make, model, year, location, condition, and history if known.
You can also email us directly at info@barnfindmotorworks.com or call our tipline at +1 239-200-2351.
We’ll follow up promptly on any promising finds.
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