10 Rare Barn Finds That Became Auction Stars
Finding a classic car hidden away in a barn is every car enthusiast’s dream. Often, these forgotten gems have been left untouched for years, their potential hidden beneath layers of dust and rust. What makes these barn finds truly special is the story behind them and how they were tucked away for safekeeping or left behind during a time of change. When rediscovered, these cars can fetch incredible prices at auctions, surprising even the most seasoned collectors. Whether it’s a rare muscle car, an iconic sports car, or a vintage luxury model, barn finds have a way of capturing the imagination.
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1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang
This 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang, found in a barn in the Midwest, had been hidden away for decades. With its original 428-cubic inch engine and distinctive blue color, it was a prime example of American muscle car heritage. The car had low mileage and retained much of its original condition, making it a valuable collector’s item. Despite its age, the car was remarkably well-preserved, with little rust and the interior largely intact.
The rarity and desirability of the GT500 helped it fetch an impressive price when it hit the auction block. Sold for over $700,000, this barn find proved that even neglected cars can be worth a fortune. Collectors were eager to own a piece of automotive history that had spent years hidden away.
Estimated Market Value: $700,000
1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was discovered in a dusty barn in California. Known for its iconic gullwing doors and powerful engine, this vehicle had been stored for years. The car’s rich history and status as one of the finest sports cars of its time made it an in-demand item at auction.
The car’s original parts and low mileage helped increase its value, and after a few cosmetic restorations, it was ready to sell. When it went to auction, the rare roadster sold for a remarkable $1.4 million. Its timeless appeal to both car enthusiasts and collectors of high-end automobiles made it a standout barn find.
Estimated Market Value: $1.4 million
1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante
Found hidden in a barn in France, this 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante was one of only a few ever made. With a sleek and stylish design, this pre-war sports car had been left to deteriorate for decades. Upon restoration, it became clear just how special this car was, with its unique body style and a powerful 3.3-liter supercharged engine.
As one of the rarest Bugattis in existence, it quickly became a sought-after item at auction. After an intense bidding war, the car fetched $10.3 million, setting a new record for Bugatti sales at auction. This barn find was a testament to the enduring allure of classic cars and the value of rare automotive treasures.
Estimated Market Value: $10.3 million
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sports cars in the world, and this particular model was discovered in a barn in Italy. Originally intended for racing, the car had been stored away for years after its competitive career ended. I
t was in rough condition, but its historical significance and racing pedigree made it a prime candidate for restoration. After being fully restored, it went to auction and sold for an eye-watering $38 million, making it one of the most expensive barn finds ever. The Ferrari 250 GTO is revered for its combination of beauty, engineering, and rarity, and this find was no exception.
Estimated Market Value: $38 million
1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am
The Porsche 917/30 Can-Am is a legendary racing car, and this particular example was found abandoned in a barn in the United States. Once used in the Can-Am racing series, the car had a storied history and was one of the most powerful race cars ever made.
The engine, capable of producing over 1,100 horsepower, was in pristine condition, despite the years it had spent hidden away. After some restoration work, the car fetched an incredible $13 million at auction, highlighting the immense value placed on racing history and the importance of finding such rare vehicles. With its unique design and performance capabilities, the Porsche 917/30 is a true icon in the automotive world.
Estimated Market Value: $13 million
1954 Chevrolet Corvette
This 1954 Chevrolet Corvette was found in a barn in Michigan and had not seen the light of day in over 40 years. Known as America’s first true sports car, the Corvette was in rough condition but still retained its original engine and bodywork. After being carefully restored, it went to auction, where it sold for a surprising $125,000.
While not as rare as some of the more expensive cars on the list, the Corvette was still a notable find due to its historical significance and its status as an American icon. The auction result demonstrated how even seemingly ordinary barn finds can capture the interest of collectors.
Estimated Market Value: $125,000
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
A legendary muscle car, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was discovered in a barn in a small town in the United States. Known for its aggressive styling and high-performance capabilities, the Daytona had been in storage for years after its time on the racetrack.
This particular model was one of the few original units that still had its wing and racing modifications intact. When it was auctioned, it attracted attention from collectors eager to own a piece of racing history. The car eventually sold for $900,000, underscoring the high demand for rare American muscle cars.
Estimated Market Value: $900,000
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1
This 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 was found in a barn in England, covered in dust and cobwebs, but still retaining its famous long hood and sleek lines. The E-Type is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and this example had a remarkable history. After being stored for decades, it was restored to its original condition, with the matching-numbers engine and gearbox intact.
The car went on to sell for $300,000 at auction, a price that reflects its desirability among Jaguar enthusiasts and classic car collectors alike. The E-Type’s place in automotive history, coupled with its sleek design, helped it become an auction star.
Estimated Market Value: $300,000
1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt
The 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt is one of the most iconic cars in movie history, and this particular barn find had a special connection to the film industry. Originally used in the famous car chase scene in the 1968 movie Bullitt, the Mustang had been hidden away for years after filming.
After being rediscovered, it was restored to its former glory and sold at auction for an astounding $3.4 million. Its connection to the film made it a highly sought-after item, and the Mustang’s reputation as one of the most memorable movie cars of all time helped it fetch a significant price.
Estimated Market Value: $3.4 million
1948 Tucker Torpedo
This 1948 Tucker Torpedo, found in a barn in the Midwest, is one of the most famous cars in American automotive history. Only 51 of these vehicles were ever produced, making it a rare find. The car had been stored away for years, but despite its age, it retained much of its original features.
The Tucker Torpedo was known for its innovative design and advanced safety features, which were ahead of its time. After being fully restored, it was sold at auction for a staggering $2.9 million. Its rarity, engineering, and historical importance helped push its price to such remarkable heights.
Estimated Market Value: $2.9 million
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.