From Dust To Dollars
There’s something downright magical about discovering a long-forgotten classic car hidden away in a dusty barn or neglected garage—and then turning around and selling it for big money. Let’s dig into some incredible barn finds that went from forgotten relics to serious payday winners.
1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing
In a storage garage in Los Angeles, an unrestored 1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing (one of just 29 ever made) sat untouched for nearly 60 years. Its lightweight aluminum body, rare Rudge wheels, and preserved interior made it one of the most original Gullwings in existence. It ultimately sold for nearly $10 million.
1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider
A Ferrari 330 GTS that had endured an engine fire in 1969 and sat in a garage for 44 years finally fetched $2.1 million in January 2014. That price tag surpassed even fully restored examples.
1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe
Stored for nearly 50 years in a garage, this rare Bugatti Type 57S Atalante—one of only 17 ever made—had just 26,284 miles and original parts. It sold for $4.53 million at Bonhams.
Brian Snelson, Wikimedia Commons
1963 Shelby Cobra 289
This 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 had an almost cinematic journey: originally used by Ford for promos, it was later owned by Dr Bryan B Molloy, who parked it in a barn and forgot about it. Decades later, a delivery driver noticed it and bought it from the widow. Just 30 days after its rediscovery, a fire engulfed the barn—if it hadn’t been moved, it would've been lost. Restored and auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, it sold for over $1 million.
Ferrari California Spyder (Alain Delon’s)
Part of a cache of 60 derelict cars found on a farm in Western France, this Ferrari California Spyder, once owned by Alain Delon, sold for €15.9 million at auction in 2015.
Collection From France
On that same French farm, other Talbot Lagos, Bugattis, Hispano-Suizas, and Delahaye models were uncovered. They're amazing examples of what barn-find treasure troves can hold.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
One of just six Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes went missing for decades before being rediscovered. Examples like this have sparked worldwide fascination, inspiring books and documentaries.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
AK Miller Stutz Collection
In Montclair, New Jersey, A.K. Miller’s hidden stash of roughly 30 Stutz motorcars—plus a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Franklins, a VW Karmann Ghia tucked in a loft, and more—surfaced after his death. The estate sold for $2.18 million at a Christie’s auction, alongside gold, silver, and collectible items.
The Ex-AK Miller 1916 Stutz Model 4C Bearcat, Bonhams Auctioneers
1970s Porsche 356 Speedster
In Ohio, a 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster had sat abandoned in a barn for over 60 years. After restoration, it’s expected to sell for up to £400,000 at an August 2025 Silverstone auction.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1968 Dodge Charger (eBay surprise)
A 1968 Charger, complete with its original 383 V8, sat in a Kentucky barn for 43 years. It sold on eBay for just £24,000, well below the typical £82,000+ value.
Hannes Drexl, Wikimedia Commons
Massive French Farm Auction Haul
Back in France, that remarkable farm find included not just high-end Ferraris but a full collection sold at auction for €25 million, including Maseratis, Lamborghinis, and more.
Sixty untouched classic cars discovered in French barn, Automedics Limited
Kurtis Sport Car (KSC) Rediscovered
A rare 1949 Kurtis Sport Car (one of 18–36 built) resurfaced decades later. In 2019, Motor Trend purchased #KB003 for $263,200, decades after its race-speed feats and magazine debut.
1949 Kurtis Sport Car - Driving the first ever Motor Trend cover car, MotorTrend Channel
Muntz Jet Restored
The Muntz Jet (1951–54), an American personal-luxury car with 160 hp Cadillac or Lincoln V8s, began life expensive and rare. By 2016, fully restored Jets were commanding over $100,000—a hefty return from long-buried origins.
1950 Muntz Jet: CRTV, ClassicRecollections
Dutch 230-Car Collection
In the Netherlands, collector Ad Palmen’s secret stash of 230 classic cars was auctioned in 2023. Stored across warehouses and even a church, it included Ferraris, Alpines, Mercedes 300S Roadsters, and Lancias. The total sale value ran into the millions.
Palmen Barnfind Collection by Gallery Aaldering, Gallery Aaldering TV
Modern-Day Ford Escort RS Cosworths
Two 1990s Ford Escort RS Cosworths were found in a barn after being untouched for over 20 years. With AWD turbo power and iconic whale-tail spoilers, restored examples can sell for hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Barn-Stored Classic Collection In Dorset
A Dorset barn is set to auction over 20 classics, including a rare MGA Coupe Twin Cam, Jaguar E-Type Roadster, XK140 Roadster, Lotus Elan S4, and Triumph Stag. Top models like the E-Type or MGA Twin Cam are expected to fetch up to £80,000 each after restoration.
1950 Bentley Mark VI Set To Auction
A rare 1950 Bentley Mark VI, untouched in a barn for 30 years, retains original leather, veneer, and paperwork. While in need of restoration, pristine Mark VI examples typically sell for £15,000–£150,000, with a barn-find like this likely reaching the higher end if restored.
1950 Bentley Mark VI Saloon - 2022 Shannons Winter Timed Online Auction, Shannons Insurance
1967 Ferrari 330 GTS – Auction Record Holder
This 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, one of just 99 ever built, was matching-numbers, Ferrari Classiche certified, and loaded with options like air conditioning and power windows. After decades hidden away, it sold for $2,975,000 at Monterey in 2023—setting the record for the highest price paid for a barn-found 330 GTS.
SOLD for $1.45 Million 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS // Mecum Kissimmee 2023, Mecum Auctions
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