What is a barn find car and how can you find one of your own?
As written for The Safe Driver.
If you pay any attention to the car industry, then you will have recognized that the classic car market has been exploding over the past decade. Models which were previously discarded as dated or unremarkable have suddenly found incredible value and popularity.
There are a great many reasons why this has happened. Firstly, the increasingly frantic march towards electrification has forced car enthusiasts to reappraise fossil fuel cars from years gone by as relics of motoring’s golden age, rather than discarded products.
Another reason is that as the global economy falls into a pit of inflation, wealthy individuals are desperately trying to find new and reliable asset classes to store their money in, and classic cars have been picked out as a particularly effective option.
These cars are now classic examples of their breed, traded like sculptures or pieces of fine art on the used market.
Of course, given the incredible rise in values of many classic cars, previously neglected or even abandoned models are being sourced by profit-hungry enthusiasts looking to flip them.
As a result, there has been an increased focus on ‘barn find’ models, which represent the jackpot in many cases.
However, what is a barn find, and how can you lay your hands on one of your own? Read on to find out more:
They Are Stashed Away from the Public Eye in Remote Spots
A barn find is, as the name suggests, a car which is discovered in a barn or outhouse of some kind. As you might imagine, over the past century a great many old cars have been parked in garages, barns and other storage areas by their owners, only to be forgotten about over the years and left to rot.
At the time, this seemed perfectly understandable. After all, wealth, health, and changing life circumstances get in the way, and when an old worthless car is sitting there, it can present more of a hindrance than an opportunity.
Fast forward to the present day and many of these abandoned classics are worth serious money – even in their neglected states. Imagine, for example, buying a property in need of renovation and finding that among the detritus there is an abandoned car now worth upwards of $100,000 or even $1 million.
Of course, the reality is that even if you do find one, they are likely to be stashed away in some difficult spot, which requires car transport to move to a better location. Therefore, having access to a car moving service is vital if you are to pounce on the opportunity.
Many Barn Find Cars Are Discovered After the Property Changes Hands
If you want to find your own barn find, then understand that it will come down to luck, rather than cunning.
Most barn finds are discovered after a property has changed hands, or if a piece of land is being developed.
Therefore, you are likely going to have to go property hunting in remote areas (preferably a desirable property with outbuildings) if you want to hit the jackpot.
Alternatively, you could advertise yourself as a classic car dealer who is interested in restoration projects. You might find that people who don’t know how much their car is worth will come to you asking to take it off their hands.
You Can Buy Them at Auctions
Finally, you could wait until the cars have been discovered to get your hands on them.
Many barn-find motors end up at auctions, where they end up being picked up by garages or individuals willing to invest in their restoration.
While you are likely to spend more, it is easier than leaving the process up to luck.