You’re driving down a familiar strip of road, just like you have dozens of times before. Even though the road and its surroundings aren’t new, something has you appreciating them more than normal. You see weathered homes and sheds, but instead of passing by like you always, you pull over to take in the moment and the scenery.
As you look around, you see it. A red A-frame barn with moss on the roof, paint as crunchy as the leaves under your feet, and the bay doors ever-so slightly cracked open. Something compels you to the building. You peer through the doors and see it. A forlorn and forgotten vehicle, caked in dust, standing stoically like The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
What is it about this scenario that sets our motoring hearts on fire? Arrogance of thinking we can save a derelict vehicle from the junkyard? Maybe we’re gluttons for punishment and want a project car to drive us further into insanity? Either way, we know we’ll never stop lusting after barn finds. So we took the time to assemble a list of the 10 sickest barn finds of 2022, and it is filled with rare classic cars, such as Ferraris, Astons, Jaguars, and desirable American muscle.
10 1962 Ferrari 250GT
When Enzo Ferrari decided he needed a new car that would sell in the hundreds, not tens, he turned to the 250 GT Pinin Farina. It was a Grand Tourer rather than a sports car, with a powerful V12 motor and front disc brakes. It was very successful, selling 335 units by 1960. This cabriolet version was rarer, with around 200 examples sold.
If you’re looking for an investment-quality classic Ferrari, this 1962 250 GT Series II Pininfarina cabriolet might be the perfect car for you! Found in Queens, New York of all places with an asking price of $1.2 million, it’s a bargain project car for sale by Gullwing Motorcars
9 1962 Aston Martin DB4
Much like the Ferrari above, you wonder what happened in this Aston Martin’s life for it to languish for over 30 years. This was the first ever production car to be able to achieve a 0-100-0 time of less than 30 seconds. Maybe not impressive by today’s performance figures, but blistering in 62’.
The owner came to possess this 1962 Aston Martin DB4 through sweat equity alone. He worked at a bodyshop and the owner of the shop had this DB4 needing assistance at his estate and asked his employee to come work on the car. When they had finished the work, the employer gifted it to his employee.
8 1968 Dodge Charger
Mopar was hitting its stride in the late sixties with such cars like this. The Dodge Charger was first released in 1966. It is known for its aggressive style and powerful engine. The Charger was redesigned for the 1968 model year, and quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The new model featured a longer wheelbase and a more streamlined design. This non-running example is a matching numbers, single family car. It was just at auction on eBay but didn’t sell, so it can still be yours.
7 1960 Chevrolet Impala Hardtop
The 1960 Chevrolet Impala hardtop is a classic car that is sure to turn heads. It is a beautiful shade of blue called “Tasco turquoise” and still looks very sleek. Provided that you can see through 40 years of dust and dirt.
This example is powered (or will be if you can get it running) by a 235ci inline 6 cylinder, single 2-barrel carburetor, and a 3-speed manual shifted from the tree. The eBay auction has ended, but it didn’t sell, so there may still be a chance to grab this project.
6 1969 Ford Mustang Super Cobra Jet R-Code
Dennis Collins is no stranger to incredible finds, and this Super Cobra Jet 428 Is Among his best barn finds. This Ford Mustang package was a rare one in its day. This pony had a 428 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 335 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
The car was also known for its deafening exhaust note. Although after 30 years of sitting in a barn, we doubt anyone has heard it in some time. Dennis shared the full find on his Youtube Channel.
5 1969 Ferrari Daytona
We don’t think that we really have to explain why this barn find Ferrari Daytona from Japan is priceless. It is one of the most iconic prancing horses of all time. Just look at it.
This Ferrari 365 is one-of-one lightweight Daytona’s made for the road, the other five were track cars. That’s why it sold for 1.9 million, 3 times the average 365 price tag.
4 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
While this listing for the 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray claims it to have been sitting for over 40-years in a barn, we reckon that looks more like a garage, but let’s not split hairs.
With 54k original miles on the odometer and a 300 horsepower 327 V-8 paired to a 4-Speed Muncie transmission, it would certainly get you from A to B. Sadly, this Corvette sold back in October for a hair over 40k, a steal if you ask us.
3 1969 Ford Torino 428 R Code
Carrying the same engine, factory code, and even the production year as the 1969 Ford Mustang Super Cobra Jet R-Code mentioned above, this Ford Torino was a steal! It sold back in October for a paltry sum of $14,000.
To rub salt in the wound, this 4-speed, Ram-Air, Gran Torino was a running example. The story of the Ford Gran Torino has been going strong since 1972, and we recently posted what it may look like if it made a modern-day comeback.
2 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stock Drag Car
Claiming to have a prestigious and illustrious racing history, this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro has been forgotten for nearly 30 years. Far from stock, modifications done to the muscle car are extensive.
As the seller describes it as an “Untouched time capsule [of] nostalgia [for] drag Cars of this Era” and we couldn’t agree more. It still sports its period correct decals and sponsors. The listing is still active on this drag car, so there is still hope it can be had!
1 1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster 28K
Enzo Ferrari once said that “Jaguar’s E-Type is the most beautiful car in the world.” Being a historically proud and contentious man, that is one of the highest complements a vehicle and manufacturer could receive. Even caked with 38 years of dust and dirt, we can still see what old Enzo was saying.
This 1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster claims to have 28K miles on the clock and is running. The seller is evening offering to help in completing the restoration process of selling as is for a cool 55k. We almost didn’t want to mention this car, as we want to buy it for ourselves.
Sources: Forbes, eBay, Craigslist, AutoEvolution, HotCars, YouTub
