For various reasons, classic cars become abandoned by their owners. In most cases, there might be 1 or 2 examples. However, in some rare instances, a group of neglected classics show up. That the case in a recent video by The team at IronTrap Garage when they found a treasure trove of old American classic vehicles in an abandoned airport hangar in western Pennsylvania. Some of these cars are worse for wear, some need a full restoration, while others can be easily brought back to life with a little TLC.

Most of these cars include American classics from the 50s and 60s. In the hangar lies a large collection of Buicks, some Pontiacs, Cadillacs, and more. But after a year of hard work by IronTrap Garage, the deal fell through. Here’s how it happened.

A Lot Of Buicks Left In A Barn

List of Classic American Cars In Pennsylvania Airplane Hangar

• 1964 Buick Riviera
• 1965 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
• 1960 Buick Electra
• 1972 Buick Riviera
• 1973 Buick Riviera
• 1956 DeSoto
• 1968 Cadillac DeVille
• 1963 Chrysler Imperial
• 1968 Pontiac Tempest Convertible
• 1948 Chrysler
• First-Generation Buick Wildcat
• 1960 LeSabre
• 1955 Packard

If you love Buicks from the 50s and 60s, this barn find is the holy grail. Matt from IronTrap Garage begins by introducing a 1964 Buick Riviera. The example is a highly desirable two-door model with a white-on-white color scheme. The 64 Riviera was available with the Nailhead 425 ci (7.0-liter) V8 engine with four-barrel carburetors.

The basic Wildcat version made around 340 hp, while the Super Wildcat made 360 hp harnessed by a 3-speed automatic gearbox. This era of the Riviera featured sculpted bumpers and a front end that gave it an iconic design. The car seems to be in good shape. However, the interior has turned into a dining room for rodents. Additionally, Matt suggests that the car may have been repainted, but it is hard to tell.

Next to it sits a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible. Unfortunately, the convertible roof is ripped, allowing animal and rodent infestation in the interior as well. The vehicle overall looks in good condition and can be restored with little work. This era of the Bonneville was available with multiple engine configurations with varying performance. The 389 ci V8 was the smallest choice for a motor, while a 421 ci and a 421 Tri-Power V8 motor were available if you wanted more power. Even a 455 ci V8 was offered in the final year of production of the fourth generation model. Once restored to its former glory, this ’65 Bonneville will become a highly desirable automobile. On average, they sell for an average of $25,000 according to Classic.com.

Also in the hanger is a 1960 Electra, which, like all Buicks of the time, also came with the Nailhead V8 motor. The Electra of 1960 was one of the last models by GM that featured the beautiful tailfin style design. The one in the barn is a well-equipped model that features all the options, like power seat adjustments and power windows. In its time, the Electra was a very spacious and luxurious car that is sought after even today.

There is even a pair of Boat Tail Rivieras sitting next to each other. Of course, both models use the big 7.5-liter V8s of the time. One of the third-generation Rivieras is a 1972 model, while the other is a ‘73. Despite the large motors, these cars were not fast, as Matt pointed out. They were quite slow, but their purpose was to be luxurious, as they were very much at the time.

The pair sitting in the hanger are actually in good condition. However, Matt suggests that he notices some rusting on the body of the cars. Richard Hammond once used a Boat Tail Riviera on the ‘Lochdown’ episode of The Grand Tour, a car he kept and hopes to restore to its full glory soon. The third generation Riviera was only manufactured between 1971-73. Today, used examples sell for $29,000 on average.

Matt also points at a 1955 Buick in a cool dark blue with white color combo. The car seems to be in good condition with all the parts seemingly intact. The only downside is that it is a less desirable four-door model. The hanger has also been home to a 1956 DeSoto and a 1969 Cadillac DeVille which is also in very good condition. Matt suggests the 2-door caddy might have a 500 ci motor. However, the third-generation DeVelle was only available with the 429 and 472 ci engines. The 500 was introduced with the fourth-generation model. But importantly, the Cadillac has been closed, so the interior is preserved and protected, unlike the others.

In the midst is also a 1963 Chrysler Imperial, which was quite a revolutionary car at the time. The four-door isn’t as desirable, but it does come with push-button transmission, power windows, seats, and floating headlights. A 68 Pontiac Tempest Convertible also gathers dust, yearning for a full restoration.

Cars In The Second Building Didn’t Fare So Well

Matt then moves on to a second building where there are even more cars, but open to the elements, these cars will be difficult to restore. First is a 1948 Chrysler that is powered by the straight 6 engine that Mopar used in a number of models. Matt reveals that the engine is missing the cylinder head, but everything else is mostly intact.

The building also houses a ’55 Packard with a gorgeous red and black interior. The car comes from the Packard-Studebaker era and was the last effort to try and keep the Packard brand going, but time wasn’t on its side. The vehicle in question is another four-door, but the interior spec makes it quite stylish. However, it is quite rusty, and it needs a lot of work to restore and get it back on the road.

There are two more cars that Matt found noteworthy in open storage — a first generation Buick Wildcat and a 1960 LeSabre. The Wildcat uses the larger 445 ci engine and also features a factory option tach that makes it unique. The vehicle has seen better days as it has damage, looks worn out, and has some rust on the body. It will take some effort to restore it, but it is a big car with a big engine, so it will be great when it is put back together, says Matt.

The LaSabre is Matt’s favorite car. However, being a convertible, the top is worse for wear and that has allowed some animals to call its interior home for some time. The front end design is still as striking today, and the Nailhead V8 motor would have the power to back up the charm.

The Classic Car Collection Doesn’t Go As Planned

In the video, Matt reveals that the cars will eventually go up for sale. The family who own the lot were looking to get rid of the cars. They hope that they will find new homes. But as it turns out, the deal between IronTrap Garage and the family did not go as expected. The team visited the hangar last summer and was hoping to purchase the entire collection. But after a year’s hard work, the deal fell apart.

The collection consists of some great American classics, with over 20 cars that hope for a future back on the road. IronTrap Garage may not have been able to acquire the collection, but we hope these vehicles become roadworthy again soon.

Source: IronTrap Garage, Classic.com