The allure of the “barn find”

[Marks71]

This rant was brought on by the 70 3 spd column shift barn find Monte in the cars and parts for sale leads section. Thought this was a better place for it.                              

             What classifies as a barn find? It seems there’s some sort of mystique to the title. Most barn finds are in garages or sheds. But to be true to the title, I’ll refer to them as barns. I’d  have to say that 99.9% of the vehicles were never lost to begin with. Unless the barn was owned by a recluse that passed with no family, there is always something who knows what’s in there. Most barn finds are offered for sale by someone who purchased them from the owner or owner’s family that owns the vehicle and the barn.    

              This brings me to my second question. Does the seller have to show the vehicle in its grungy “found” condition to certify it as a “barn find”? If it makes them happy, then one “as found” photo should be enough. Then clean it up and don’t be skimpy with the photos.I remember seeing coverage of one of the big car show/exhibits that had a barn find catagory. Boy those things must be tough to show without disturbing all that as found grunge. When I sell something I try to make it as appealing as possible. A good days worth of cleaning  on that 70 3 spd would make it so much more attractive to someone looking but can’t see past the grunge. 

Ok, that’s good, I feel better now. 

[Marks71]

I saw what you did Joe. Thanks for cleaning it up.

[Dtret]

I think for it to qualify as a “barn find “ the bad condition, neglect and the fact that it’s piled up with stuff must be pictured. Also it needs to be in an environment that doesn’t see regular activity. But before and after pictures are definitely a must. 

[DragCat]

I think it varies, example 1 I would consider a barn find, #2 is a bit more obvious example. 

[Rob Peters]

On 2/8/2025 at 3:34 PM, Dtret said:

I think for it to qualify as a “barn find “ the bad condition, neglect and the fact that it’s piled up with stuff must be pictured. Also it needs to be in an environment that doesn’t see regular activity. But before and after pictures are definitely a must. 

I definitely agree at least having the pictures to show is best. That said, I would like to see the car that way AND the same car out of its "found" location and then some pictures of the same car cleaned up but prior to any restoration.

rob