What’s The Appeal Of A Barn Find?
Why Buyers Pay More For Something That’s Been Forgotten.
We’ve all heard the stories. An unmolested, unrestored car that needs a bit of work. In my article “The Age-Old Debate: What makes Classic Cars More Desirable?”, I addressed the appeal of classics, but for some reason, a car that’s been hidden away in a dusty barn or garage tends to draw more attention than a restored one.
Demand for barn finds is at an all-time high, easily outdoing that for roadworthy classics. But why? What is the appeal of something that’s essentially been forgotten, then rediscovered after years of neglect?
You May Say I’m A Dreamer…
Barn finds appeal to our inner ten-year-old. They turn level headed mechanics into hopeless romantics, in love with the idea of bringing something back to life. Whether it be a humble Morris Minor, or a rare Maserati 3500GT, a moderate level of decay is all part of the appeal. Things like flat tyres, a faded paint job and even minor accident damage are part of the experience. A thick layer of dust is mandatory.
Originality plays a big part here. Find a car that still has it’s original trim, paint, interior and engine, and you’re looking at something special. Consumables such as tires, hoses, wipers and brakes may be worn out, but they would’ve been replaced anyway.
Most importantly, the car must look like a barn find. It has to bear signs that it’s been used, but at the same time be in relatively good condition.
It should almost serve as a pattern to restore a similar car.
But I’m Not The Only One.
Barn Finds come with a story. Things like old newspapers, service documents, personal items and spare parts all add to the appeal.
You may never know the original owner or the person who stowed the car away, but whatever artefacts they left behind give you an insight. It’s like you know what kind of person they were.
Some barn finds will even be sold in “as-found” condition, to capitalise on this phenomenon.
Drive Off Into The Sunset.
So, what is the appeal? For most buyers, it’s the thought of finding something rare in an unmolested, original condition, tucked away like a hidden gem.
“But a Morris Minor isn’t exactly rare.”
You’re right, compared to something like an Aston Martin DB5 it’s common, but it’s still a 70-year-old piece of metal you don’t see every day.
For the most part, the barn find dream revolves around the idea of a time capsule.
What motivates most buyers is the thought that they’ve stumbled across something rare that just needs the dust blown off it, some fresh petrol in the tank, and it will burst into life and drive you into the sunset. The appeal comes from the fact that, whether it be a Morris of an Aston Martin, it’s stood the test of time. Alone.
Bringing In The Big Numbers. Dust Included.
Over the last 10 years, the classic car market seems to be having trouble drawing the line between barn find cars and cars that have just sat for a while.
In January 2014, a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS spider went up for sale at Gooding in Scottsdale.
The car was purchased from an insurance auction in 1969 following an engine fire. The owner’s intentions were to restore the car, however, it proved to be too much work and sat in a Pennsylvania garage for 44 years.
Despite having a cracked windshield, missing gauges and paint that was beyond saving, the car sold for $2.1 million.
That’s significantly more than the price for a restored, drivable car, which was around $1.9 million at the time. It’s proof that when it comes to barn finds, it’s the backstory people are buying into, rather than the car itself.
Having something that drives is just a bonus.
The Cold Light Of Dawn.
So you’ve gone and blown it. Maybe after reading this article, you’ve been on eBay and bought the first barn find car that came up. Sight unseen of course, because you were feeling brave. Congratulations.
But in the cold light of dawn, does it translate into the dream, or turn into a nightmare?
First of all, there’s the small issue of money. Restoring a classic usually isn’t cheap, and the further gone it is, the higher the price.
Things like rust, missing parts which are impossible to find, and panels you can see daylight through all ramp up the costs.
Perhaps this is why some restorers don’t go for a full restoration and embrace the neglected look. Having something that isn’t perfect somehow combines past glories with potential.
“I could look beautiful again, you know.”
A total restoration tends to remove the lived-in patina, along with the history that goes with it.
Proving the car is what it claims, or appears, to be is another risk. Unlike a car bought off the street, almost all barn finds come unregistered. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a VIN plate or chassis number, stamped somewhere on the car to confirm it’s identity.
If you’re not, you might have just bought a big, rusty paperweight.
Considerable courage and an element of trust are needed when shaking hands on a deal for something that doesn’t run and is parked up against the back of a barn. Of course, you can go through a specialist dealer, but you’ll have to write a bigger cheque.
The Verdict.
Up to a few years ago, the idea a car that hasn’t moved in years could fetch more money than a pristine, restored example was unheard of. Yet, that is exactly what’s happening. If you have a classic motor in your garage, take photos, videos, perhaps even hire a writer (I’m available for freelance… just kidding!) to document the car’s history, then let it sit there - it seems to be a good investment.
On second thoughts, no. Cars are meant to be driven. Put the wheels back on and drive it some more.
Breeze, J., 2014. Wealth Preservation Society: Why ‘Barn-Finds’ Are Breaking Records. [online] Classic Driver. Available at: <https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/wealth-preservation-society-why-barn-finds-are-breaking-records> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
Brown, D., 2017. How To Buy A Barn Find. [online] Carole Nash. Available at: <https://www.carolenash.com/insideclassics/classic-car-news/classic-car-guides-and-tips/buy-barn-find/> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
Gilad, Y., 2014. The Problem With Barn-Finds. [online] Petrolicious. Available at: <https://petrolicious.com/articles/the-problem-with-barn-finds> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
Sass, R., 2014. The Rise Of The Barn-Find Collector Car. [online] Autoweek. Available at: <https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/a1895256/rise-barn-find-collector-car/> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
Stone, M., 2012. The Magic Of The “Barnfind” Car. [online] Mattstonecars.com. Available at: <https://mattstonecars.com/the-magic-of-the-barnfind-car/> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
