The discovery of a barn find classic car represents automotive archaeology at its finest—dusty relics emerging from decades of slumber to command millions at auction. From a 1974 Ferrari Dino buried in a Los Angeles backyard to a $18.5 million Ferrari 250 GT California Spider found in France, these legendary discoveries prove that automotive treasures still lurk in the most unlikely places.
Found covered in decades of dust in a French barn, this Ferrari 250 GT California Spider had been parked since the 1960s. Chassis #2935 went to auction "as found"—dust, cobwebs, and all.
Auction Result: $18.5 million (2014)
Significance: Most expensive barn find ever sold
Condition: Remarkably complete despite decades of neglect
Shipping Insight: West Coast Shipping's climate-controlled containers would have prevented the humidity damage that required extensive mechanical restoration.
SCX2287, the first Daytona Coupe prototype, vanished in the 1970s after a successful racing career. It surfaced in 2001 from private storage, triggering a legal battle over ownership.
Final Sale: $4 million to Simeone Foundation Museum
Production: Only 6 ever built
Racing Heritage: Driven by Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant
Logistics Advantage: Our enclosed container service protects ultra-rare discoveries during international transport.
Reported stolen in 1974, this Dino was found four years later by children playing in their Los Angeles backyard. The car had been buried by thieves and forgotten.
Current Status: Fully restored and road-worthy
License Plate: "DUG UP" (celebrating its discovery)
Condition: Remarkably well-preserved underground
This pre-war engineering marvel was parked in a garage in 1960 and remained untouched until the owner died in 2007. The family had no idea it existed.
2022 Sale: Over $10 million at Pebble Beach
Original Sale: $3.5 million when first discovered
Significance: One of the most beautiful cars ever built
Dutch collector Ad Palmen secretly amassed 230 classic cars over 40 years, storing them in warehouses and a church. Neighbors had no idea of the millions in automotive treasure nearby.
Top Sale: Nearly $600,000 for a single vehicle
Range: 1912 Singer to 2006 models
Condition: Well-maintained with regular engine starts
West Coast Shipping Role: We facilitated international shipping for several vehicles from this legendary collection to global buyers.
Car restorer Charlie Lyons discovered this Daytona while visiting Alabama to buy a different car. Only 503 Daytonas were ever built for NASCAR homologation.
Barn Time: Decades in Alabama storage
Condition: Original, matching numbers
Auction Result: $90,000 (2016 Mecum)
Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff found three Bugattis plus a 1920s Citroën in a ramshackle Belgian garage after moving rain-soaked sandbags.
Owner: Dutch sculptor August Thomassen
Storage Period: Late 1950s to 2018 discovery
Purpose: Research vehicles for artistic inspiration
This pivotal Corvette model was limited to just 43 units and designed with cutting-edge racing features. One was discovered in an Ohio barn decades later.
Production: 43 total units
Significance: Crucial development in Corvette racing heritage
Features: Advanced aerodynamics for 1957
Roger Baillon's collection of 100 classic cars was discovered in 2014 at Château Gaillard. Originally intended for a museum, financial troubles left them to decay for decades.
Notable Sales:
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider: €16.3 million
1956 Maserati A6G 2000: €2 million
1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux: €120,000+
Hidden for 41 years in a Nebraska barn, this GT500 was purchased in 1981 and never driven. The owner added exactly zero miles to the odometer.
Condition: All-original, barn-fresh
Storage: Climate-protected but animal-damaged interior
Discovery: Found through small-town car show connections
Our specialized services ensure these irreplaceable discoveries reach their destinations safely:
Non-Running Vehicle Service: Winch loading for project cars
Climate-Controlled Containers: Prevent further deterioration during transit
Documentation Support: Handle complex title issues and customs clearance
Global Network: Transport discoveries from remote locations worldwide
Recent Success: Safely transported a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda barn find from Montana to a restoration facility in Germany.
As the leader in international car shipping since 2007, we understand that barn find discoveries require special handling:
Project Car Transport: Non-running vehicle capabilities
Secure Loading: Gentle handling of fragile, aged vehicles
Insurance Expertise: Proper coverage for undocumented treasures
Global Reach: From rural barns to international auction houses
Contact West Coast Shipping for specialized barn find logistics.
These legendary barn finds prove that automotive treasures still await discovery in the most unexpected places. From buried Ferraris to forgotten Bugattis, each discovery tells a unique story of automotive history preserved by time and circumstance.
For detailed restoration and shipping strategies, visit Barn Find Economics: From Rust to Riches in the Global Market.
For more classic car discoveries, see our guide to Classic Car Restoration Shops Worldwide.