Barn Finds - Different Perspectives

Yeah - we know. No one has to tell you or us. In the antique, muscle car, street rod, and collector car world, the words "Barn Find" are red hot. I feel the use of the term and all that's associated with it has gone way beyond overkill. This phrase is no longer just an American car description; it has been applied to motorcycles, drag racing rigs, European sports cars, and period-built hot rods that have been stored for decades. I even saw someone advertise a circa 1970 Volvo sedan as a barn find recently in an auto trader publication. I've seen calendar's, video games, and the websites dedicated to this automotive phenomenon are numerous.

It has also frustrated the car-buying market. Since the term is now on nearly everybody's radar, many enthusiasts feel and are experiencing a jump in pricing in practically every field of antique vehicles. It has been noted time and time again that all this hype will make the average Joe who's had some old beat-up wagon rotting away in his back forty suddenly think it's worth way more than it is. Other hobbyists have encountered that when they approach the owner of a classic vehicle that is on borrowed time to be restored or saved as it is, that price is suddenly a concern. I've encountered the same scenario - a car has been languishing for years, but when someone shows interest in it, the owner suddenly has the attitude that's it's rare, or valuable, or they're going to restore it soon. And everyone knows full well, including said owner, that if you pass on their relic, it will continue to languish in the same spot for years to come without even a second of care or attention.

Lately however, I've been turning the tables on this mindset (for a lack of a better term). While I am looking to purchase my next go-fast ride, it will not be in barn find condition. I've owned and restored enough antique cars, trucks, and muscle cars in my life that I'm done with that aspect of it. What I do find very cool about barn find vehicles, (or cars that are parked out in a field, rusting away in a salvage yard or wherever), is the photographic aspect of it. I'm drawn to the rust, the patina, the peeling paint, the history as well as the times gone by. About 98% of old vehicle owners are accommodating as well as surprised that I want to photograph their old junk. See how the perspective changes? If I was looking to purchase it, it's at least somewhat valuable, but since I'm not, it's still just junk, as they call it. A few owners get downright deflated when you tell them you're not interested in purchasing said rusted hulk. I mean, now what are they going to do? Charge you admission or a fee to photograph it?

On the flip side though, the barn find craze has proven one thing - classic cars, of all ages and genres, are still out there. They haven't all been scooped up, like some experts like to think. And numerous owners, are in fact, breathing oxygen when it comes to selling. It's all about a happy medium. You get a good deal and they don't feel like you're trying to rip them off. It can be a somewhat lengthy scouting and purchasing process, but it can be so worth it.


Until next time, peace out.
Dave