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Dusty Muscle: A Barn Full of Iconic Treasures!

We’ve all had the same dream. No, not that one, the one about coming across an old barn or storage building and looking in the dirty, dusty, broken window on the wooden door, after crawling through a pile of pickers, weeds, rusty metal, and broken bottles, and there it is, a car with an old tarp on it. Wait, it looks like more than one car! You turn the rusty, creaky door knob and step inside and…. rrrrrinnggggggg.. the alarm goes off! NOOOO!!

This is one of those dreams in that none of us were there when The Auto Archaeologist uncovered this mother lode of cars as seen on this YouTube video. Here are a few screen shots of the video – get ready to shiver, shriek, and possibly weep like a baby when you see what’s inside.

If there’s a more iconic shape for a rubber-burning monster I don’t know what it is. Everyone knows the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, from 8 to 80, and everyone has probably dreamed about finding one hidden away. Designed and developed for racing in NASCAR, the Superbird was a modified Plymouth Road Runner and was kin folk to the Dodge Charger Daytona. All of the cars in this barn are iconic masterpieces, but they all probably need a nut-and-bolt, very expensive restoration to bring them back to life again. But, are they even for sale?

Are there any Mercury Cyclone GT fans out there? I believe this is a 1968 or 1969 model and this one looks like it could possibly clean up fairly nicely, but I could be wrong. I’m reasonably sure that the interior doesn’t look like this anymore, but it could again. Could this be a Cobra Jet?

Here is a NASCAR-inspired legend, this is a one-year-only 1969 Ford Torino Talladega, named after the famed race track in Alabama. As is the Superbird, this is a $100,000+ car in restored condition. This one will need a lot of work and a lot of money spent on it, maybe close to what it’s worth to make it right. It’s fun, but also painful to see cars left in this condition for so many decades, just deteriorating from sitting there.

There were only around 750 of these cars made in a few-week span in early-1969. This Talladega’s 428 cubic-inch V8 with approximately, at least for the record, 335 hp, will need to come out and be rebuilt, that’s just a guess. But, once this car is done, look out!

The cars keep getting better and better in this dusty barn. This is a 1969 Dodge Charger 500, yes, that one, the one with the 426 Hemi and the NASCAR history. Well, some of them had a Hemi, most of them came with the 440 which would have been a close second. This car was made to keep Chrysler on top after Ford and Chevy had gained some ground on the Hemi cars. The Charger 500 had a flush rear window and a flush-mounted Dodge Coronet grille, giving it the aerodynamics that it needed. Only 392 of them were built and they’re $150,000+ in restored condition.

Last but not least; well, least in value but not least in technology for the time, is this Chevrolet Cosworth Vega. They were made in 1975 and 1976 and we’ve seen a few nice ones roll through the pages of Barn Finds lately, so they’re out there. They typically sell for between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on condition. I don’t know if any of these cars are for sale, I doubt it, they’ll probably either long gone or they will stay there until a tv reality show “star” shows up and makes a crazy offer with the producer’s money and then who knows what will happen to them. Have you ever run across a barn full of gems like this?

Comments

  1. Avatar Chris Sudo

    I would get in line to buy any of these. Where does the line start?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Mark-A

      Its not where the line starts its where the end where we’ll be joining it that worries me! Probably 3x round the state already?

      Like 0
  2. Avatar terry

    I’ve been following the A A for several years. So many great cars out there waiting to be saved. Very sad.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Dan

      I do not agree that this is sad. This is cool!

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Gunner

    Dang, another mother lode for some of the most sought after Detroit Muscle. I would like to buy a lottery ticket for the Charger 500 please……to go……. ;-)

    Like 0
    • Avatar larry Mc Gregor

      Me too how much for the ticket, would like them all.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Jeffro

    And yes…we’ve all had that “other” dream as well! You’re all guilty. On a side note, I hope all my friends on Barn Finds have a very happy Easter. Best wishes to you and your families!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Scotty Staff

      Happy Easter to you, Jeffro, and everyone else! Thanks for being fans of Barn Finds!

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Dan

    Damn…….

    Like 0
  6. Avatar AMCFAN

    Here we go again!!!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Houndawg

    I could only ever hope to stumble across something like this…….

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Steven

    This stash has been online for years and none of them are there anymore, they were auction off.. Why does people keep posting them , just like that 63 split window corvette that was in Spokane Washington photos being on fb page someone keeps posting in words ” Fix or Not ” as that Vette was sold in 2005 and got restored then was sold at Barrett-Jackson last year for $230k as it only had 7800 miles on it.. A Vietnam Vet owned it and he got killed in 71 in Vietnam..

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Doug Towsley

    If I *DID* I would not be talking about it on the internet until all was secured and deal was done. I turned down a show slot in American Pickers for filming. I wanted to use the opportunity to promote our museum. But my wife talked me out of it. (We were at contract signing point) because A) We do like to go to the grocery store or out in public without having to change vehicles, wear disguises and elude tails without having some wacko’s chasing us down because they just KNOW we have that elusive stash of LH threaded nuts for 65 BSA footrests that are “Un-Ob-Tai-nium” B) Every tweaker in a 100 mile radius would be creeping onto our property after watching re-runs at 3 am. C) Its illegal to shoot these people recently though a guy up the road did society a favor and shot 2 dopers but made some critical errors and was arrested as a result.
    See:http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2017/03/rural_property_owner_killed_2.html
    However Pickers did not leave Oregon empty handed. One of our esteemed founding members of our museum had his family sell some of his collection
    see: http://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2017/04/americans_pickers_comes_to_ore.html

    I told the shows producers I dont really care for those 2 guys, But I like the sassy lady a lot and would prefer showing my rusty treasures to her.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steven

      Doug these cars have been sold off along time ago, why post anything about them and get people asking where they are.. Geez at this nonsense! Barn Finds should put a stop to posting cars that were sold off, as BF should actually check the status of cars posted if they are available or not as that makes common sense..

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Steven

    Scotty why did you post this , as I’ve seen this around on facebook for a few years now and they were sold along time ago..

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      @Steven – He was just sharing the story. Things don’t have to always be on the market for us to feature them.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Doug Towsley

      The point of posting this is its a great story, Not every one has seen or heard about it, and the question was asked have you ever found a good barnfind stash?
      As to timeliness, Just like yesterday with the Daytona Cobra coupe, that car was long ago sold and is currently in a museum but still an awesome story. Bonus is it promotes that museum and readers here get a guided tour. (Wish I could go)
      My point in posting on this topic is A) Dont give up secrets until its secured B) I Nearly went on TV myself to promote our local museum but it became apparent that it might create a lot of problems for me at home and security.
      Hell,,I am still ranting about the Sandy Bandit stash here in Oregon and that was 15 years ago. But it was all NOS stuff new in the crates and Cliff had bought up every factory distributor inventory from the 1970s into the 1980s and was worth Millions of dollars. I broke that story, Cycle world published it and those chumps never even bought me a beer.
      See: http://forums.cycleworld.com/showthread.php?t=69908

      There was a major feature article in the magazine about this as well.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Andy

        I live in New York, and the Sandy Bandit was a legend to Brit bike guys out here ever since TriCor went out of business.

        Like 0
  11. Avatar Luke Fitzgerald

    Jesus Christ – these guys are trying they’re best to make this a fun site – good that matters are identified and resolved, but critique? Don’t think so

    Like 0
  12. Avatar 68 custom

    is this the guy who also has Richard Petty’s 65 drag Baracuda that he wrecked at the strip? if so it is still wrecked in the yard.

    Like 0
    • Avatar rumpfox

      that cuda was destroyed and buried behind petty’s old shop. petty killed a 12 yr. old kid with that car when a tie rod end broke and he veered into the sidelines and ran over spectators. they went strait home and done it. petty never go behind the wheel of a drag car again. my bro. had a chance to buy it in 77 for 5 grand but found it was a clone.

      Like 0
      • Avatar 68 custom

        Petty asked this guy who owns a scrap yard to take it away, but this guy never crushed it. it is a rusting wrecked hulk sitting on his property somewhere.

        Like 0
  13. Avatar Cubs win

    Watch it Luke, Easter is this weekend.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Steven

    On the Muscle Car fb page this was posted twice last year and one guy who knew about these said that they all were auction off, that super bird maybe the one that Graveyard Cars restored as they had a White one!

    Like 0
    • Avatar rumpfox

      80%of the super birds were white. a buddy of mine has 2 under a maple tree in his yard but he’s probably sold 30 birds an Daytona’s in his time in the hobby so he knows what they’re worth

      Like 0
  15. Avatar Scotty Staff

    Hi, all. I neglected to mention the history of this find, my apologies. A reader sent in this “tip” and we thought that it would make a fun story to go through. Even though it’s old news, like the moon landing, it’s still a pretty amazing story.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steven

      Yeah you should have mentioned that this was old stories, cause before some guy jumped in this on facebook as it had people gone bonkers asking where they were.. Then some gent told the truth about them being auction off long ago.

      Like 0
  16. Avatar cudaman

    Careful LUKE, Jesus Christ had NOTHING to do with this. Leave Him out of it! He loves you and died for us…….

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Gunner

    I personally don’t care if it is new or old. I religiously (no offense to our Savior), read BARNFINDS each and every day. To learn, to grow (even in my fifties), and to relish in the stories that these guys write for all of us. For myself, the latter is the most exciting. To say wow, that is amazing. I know there are many of us out there, that have learned a great deal from this website. You guys are doing a great job, so keep the faith (it is Easter Weekend after all). The glass is always half full! :-)

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jeffro

      Gunner, I’m just happy if something is in the glass! Especially, if it’s bourbon!

      Like 0
  18. Avatar Doug Towsley

    I had a friend many years ago who was from the East coast, He and his girlfriend had driven cross country and were AMAZED at all the old cool cars out here on the westcoast. They eventually moved back after 2 years of living here but dragged an old pickup back with them. John told me a funny story that has always made me laugh. They stopped and stayed at a relatives place who happens to be a very VERY high ranking member of the catholic church. The condo was fully stocked with a bar. John made a Jack & Coke (A very large one). He held up the glass and said,…
    “Now THATS a sacrament! ”

    Every time someone mentions a glass full or half it makes me chuckle…….But hey, Monty Pythons movies do as well,,, Dont make me post scatological quotes.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoaktW-Lu38
    ***************************************************************
    Cheer up, Brian. You know what they say.
    Some things in life are bad,
    They can really make you mad.
    Other things just make you swear and curse.
    When you’re chewing on life’s gristle,
    Don’t grumble, give a whistle!
    And this’ll help things turn out for the best
    And

    Always look on the bright side of life!

    Always look on the bright side of life
    If life seems jolly rotten,
    There’s something you’ve forgotten!
    And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing,

    When you’re feeling in the dumps,
    Don’t be silly chumps,
    Just purse your lips and whistle — that’s the thing!
    And always look on the bright side of life

    Come on!

    Always look on the bright side of life

    For life is quite absurd,
    And death’s the final word.
    You must always face the curtain with a bow!
    Forget about your sin — give the audience a grin,
    Enjoy it, it’s the last chance anyhow!

    So always look on the bright side of death!
    Just before you draw your terminal breath.
    Life’s a piece of shit,
    When you look at it.

    Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true,
    You’ll see it’s all a show,
    Keep ’em laughing as you go.
    Just remember that the last laugh is on you!

    And always look on the bright side of life

    Always look on the bright side of life

    Come on guys, cheer up

    Always look on the bright side of life

    Always look on the bright side of life

    Worse things happen at sea you know

    Always look on the bright side of life

    I mean, what have you got to lose?
    you know, you come from nothing
    you’re going back to nothing
    what have you lost? Nothing!

    Always look on the bright side of life
    Songwriters: ERIC IDLE

    Like 0
  19. Avatar rumpfox

    this wasn’t taken at cotton owens old homeplace was it. as you know cotton died about 3 or 4 yrs. ago. my buddy with the 2 birds was real good friends with cotton and bought a lot of his old nos stuff before he died

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steven

      Most finds like this is one owner died, two they are up in years and never got the chance to restore.. Same thing on another post of finds in Kansas south of Wichita that’s going on right now sales until May 1st. The odd ball cars collection of Split window VW bugs right here on Barn finds.. Or how bout the Walter S farm in northeast Ohio with Warbirds and old cars ? The family had to sale a few planes just to pay Walters Hospital bills as he died in 09 and there is still tons of planes and cars there..

      Like 0
  20. Avatar Larry K

    Cyclone!!!!!!!!

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Steven

    Some few months ago a Junk yard post was on here BF that was in Around Modesto California and I thought it was my Uncle Jack place as he over the years pulled in classic cars of all kinds.. Yeah Jacks place is still there not sure what’s gonna happen to that stash of cars..

    Like 0
  22. Avatar Steven

    Who has saw the latest episode of Junkyard Cars show as I’m thinking that 77 Trans Am they restored into your a Bandit? But they cut the top and weld on a T-Top as Andy’s dad said he was gonna get Burt Reynolds to sign it,,, it could be the one that’s in the contest now on Velocity Channel advertising..

    Like 0
  23. Avatar Twisted bowtie

    What Gunner said X10
    Happy Easter my BF friend’s😎

    Like 0
  24. Avatar CATHOUSE

    Old news, new news, either way just for the record the Cyclone is not a GT model. It is a Cyclone Spoiler, the Mercury version of the Torino Talladega. The Spoiler model is as different from a regular Cyclone as a Talladega is to a regular Torino. As I recall the Spoilers came with a 351 4V engine were only made in 1969.

    Like 0
  25. Avatar ToniM

    Only 392 of the Dodge Charger 500s were built with the Hemi…I have been wondering for awhile if this one that pulled up next to me was the real deal or not…mostly because if this was indeed the real thing I cannot believe the guy was driving it around! And guess what parking lot we were in? Walmart! Really!

    Like 0
  26. Avatar Rock On

    Most classic car insurance will not pay your claim if you have an accident in a shopping plaza. Make sure you read your policy and Happy Easter 🐣 to all Barn Finds readers and staff.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steven

      This is Classic Car and Exotic insurance coverage, but they have certain rules and much of that is limited miles you drive your cars.. Best Bank who does financial on many classic cars and exotic cars has a list of insurance companies, why do you see alot of these cars pop back up in Auctions? Cause so many get into financial troubles later and have to sale and hope you be able to pay the Bank balance.. Really it isn’t a good ideal to finance a Classic car if one can help it.

      Like 0
  27. Avatar erikj

    ToniM ,Amazing that what could have pulled up in a Walmart. you never know, but you did know what you where looking at!!! Wish I saw that.

    Like 0
  28. Avatar angliagt

    Reminds me of when,while riding in our family ’64 Coupe DeVille,
    in Central California (near SLO,I think),a Charger 500 passed us,This was
    when they were new,or near that time.
    I even knew what it was!

    Like 0
  29. Avatar Luke Fitzgerald

    Sorry boys – my apologies – very unchristian

    Like 0

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