Barn Finds reader Huff sent in this very eclectic collection of 9 classics all for sale from a single seller in Pueblo West, Colorado. They are advertised here on craigslist with a request to call if you want a price. This really is one of the more unusual single collections I’ve ever seen–let’s look closer.
We’re not given much information about the cars, but we’ll share what the seller did say. This is a 1957 De Soto Firesweep hardtop, one of 13,333 produced that year according to this extensive 1957 De Soto fan site. We’re also told this car is equipped with a 318 engine — if so, that’s not the stock 325 V8 that it left the factory with.
Next up is a 1959 Triumph TR3A project car. While there is a little rust in the floorboards, I think they could be patched rather than replaced, and the sills and lower fenders don’t look bad at all (admittedly through relatively low resolution pictures).
This is a 1958 Simca. I think its a P60 Aronde, but it’s hard to tell. Obviously another project. Interestingly enough, we’re told it “drives” despite the obviously flat tire on the left front.
Next to the Simca we have a 1958 Hillman Minx convertible, which both runs and drives. This one looks like it could be roadworthy without too much work.
This 1960 Studebaker Lark also runs and drives. I think I’d want some more period wheels and/or hubcaps, but hey, it runs and drives!
The two Renault 4CVs should probably be bought as a pair. This is the parts car.
This one has new paint and upholstery which look great, but it needs engine work. Perhaps there’s an engine in the parts car?
This 1939 Dodge pickup is called a “rat rod” and sports a 400 cubic inch Oldsmobile engine. We aren’t told whether it runs or not, but the engine looks pretty good.
Finally, here’s a 1947 Ford COE truck. I love the faded, probably original signwriting on the door. Which one of these interesting projects would you choose to take on if you could have one? And if you actually buy one, be sure to let us know!
Decisions, decisions! The Lark might be cool, if it’s a Lark VIII. Always liked those.
The Hillman would be fun as well. Brings back memories of my first car. And I love Renault 4CVs. As long as at least one engine is actually present, just about any repairs are simple as can be. Wet-liner Renault engines can be rebuilt in a day (I’ve done it).
Of course, all depends on price and condition. I’d imagine the former could be negotiated, but don’t have high hopes for the latter. If I had any of these, I’d expect to have to go through everything. I’d enjoy that.
Too far away for me, doggone it.
The Studebaker is a 61
The ’47 Ford COE would be a no-brainer for me. I love those old trucks and would enjoy restoring this to original and using it. I wouldn’t especially enjoy driving it for long distances as it would rattle the fillings out of my teeth. They were NOT built for comfort but I would never consider just using the body on a newer chassis. It would be something to take the antique tractor to the steam and threshing show.
THANK YOU!!! Every time I suggest restoring something the “Patina-heads” come out of the woodwork….
Hi BG. Yes, those who like the P-word. I’ve got a good Native American friend who laughed when I told him that ‘Patina’ was an old Indian word meaning: “Lazy body man.” I guess if rust is what you want then go for it. Myself, I’ll always be a purist; get them back to what they once were; leave something for others to enjoy and appreciate….
I always say “Patina” is an old hot-rodder’s word, translates as “I’m too lazy to paint it.”
My 1st car was a ’59 4CV. ( actually, my brother’s and my 1st car) The blue one looks outstanding, and people generally, don’t cover a junk motor. Even still, with 25 hp., there are more powerful ATV’s these days. A shame the VW overshadowed the poor 4CV, even though, they still sold 1.1 million of them worldwide, as it really had a lot over the VW. They were used a taxi’s in Asia for years, maybe still do. 4 doors, better handling, and a real heater( sort of).
The other’s? Just what dad probably “collected” over the years, and now, nobody wants it.
Well, Howard, 4CVs were raced in the Mille Miglia (I know, I know, EVERYTHING was raced in the Mille Miglia), so they have that going for them!
My only worry about restoring one would be finding trim items (especially the rubber floor mat and tail light lenses), because everything mechanical is pretty straightforward. This one is a late model, and so doesn’t have the cool-looking “star” wheels. Mechanically, it’s the same as a Dauphine.
This is my last comment on this post. I’m starting to think about ways I could…no. Never mind.
The 58 Hilmen was my first classic. But i would go with the TR3. As it’s my favorite.
Desoto all the way
Yes, DeSoto, they have such great fins.
My folks’ first two cars were Hillman Minxes.
4CV for me.
The Simca Aronde hardtop is prior to the P60 facelift, the model year is likely 1958 or 1959. I think the pillarless hardtop bodystyle was called, inexplicably, the “Grand Large” which would appear to mean “Large Large.” It wasn’t any grander or larger than the sedan. When I was a kid our neighbors owned one of these (4-door) along with a huge ’58 Chrysler, and I thought the Simca was super-cool. It was almost kid-sized, relatively. They had it a couple of years and traded for a Corvair Monza which I also thought was cool.
Hello from France ! Actually, “Grand large” is a naval term, which means something like “Open Sea”. This model is very rare, even in France ! How did this one ended up in the USA ???
I love love love that COE!!! I would put an airstream on the back of it and turn it into a vintage camper .. how fun .. wonderful looking truck!!
Gimme the Lark and the COE..