There have been a number of large collections of barn-found beauties posted here, but unlike many, this group of cars is all for sale and most of this collection appears to be in much better condition than most large assemblages that we have seen. It’s hard to maintain, much less to drive, a large group of cars. This owner, in Exeter, near Providence, Rhode Island knows what he has and what they’re worth. The collection is advertised for sale here on craigslist. He says he can’t drive or care for them anymore (due to a brain injury in 2013) and is ready to sell now.
The seller says the cars are stored “on wood” in his barn and are started and run every two months.
As you can see from the first picture, he has posed his best cars drive-in theater style (maybe outside that barn?) Perhaps this photo was taken prior to the cars going into storage, as later pictures show them much dustier and inside the barn.
All the cars shown in the drive-in photo appear to be in very good condition and include a 1955 Thunderbird with both tops, a 312 cid engine with an aggressive asking price of $40,000 and a 1959 T-Bird with a 352 engine for only $9,000.
This ’59 really looks great inside and out! Could it be all original or do you this this one has already been restored?
There is also a really nice 1956 Olds Super 88 with dual exhausts for $15,000.
There are two cars the owner bought new and for which he has complete documentation. He has a very beautiful 1966 Ford Mustang convertible GT (A Code), 4 speed, power disc brakes, duals, new tires, new brakes, only 64000 miles, for which the asking price is $25,000.
And a (far less desirable) 1992 Chevrolet Camaro RS, loaded, with an amazing 105 original miles, the 305 engine, power brakes, power steering, automatic, for which he is asking a steep $35,000.
And there are also some field cars needing lots of work too. The owner appears to be partial to 1964 Ford Falcons, and has three of them for sale. The blue one shown in photos was disassembled for restoration; all removed parts are in the barn, including hood, doors, trunk, seats, etc. This is another car the owner bought new and in fact, it was his first new car, for this one the asking price is $1800. There are two more Falcons, both described as “good restoration projects.” As the seller rightly points out, “they are not Sprints for these prices.” He is a knowledgeable collector, for sure, knows what he has and values it all, but not completely unreasonably, and he does invite reasonable offers. However, tire kickers are not welcome.
There are some great cars pictured here, but not all of them are described in the ad, so it’s not clear if the seller still owns all the cars in the drive-in photograph. And there are some other interesting vehicles shown in the photo of the Falcons in the field – I see another mid-fifties Olds and there are also two pretty restorable looking early fifties Chevy pick ups as well, and there may be more lurking in that field out of view.
Unlike so many other collectors, this owner is ready to sell his much-loved cars. I really like this collection of cars. Overall, the asking prices are not completely crazy, and the fact that he is the original owner of at least three of these cars does make this group a special find. I’d love to know more about these cars and hear the owner’s stories about them. It must be hard for him to see his many beautiful old cars in storage, and I hope they will all find new life with people who can drive and care for them again.
What an amazing setup—a drive-in theater in your own back yard, complete with decades-old cars. The first glance at the main picture took me back to when there used to be drive-ins that we used to go to.
The ’66 Mustang A-code convert with low miles looks like it might be a good deal for a special car, bought new by him and even with the paperwork. And it looks like it has the GT option. If I wanted an early Mustang convert I would go after that one. That would probably sell in a few heartbeats at a major collector car auction.
The seller sounds genuine and likely good to deal with. The only comment I have for him would be to list these all at once in a related series of listings on Ebay, preferably in the Spring. Or else get some help and get them to a regional collector car auction. They deserve wide exposure, at least as much as Ebay would provide, and better than CL.
Good luck to the seller. I hope he’s successful in moving them on to people who will appreciate them and gets the value out of them for himself.
I am fortunate to live near a still open Drive In, unfortunately, it is closed for the winter. Great ad. Sorry to hear of his brain injury, but he does a far better job on his CL ad than 99 percent of the rest. Have a great New Year to all! Take care, Mike.
Our local drive in is open year round. I’ve never actually gone there in the winter but I do see the movies playing on the screen when I pass by late at night.
Nice collection
I think you can shut this site down now. That is possibly the ultimate barn find!
If it were closer to home I would make a serious bid for that ’66 Mustang.
The ad does not mention the two mid 50s Fords that you can see in the pictures. The yellow and white Ford interests me the most.
I am also surprised that they are being sold on Craigslist rather than through an auction.
yep………..the Crown Vik is the ticket, beyond the cool factor
I would like the 56 Ford Convertible, the 56 Ford Crown Vick & the 59 T-Bird.
Seller says the 55 Bird has a 312 motor which wasn’t available until 1956. Also, the rear end of the 55 has been changed with the exhaust pipes no longer coming through the body and bumpers. It appears that the fuel door located on the trunk lid has also been closed off. $40,000 for a 55 Bird is a stretch for a pristine example not one that has been screwed over.
Thanx BOB – – – knew something didn’t look quite right. If there is so much “error’ with one, what about the rest? That two-rone blue 56 Ford convert just calls for me to come get it. Oh, well
i agree with bob. the hobby for the average guy gets more diluted every year with so many people seeing to much barett-jackson danny the count and fast and loud. there is so much untrue-hype by these type shows and non’factual incorrect facts reported that the hoby s fastly being ruined as a hobby which is what it was founded on but has become an industry of entertainment for the masses. now every “joe on the corner” thinks a 250.00 run of the mill 4 dr scrap heap in the bush is worth 5000 because a pristine rare low production frame off restoration of the same year ran through the auction for 74000 on a given day. the unknown fact is that if you are fortunate enough to havethe skill todo this is one thing, and the other factt is more often than not ,the owner has 70,000 or more in the restoration. the heap in the bush is still worth 250.00 the other fact is half the so called experts in the business are in it for a large profit!!. it is called “business” as stated by bob these guys including a lot of “mass collectors” like this one aren’t as it appears causing confusion. i am a fan of anythingold but whatever your choice of make, model, or marque if you don’t know all the facts don’t publish it as something it isn’t. just like this add, half or more of people selling old fords of the fifties report cars as things as the 55 t-bird. no 312’s before 56, thnderbid specials in 55 were 292’s with 4brl, base v/8was 272, just a few things that muddy the hobby. the term “original” most overused term out there. just wanted to get my 2 cents in, this a great site, but these facts seem to never get mentioned in “thee industry”s imply because the “hobby” has all but been ruined by the “business” for profit sector. i am 70 and not to be for the hobby much longer anyway. so good luck tosurvival of the “hobby class of the future. it has been fun. not much lasts forever. ron
Well said Ron. I’ve passed on most cars from the 60s and 50s just because guys selling these cars think every one of them is worth their weight in gold. AND used to be the real undiscovered bargain but those cars have gone up quite a bit as people being priced out of the “popular” makes are now buying AMC. I buy a lot of 70s cars….they’re not as great as 60s and 50s cars but at least I don’t have to mortgage my house to buy one….yet
I already have some vintage iron. I’d like to have my own drive-in theatre.
I’ve been watching this one on CL for awhile. Had contacted the owner about the Mustang but he never got back to me. Always have to be leery of “GT” Mustangs since they are so easy to clone but since this guy says he’s the original owner that really helps.
I can’t see that ’66 Mustang lasting long at all if everything is legit. Sounds like an honest seller with an honest listing who has experienced an unfortunate and life altering medical condition.
Is it just me, or does anyone else wonder about the weeds and shrubs growing in the ’55 Bird? Am I the only one who sees them? Am I having another one of my episodes? Good Lord, did I have way too much fun in the seventies? Questions! So MANY questions…
I’m with ya Wayne.
This guy has a bit of an attitude when politely asked in-depth questions regarding condition of the Mustang ( panel replacement etc.). “it’s not a new car!” is not an answer a serious buyer wants to hear in response to his direct condition questions. I buy a lot of classic cars every year and with these types, when I get an answer like that, I just say thank you very much and good bye.