Despite traversing a reported 86,555 miles over nearly 50 years, this 1975 FMC Motor Coach in Grass Valley, California could pass for two or three years old! The blue color scheme feels like a refreshing wave from a decade… more»
Survivor Cars
Not all barn finds are rusty! Here are the very best unrestored classics:
One-Family Owned: 1958 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88
I find it fascinating when a 64-year-old car not only survives to be in this kind of “original” unrestored condition, but also stays all those years with just one family. I wish I had more details about this car’s… more»
41k Mile Survivor: 1992 Buick Skylark GS
The Skylark nameplate was a staple in the Buick lineup from the 1950s to the 1990s. Its sixth and final generation debuted in 1992, continuing as a front-wheel-drive compact with interesting “new age” styling that was a departure from… more»
Vintage Survivor: 1963 Volvo PV544
Volvo (the name is Latin for “I roll”) was formed in 1915 to make automotive bearings. It was a division of an industrial bearing maker, but this arrangement lasted only a short time – so short that only a… more»
The Pinnacle Year: 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
The Pontiac Fiero was built from 1984 to 1988. It was meant to be a game changer with its design, plastic panels and performance. However, compromise got in the way on its quest to production. However, by 1988, Pontiac… more»
427 Tri-Power/4-Speed: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Sometimes I look at the C3 Corvette and wonder whether classing it as a sports car is doing the car justice. That is especially true with this 1969 Convertible. Its engine bay houses a big-block V8, giving the driver… more»
No Reserve: 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
I’m unsure whether it is an age thing, but while I love early off-roaders like Land Rovers and Land Cruisers, the thought of bouncing along some rutted track behind the wheel of one looks less inviting. I begin wondering… more»
One-Owner Survivor: 1987 Buick Grand National
A decade ago, you might have struggled to identify an American car from the 1980s destined to become a classic. That period was a generally miserable time for enthusiasts as power levels dwindled and manufacturers played it safe. However,… more»
1-Of-1 Firetruck: 1978 Ford F-250 Crew Cab
We often see the low-mileage fire trucks and related equipment come up for grabs, usually after they’ve quietly sold at some small town auction. What we see less frequently is what happens to these trucks, as they were typically… more»
V8 Shop Truck: 1956 Ford F-100
The venerable F-series Ford trucks hit the market in 1948 – called the Bonus Built line – and immediately won over the marketplace. Its truck chassis was augmented by creature comforts in the cab and suspension, appealing to buyers… more»
BF Auction: 1967 Ford F250
Sold For: $1,800 We love classic trucks here at Barn Finds. They are loaded with practicality while being stylish and fun to cruise in. We especially love unrestored examples, as most trucks lived hard lives from day one. This… more»
Trophy-4 Engine: 1962 Pontiac Tempest
Pontiac intended to get into the compact car game in 1961 with a clone of Chevy’s new Corvair. But instead, they got a different car that was unique in its own engineering. Named the Tempest, its standard motor would… more»
Low Miles, Two Owners: 1991 Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible
The Fox body Mustang has gained considerable favor in the marketplace recently and for good reason. These are very competent cars for a very reasonable price. Want to race it? No problem. Grocery getter? Ditto. Occasional weekend car? Eager… more»
Repaint or Preserve? 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Every generation jumps on the retro bandwagon, and each focuses on a different era. In the 1970s, people craved the cars, music, and fashion of the 1950s. The current generation has turned its attention to the 1980s, which helps… more»
30k Original Miles: 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo Pace Car
By 1980, forced-induction engines were making their presence felt in many spheres of motorsport. Manufacturers could see the benefit of this technology in their production models, as it allowed engines to produce considerably more power without significantly compromising fuel… more»
V8/4-Speed: 1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car Edition
Being selected to supply the Pace Car for the annual Indianapolis 500 carries prestige. Despite its enormous sales success, it is an honor bestowed on Ford’s Mustang a mere three times. The second of those occasions was in 1979,… more»