Survivor Cars

Not all barn finds are rusty! Here are the very best unrestored classics:

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52K-Mile Luxury Survivor: 1978 Cadillac Eldorado

Mediterranean Blue Firemist is such a beautiful color, although now that I say that, vehicle colors are such a subjective thing. At the very least, it’s an exotic-sounding name, and that’s perfect for what was an exotic car at… more»

Cranberry Time Capsule: 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible

Finding a true survivor Chevelle convertible in today’s market is no small feat, and this 1971 example stands out precisely because it hasn’t been over-restored, reimagined, or heavily altered. Offered as an original, unmodified Malibu Chevelle convertible, this car… more»

No Reserve: 1967 Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle has one of the most easily recognized shapes in automotive history. Produced as an affordable people’s car, an impressive 21.5 million of these little classics rolled off the line before production ended in 2003. This 1967… more»

Restore or Ride? 1965 Rupp Grand Prix Go-Kart

Oddly enough, I’ve done seven out of the 10 Rupp machines shown here on Barn Finds over the last decade or so. Maybe that isn’t surprising, given my love of anything unusual, small, and somewhat inexpensive. Oh yeah, and… more»

Electric Start Survivor: 1972 Chaparral Firebird 440

Vintage snowmobiles have to take off in the collector market fairly soon, don’t they? As vintage cars and trucks continue to be priced at crazy numbers, getting a vintage snowmobile this nice for under a grand has to be… more»

BF Auction: 1986 Volvo 240 DL Wagon

Regular readers may find this 1986 Volvo 240 DL Wagon familiar. We featured in an auction three years ago when Barn Finds founder Jesse Mortensen decided to part with a vehicle that had served as his daily driver. It… more»

California Estate Find: 1978 Datsun 510 Wagon

A Datsun 510?! That ain’t no Datsun 510, Gilby, what are you trying to unload on us (again). Well, you’re right and wrong at the same time. Welcome to marriage. No, wait, different subject. This 1978 Datsun 510 Wagon… more»

Sparkling Survivor: 1987 Toyota Cressida Luxury Sedan

Years before Toyota introduced its luxury Lexus brand in the USA in September of 1989, the most luxurious Toyota sold stateside from 1978 to 1992 was the Cressida. It was an extremely well-built and equipped luxury sedan, but its… more»

Barn-Bound 10 Years: 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

1977 was the fifth and last year of the “Colonnade” A-body cars at General Motors. A smaller, more fuel-efficient platform was due out in 1978, yet cars like the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme were still putting up big sales numbers…. more»

Stored 35 Years: 1977 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT Survivor

Sales catalogs for their 1977 pickups advertised the Ranger XLT trim level as “Ford’s finest!” As modern pickups get more luxurious, more capable, and more expensive, it might seem quaint that in 1977, this line topper’s luxuries includes such… more»

LPG Conversion: 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55

This 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55 is a tidy classic with only minor cosmetic needs. It features a 390ci V8 under the hood and the distinctive power “Breezeway” back window. The LPG conversion adds versatility, and I must say a… more»

One Owner 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible

If a car with a known history is on your Shopping List, this 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible deserves a close look. It is a one-owner classic that underwent a frame-off restoration in the 1990s. It still presents exceptionally… more»

Middle East Export: 30k Mile 1970 Shelby GT500

We see plenty of desirable classics at Barn Finds, and this 1970 Ford Shelby GT500 fits that mold. However, it also has an interesting backstory, having spent much of its life on foreign shores. It has returned home as… more»

37k Original Miles? 1963 Mercury Meteor

This 1963 Mercury Meteor makes a striking first impression. The paint combination is extremely attractive, and its initial appearance makes the seller’s claim that it has a genuine 37,000 miles on the clock seem plausible. The seller has been… more»

Movie-Star Provenance: 1952 Dodge Power Wagon

It’s not every day a Power Wagon surfaces with a backstory that reaches all the way to Hollywood, but this 1952 Dodge example—now for sale in St. Paul, Minnesota—comes with exactly that kind of built-in folklore. According to the… more»

Gen X Time Machine: 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon

Some craigslist ads barely hide their enthusiasm, and this seller leans all the way in. Their 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon is pitched as the right wagon for anyone who grew up in the era—or simply appreciates the charm… more»