The 2021 edition of the Muscle Car And Corvette Nationals (aka MCACN) is in the books. Held in Rosemont, Illinois, the roots of the show go back to 2010. Since then, this has become a gathering for aficionados of barn finds and other hidden gems, curated by Hot Rod Magazine contributor Ryan Brutt. This year’s collection included a wide variety of automotive treasures that have spent time tucked away in barns and storage containers, as well as under carports. Here on Motor Trend are the magazine’s top six picks. Thanks to Hemmings for our lead photo and special thanks, to Larry D, for not letting these get away from us!

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Z16

Just 201 copies of the ’65 Malibu SS 396 were made with a 375 hp version of the new motor. For many, these are the Holy Grail among Chevelle followers. This one was sent to the crusher in 1976 and fortunately, the yard’s owner knew what he had and pulled off the Z16-specific pieces. Sadly, the rest of the car was left outside to the elements although the body was separated from the frame later. The current owner has reunited all the pieces and plans to do a restoration with NOS and GM parts.

1968 Ford Stroppe Ranchero GT

While the 1968 Ford Ranchero GT itself wasn’t all that rare, this is one that Baja legend Bill Stroppe apparently got a hold of. We’re told he tuned and raced it with a 429 V8 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This “gentlemen’s pickup” is slated for restoration and the current owner is reaching out far and wide to anyone who might have more information on this Ford’s history.

1969 Dodge Daytona

Out of 503 Dodge Daytona built in 1969, 70 of them had Chrysler’s 426 Hemi engine and this is one of them. The motor and TorqueFlite tranny are original and the Winged Avenger still wears its original Hemi Orange paint. After spending 50 years in a garage in Texas, it was recently acquired by an individual who has made it roadworthy again. Said new owner plans to keep the rest of the machine as original as possible.

1969 Yenko Camaro

This Camaro, built by the famed Don Yenko as one of an elite few, was discovered sitting in the mud in 1990. The owner was stubborn and wasn’t interested in selling or restoring the rare car. Apparently, he was finally worn down and it changed hands, still possessing its original L72 427 cubic inch V8 that produced 425 horses. It has an automatic transmission.

1970 Plymouth Superbird

As Plymouth’s answer to the Dodge Daytona, the Superbird was a one-year wonder. This one left the factory wearing Lemon Twist paint and had a 440 V8 with an automatic. The drivetrain was missing when it was discovered. Much of the sheet metal is now supported by body filler and the car’s vinyl top was removed. This car looks to need the most work in the group here.

1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible

The E-body Barracuda convertibles only lasted two years (1970-71). This example is 1 of 87 that were built with a 383 V8 paired with a TorqueFlite. It was triple white in color and recently changed hands. It wears a new set of Cragar wheels, although at least one of the original wheels made it to the show for display. Rather tired-looking overall after 50 years, this ‘Cuda is due to be restored.