Barn find vehicles bring back memories for some and insights into the past for others. But often, the videos we see on YouTube don’t provide viewers with much of a look at these classic cars, thanks to dubious video quality and decades of debris. But, a recent exposition at this year’s Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) event in Illinois gives everyone a full view of some epic vehicles from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and other Detroit brands.
Ryan Brutt, who runs the Auto Archeology channel, organized the Barn Finds and Hidden Gems display at the MCACN show. It’s an opportunity for gearheads (and YouTubers) to see notable vehicles from the last century under the bright lights of a convention center.
And true to barn find form, these vehicles are in various stages of decay (or restoration, depending on your point of view) with many without engines.
Something Rare For Chevrolet Lovers
Early in the video, Brutt presents a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Z16, a one-year-only vehicle stuffed with a big-block 396 cubic inch V8. According to the Z16 Chevelle registry, only 201 units got built, and just 74 remain.
We don’t learn much about the car’s condition, but the exterior paint and off-color hood certainly grant this Chevelle survivor status.
An Unusual Ford Torino GT
Among the several Fords on display is a 1971 Torino GT. Layers of dirt make the car appear like it just left the barn moments ago. It’s an effect reinforced by the detached bumper sitting at the front of the vehicle.
The owner reports that they bought the car from the original purchaser in 1978, and it sat in a garage for the last 40 years. Despite the grime, this Ford has impressive credentials, including a 351 Cleveland V8 and 70,000 original miles.
A Rusting Mopar Hulk With A Purpose
Across the aisle is a 1969 Dodge Charger 500 that’s seen far better days. It’s a rusting hulk with a disintegrated floor pan and failing trunk bottom, but the owner got this Dodge running and drivable. It even entered the show under its own power.
At first glance, even a seasoned enthusiast may not notice this vehicle as a Dodge when looking from the front. The grille and headlights got pushed to the front of the car, a step to improve aerodynamics.
Dodge built the Charger 500 to pursue NASCAR championships. No one knows for sure how many left the factory, but these street-legal racers are rare sights today.
Sources: YouTube/Auto Archeology, www.v8speedshop.com