Rare Barn Finds: Ferrari & Porsche Classics Head to Auction

The allure of the “barn find” continues to captivate the automotive world, and a collection of 20 long-hidden Ferraris is set to go to auction. The vehicles, discovered after decades out of view, represent a unique opportunity for collectors, and enthusiasts. The auction, originally announced in August 2023, is being handled by RM Sotheby’s as the “Lost & Found Collection.”

The story of these Ferraris began with their seclusion for over 30 years. Their hiding place, a barn in Florida, was compromised in 2004 when Hurricane Charley caused it to collapse. The cars were then moved to a warehouse in Speedway, Indiana, where they remained largely unknown until recently. The existence of the collection was a secret known only to a select group, but now they are poised to be sold during Monterey Car Week.

Among the standout lots is a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale by Pinin Farina. Expected to sell for between $1.7 million and $2 million, this vehicle is particularly rare. The collection also includes race cars with histories on some of the world’s most prestigious tracks, and a coupé once owned by a king, adding to the collection’s prestige.

The phenomenon of barn finds has grown in popularity in recent years. What was once considered a simple restoration project has become a highly sought-after opportunity, capable of breaking records and fueling the imaginations of collectors worldwide. The value placed on original patina, untouched interiors, and documented provenance drives competitive bidding and intense interest.

Adding to the intrigue, a 1951 Ferrari 342 America is also slated for auction. Designed as a luxurious touring model and counterpart to Maranello’s racing cars, the 342 America combined the comfort of a grand touring limousine with the power of a V12 engine. This particular model is the first of only seven built, with bodywork by Carrozzeria Ghia. It debuted at the 1951 Paris Salon and was subsequently shown at the London Earls Court Motor Show. Its first owner was David Brown, founder of Aston Martin Lagonda. The car passed through three other British owners, including collectors Colin Crabbe and Stephen Pilkington, before arriving in the United States around late 1966/early 1967. It was last publicly seen in June 1967 at the Watkins Glen Sport Car Grand Prix.

The 342 America remains largely intact, still bearing its original British license plates and two-tone interior. Importantly, the engine – a Lampredi V12 with 4.1 liters of displacement and approximately 200 horsepower – is a matching-numbers unit (number 16A). Its rarity as the first of only seven examples, combined with its Ghia bodywork, show appearances in Paris and London, and its prominent previous owners, make it a highly desirable collector’s item.

Another Ferrari set to be auctioned is a 1959 250 GT Coupé. With its potentially well-worn Colombo V12 engine and timeless proportions, this example is well-suited for restoration by an experienced restorer. The discovery of a decades-long hidden gem offers a lucky bidder the chance to immerse themselves in a golden age of Ferrari history.

Beyond the Ferraris, the auction will also feature two Porsches. A 1951 Porsche 356 embodies the beginning of a legend. Lightweight, agile, and with a purist mechanical design, these pre-356A models were the foundation of Germany’s most popular sports car brand. This particular example is in original, though neglected, condition. This proves equipped with a 356 B 1600 engine and a contemporary roll bar, and is one of approximately 750 units built in 1951.

The final offering is another 356, a rare Pre-A Speedster, of which only 1,234 were built between 1954 and 1955. This car was one of the last Pre-A models to leave the factory on November 11, 1955, and reportedly spent nearly five decades on the property of its last owner in Upstate New York. Equipped with a rare 1.3-liter engine producing 44 horsepower, it is one of only 193 originally finished in Speedster Blue. Potential buyers face a choice: ambitious restoration or static display within a Porsche-focused collection.

The auction, taking place during Monterey Car Week, promises to be a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into a hidden chapter of automotive history.