15 Classic Cars Rescued from Dusty Barns
Several classic vehicles, once the crown of the assembly line, have been discovered abandoned in dilapidated buildings and forgotten. Now covered in dust and cobwebs, we wonder why they were neglected in the first place. Whatever the reasons, these legendary rides will always enamor us with their once-pristine qualities. The following slides showcase 15 classic cars surprisingly found in dusty barns.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air stood out with its unique style, chrome accents, tailfins, and wide grille. It was available in several structural styles, including the two-door hardtop, four-door sedan, convertible, and station wagon. The car was powered by different engine choices, including the standard 3.9-liter Blue Flame inline-six, the more powerful 283 cubic inch V8 engines, and the high-performance “Super Turbo-Fire” V8.
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The Mach 1 was powered by a powerful 7-liter, 335-horsepower Cobra Jet V8 engine. This engine and a functional Ram-Air induction system provided top speed and hitch-free rides. Features like the “Competition Suspension” and front disc brakes enhanced the car’s handling and maneuverability. Additionally, the Ford Mustang came with a blacked-out hood treatment with a functional hood scoop, racing-style hood pins, and special side stripes.
1967 Shelby Cobra 427
Propelled by a formidable 7-liter V8 engine, this roadster produces an astounding 425 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the powertrain allows the Cobra 427 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Also, the vehicle’s lightweight build, primarily due to its aluminum and tubular steel chassis, enhances its performance and agility, making it a formidable competitor everywhere.
1955 Porsche 356 Speedster
Aside from the 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster’s powerful 1.5-liter flat-four engine that delivers 60 horsepower, the car’s lightweight structure and aerodynamic design contribute to its agility. Its minimalist approach, with a reduced windshield height, accentuates its racing pedigree and raw driving appeal. The simple yet effective cabin features bucket seats, a basic instrument cluster, removable side curtains, and a lightweight, manually operated soft top, which adds to its overall appeal.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray differed from its predecessors with its striking split-window build and distinct styling. The 327-cubic-inch V8 engine produced 250 to 360 horsepower and could reach top speeds exceeding 140 mph. Furthermore, a new independent rear suspension unit enhanced the car’s handling. The 1963 model introduced hidden headlamps, a sleek, aerodynamic body, and a reduced weight thanks to extensive use of fiberglass.
1965 Ford GT40
Ford’s GT40 engine configuration provided a low center of gravity that enhanced handling and stability at high speeds. The car’s body was constructed from lightweight materials, bringing its overall weight to 2,400 pounds. A 4-speed manual transmission and advanced suspension systems, which included double wishbones in the front and independent rear suspension, ensured superior road grip. Additionally, its distinctive roofline measured 40 inches from the ground—hence the “40” in its name.
1959 Jaguar XK150
Although the XK150 retained the curvy lines that defined Jaguar’s sports cars, it introduced a wider structure that offered more interior space. It was available in three styles: the Fixed Head Coupe, the Drophead Coupe, and the Open Two-Seater, all bearing a 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six engine. The XK150’s dashboard layout was updated to a more modern design, with a full complement of gauges and switches easily accessible to the driver.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
As a versatile muscle car, the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T offered users the choice of a 7.2-liter Magnum V8 engine, producing 375 horsepower, or an optional 426 Hemi V8 engine, delivering 425 horsepower. A three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission or an available four-speed manual gearbox complemented this raw power output. The Charger R/T also had a heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, and a Sure-Grip differential.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet released the 1953 Corvette as America’s first mass-produced sports car. It showcased a fiberglass body—a pioneering choice then—a 3.9-liter Blue Flame inline-six engine and a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The Corvette’s suspension system included independent front suspension having coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The interior had two seats upholstered in red vinyl, while the dashboard featured a tachometer and other gauges.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California
Known as the 250 GT California Spyder, the Ferrari 250 was a classic sports car with a 3.0-liter V12 engine and a four-speed manual transmission. Its top speed was around 150 mph, and it could accelerate to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. The GT had noteworthy aesthetics, with its elegant Pininfarina-designed bodywork characterized by a long hood, short rear deck, and distinctive covered headlights.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing”
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” was easily identified by the upward-opening gullwing doors, which provided a striking visual appeal. This quality was also a practical solution to the car’s high sills and chassis structure. The 300SL is driven by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine equipped with a mechanical direct fuel injection system. Its engine produced 215 horsepower, enabling the car to reach a top speed of about 160 mph.
1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS
This model featured several engine options, including the 6.5-liter V8 engine, which could produce up to 375 horsepower. It had a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission and an optional 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The heavy-duty suspension unit was an additional feature that improved handling and stability. Distinctive design elements, such as the dual simulated air intakes on the hood, set it apart visually from other models.
1969 Lamborghini Miura
The supercar era owed much of its history to the 1969 Lamborghini Miura. This car featured a mid-engine layout, a groundbreaking configuration at the time, significantly improving handling and performance. It was powered by a transversely mounted 3.9-liter V12 engine, producing around 350 horsepower and reaching a top speed of approximately 170 mph. This sturdy engine and a five-speed manual transmission provided a visceral driving experience.
1967 Ford Shelby GT500
Ford equipped the Shelby GT500 with a 428 cubic inch V8 engine that generated an impressive 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Merged with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, the engine offered sufficient output. A well-appointed interior with a wood-rimmed steering wheel, 140 mph speedometer, and several gauges improved the car’s comfortability. Other optional features included the air conditioning and an AM/FM radio.
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT
Under the 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT’s hood was a 3.7-liter straight-six engine, generating 302 horsepower. This powertrain enabled the DB4 GT to sprint to 60 mph in approximately 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of around 153 mph. In terms of design, the DB4 GT exudes classic British elegance, with distinctive styling cues such as faired-in headlamps, a larger air intake, and a lowered roofline.