No one hits the barn finds quite like Mike Wolfe from American Pickers. This 1935 Auburn 653 is one of those barn finds that keeps the treasure hunters up late at night. This car (as-is) isn’t the most expensive classic car barn find, but it is rare and super cool. The latter is all that really matters here. 

Mike Wolfe of American Pickers is the King of the Barn Find

Mike wolf bought this incredible Auburn barn find from a couple during the 12th season of America Pickers. The Auburn was a sentimental item for the older couple. Wolfe has been known to honor many sentimental musings from sellers over the years, this Auburn being one of them. 

The couple who sold it did so with visible trepidation but were happy to see the car to someone who cares so deeply for these vehicles as Mike Wolfe clearly does. He bought it with the stipulation that he would get the Auburn 653 barn find running and bring it back to give them a ride.

What makes this Auburn barn find so special? 

I can’t speak to the sentimentally of the couple, but the history of Auburn has earned it legendary status in the vintage car market.

According to Silodrome, the Auburn 653 six-cylinder was designed rather quickly in 1934 and the 851 eight-cylinder. Of course, the typical opulence of Auburn’s cars were met by disdain and rough sales in the mid-’30s due to the weight of the Great Depression. 

Since so few people could afford to buy such a fancy car, Auburn decided to build these more pedestrian models. 

The same fellow who designed the iconic Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster designed the 653, the Duesenberg Model J, and other such Cruella De Vil-esq masterpieces. Aside from the fanciest version of the 653 (the one shown here), Auburn made four other body styles – the Cabriolet, Coupe, Sedan, and Two-Door Brougham.

The Auburn Barn Find from American Pickers is probably the most famous of its kind

American Pickers has become somewhat of a phenomenon. It has gone from a somewhat silly reality show to a vehicle for preserving huge amounts of vintage cars, motorcycles, instruments, advertising, memorabilia, furniture, and nearly anything else anyone can think of. 

Unfortunately, the husband belonging to the couple who previously owned this car died before Mike Wolfe had the opportunity to finish the repairs on the barn find. However, he did eventually drive it back to the previous owner’s home and give the wife a ride around the property while she clutched a photo of her late husband. 

How much is an Auburn 653 worth? 

After years of owning this beautiful barn find, Mike Wolfe has finally decided to sell. The Auburn will be auctioned through RM Sotheby’s, where it is estimated to sell between $30,000-$40,000. There is no reserve. Even though this might not be the most collectible Auburn model, it will be interesting to see if the connection to Mike Wolfe and American Pickers adds value for buyers. 

Check out the full listing at RM Sotheby’s site.