When discussing American barn finds, our minds often conjure images of vintage cars unearthed in the United States. However, these dusty treasures aren’t confined solely to North America. Every so often, you can stumble upon American classics hidden away in the nooks and crannies of Europe.
A Unique Discovery in Scotland
Notably, such barn finds are relatively rare in Europe, but they do emerge occasionally. Recently, the team at “Anglia Car Auctions” stumbled upon a first-generation Chevrolet Corvette in the unlikely locale of Scotland. This discovery was an unusual sight in the northern European country, given its origins across the Atlantic. The ‘Vette lay concealed within a substantial brick barn, sharing space with a handful of rare British classics. This list included a 1955 Jaguar XK140, a 1947 Jaguar 1.5 Saloon, and a 1952 Bentley Mark IV.
As for the C1 Corvette, its journey to Scotland and the duration of its slumber in the barn remain shrouded in mystery. Despite the ravages of time, it offers promise as a solid restoration project. The front grille and bumper are absent, and its paint shows the wear and tear of years, yet it remains a compelling find, especially because the hardtop is still intact. This particular Corvette, based on its rear-end design, dates back to either 1959 or 1960 and boasts an iconic triple-red color scheme—Roman Red exterior, matching interior, and top.
Rarity and History
Just how rare is this Chevy? In 1959, Chevrolet produced only 9,670 units, followed by 10,261 examples in 1960. Unfortunately, exact numbers are elusive without drivetrain details. During this era, Chevrolet offered a selection of small-block 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) V8 engines, delivering anywhere from 230 to 290 horsepower.
Apart from the Corvette, the barn revealed a 1955 Jaguar XK140. An evolution of the iconic XK120, the XK140 arrived in 1954, featuring similar aesthetics and a 3.4-liter inline-six engine, producing 190 horsepower (210 in the U.S. version). This Jag is even scarcer than the Corvette, with just 8,937 units produced until 1957, and only 1,392 were right-hand drive, making this discovery all the more remarkable.
The Enigmatic Sedan
The barn’s hidden gem collection didn’t end there. It also housed a 1947 Jaguar 1 1/2 Litre Saloon, an elegant sedan that was in production from 1936 to 1949. These vehicles, propelled by inline-four engines from the Standard Motor Company, have become increasingly elusive.
If your heart races for luxury automobiles, you would have been delighted to see a 1952 Bentley Mark VI emerge from the barn. This Bentley, a final-year iteration of the full-size model, represents one of 5,208 units produced. It was powered by a 4.6-liter straight-six engine and marked Bentley’s first post-World War II vehicle, crafted at Rolls-Royce’s Crewe factory.
As our host continued the excavation, more treasures came to light. A 1963 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, a pair of MGA sports cars, and an Austin-Healey Sprite with the distinctive “frog eye” design all made an appearance. While none of these classics are roadworthy, they are destined for the auction block in pursuit of new owners. With any luck, they will once again grace the open road in the years to come. Nevertheless, there’s an undeniable allure to these classic cars as barn finds, frozen in time.
**FAQs:**
**Q1: What is a barn find?**
A barn find refers to the discovery of vintage or classic automobiles that have been tucked away in storage, such as barns, garages, or other sheltered locations, often for many years. These vehicles are typically in various states of disrepair and can be significant finds for automotive enthusiasts and collectors.
**Q2: What makes the Corvette found in Scotland significant?**
The Chevrolet Corvette discovered in Scotland is noteworthy due to its rarity and the unexpected location of the find. It’s a first-generation Corvette, potentially from 1959 or 1960, with a striking triple-red color scheme. The model’s history and origins in the United States make its presence in Scotland particularly intriguing.
**Q3: What are some other notable discoveries in the barn?**
In addition to the Corvette, the barn housed other valuable classics, including a 1955 Jaguar XK140, a 1947 Jaguar 1 1/2 Litre Saloon, and a 1952 Bentley Mark VI. These cars have historical significance and are rare finds in their own right.
**Q4: Are these cars in roadworthy condition?**
No, none of the cars found in the barn were roadworthy. They all require extensive restoration work to be fit for the road. However, they are destined for auction, where new owners may undertake their restoration projects.
