From Treasure Island to Antiques Road Show, everyone is fascinated with finding a hidden treasure. My treasure wanderlust lies in the many backfields and barns usually located in rural countrysides and out of the way bends in the road.
Unlike rare coins or dinosaur bones, the relics I seek were formed by craftsman in everything from small workshops to huge factories throughout the world since the demise of the horseless carriage. Their brands and design speak loudly in their rusted death, whether their message is one of speed, comfort or world racing records.
There’s no telling what lies behind that rusted-out garage enclosure, falling down hay barn or stuck behind garage doors that have not been opened since the owner passed away years ago. It’s similar to being a rare art collector … with a huge difference.
Imagine finding an original Rembrandt molding away in a non-air conditioned attic in Fargo and asking the owners if it’s for sale. Their response is “No, we may plan to re-frame it one day,” knowing they won’t. Meanwhile, a true treasure slowly dies an unnatural death, never to be appreciated by art lovers, historians and dedicated students.
Car collectors feel the same way about Barn Finds. Rodents, humidity, rust and thieves conspire to deprive auto art lovers and historians from the world’s greatest engineering and design accomplishments.
“Barn Finders” like me toil in obscurity, cruising America’s backroads using binoculars, field glasses and cameras to record an ongoing search for the “Holy Grails of Autodom,” whether that’s an unknown Bugatti, limited edition muscle car, an original Cobra, unrestored Iso Grifon or a forgotten Sebring winner. Knowing odds are against us, we brave bad weather, dangerous road side photo ops and unruly property owners in an attempt to save these artworks for a small market of collectors, auto enthusiasts and restoration experts whose goal is to keep the dream alive.
If you have an interesting Barn Find, please call me at (214) 676-3860 or send an e mail to EricStuder@mac.com.
