The words “Barn Find” mean a lot to a car collector. In case you’re not familiar, the phrase usually refers to a diamond in the rough kind of car or something that has been sequestered away. It presents the next owner with the opportunity to restore this car back to its original glory and then enjoy it as they please. Everyone loves hidden treasure, right?
So when Gooding Christie’s unveiled its collection of unrestored, barn-find Ferraris, the car world collectively lost their minds. The New Woodstock Collection has not one, or two, but three unrestored Ferraris in addition to a bunch of other highly desirable autos, all without reserve, which is basically unheard of. Named for where they were discovered in upstate New York, the cars in the collection will be presented at Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions. You can learn more about the amazing cars in this sale in its online catalogue.
Perhaps the most hyped car in this sale, the 1951 Ferrari 342 America Coupe (Estimate: $900,000 - $1,200,000, without reserve) is as classically handsome as it gets. Conceived as a pure road-going gran turismo on a longer wheelbase chassis, it was sold only to royalty, titans of industry, and great athletes. This chassis, 0130 AL, was the very first chassis and was bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia. Inside, the car offers a 4,101 cc Tipo 342 SOHC V-12 engine and three Weber 40 DCF carburetors. The 342 was first owned by British industrialist David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin Lagonda and, unbelievably, it has never been restored, exhibited, or offered for public sale – a truly unearthed beauty.
Ready for your jaw to drop again? The 1929 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport (Estimate: $350,000 – $450,000, without reserve) is an archetypal barn find Bugatti with all the things collectors dream of: more than 60 years of ownership with a single owner and a matching-numbers engine. With the iconic Grand Sport bodywork, it presents with the popular “oily rag” look that makes it highly desirable with or without preservation work.
If the Ferrari and Bugatti marques didn’t wow you enough, it doesn’t stop there. There are also two remarkable Porsches, the 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster (Estimate: $140,000 – $180,000, without reserve) and 1951 Porsche 356 Coupe (Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000, without reserve). The Speedster is remarkably rare and Pre-A, one of just 1,234 built between 1954 and 1955. It was originally finished in Speedster Blue with beige interior and is equipped with a period-correct 1300 engine and Blaupunkt radio. Its companion, the Coupe, is one of approximately 750 examples built in 1951 and was delivered new in striking Adriablau. With irreplaceable patina, and a 1,582 cc OHV air-cooled flat 4-cylinder engine, the car is sure to be a hit at any Porsche gathering.
The collection also contains two cult favorites: the 1933 Morgan Three-Wheeler Sports (Estimate: $15,000 – $20,000, without reserve) and the 1951 Vincent Series C Comet (Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000, without reserve). The Morgan has remained in long-term ownership for at least 50 years and has a desirable 3-speed manual gearbox for the powerful J.A. Prestwich engine. On the other hand, the Comet retains its matching-numbers engine and upper frame. It makes for either a restoration project or static display artifact.
It’s so rare to see this many barn finds in one place, and all offered without reserve. If you’re as obsessed as we are, you can check out the Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions online catalogue as long as you promise not to drool too much or even register to bid if you’ve seen the fixer upper of your dreams.
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