May 2026

Note: All images in this article show the same model of vehicle, but not the actual barn‑find cars discussed. This avoids copyright issues while still giving readers a visual reference.

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a barn find. Maybe it’s the dust, the mystery, or the quiet thrill of imagining who last drove the car. But with so many staged “discoveries” online, it’s getting harder to know what’s real.  Here’s a friendly look at a handful of genuine, documented barn finds — including some beauties from right here in Australia.  ​If you’d like to explore these barn‑find stories in even more detail, many of the original reports were first covered by the team at Drive. They do excellent work documenting real discoveries, and you can find their articles at www.drive.com.au

The Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III Shed Discovery

Few cars stir the Australian heart like the Falcon GTHO Phase III. One example, tucked away for years, resurfaced in remarkably original condition.  Its authenticity was backed by auction listings and detailed reporting.  No theatrics —  just a dusty, honest Aussie legend waiting for daylight.  

The  Phase III GTHO was produced from May 1971 to November 1971 and was the pinnacle of Ford Australia's muscle car development, featuring a 351 Cleveland V8 engine with enhanced  internals. Only 300 were produced, making it extremely rare and valuable today.  Its top speed exceeded 240 km/h, making it one of the fastest four-door sedans in the world at the time.  

A DeLorean Frozen in Time (USA)

Not Australian, but too good to ignore: a DeLorean with just 1500 km on the clock, found untouched in a barn.  Its mileage, photos, and subsequent auction record made it one of the 

most verified barn finds of recent years.  There were only around 9,000 DeLoreans built before the factory closed due to bankruptcy.  The car that featured in the “Back to the Future” franchise was a DeLorean DMC-12, manufactured for just three years from 1981-1983. As if there is nothing new under the sun - Delorean is looking at producing an electriccar and from the design it follows it predecessor right down to the gull wing doors.