HUGE FIND
Abandoned $800k classic car collection uncovered in barn – but expert fears issue could make them impossible to drive
The enthusiast gave car owners tips to maintain their car's resale value when they get older
CAR enthusiasts spotted a row of classic cars stowed in a remote barn, but they fear they might never run again.
In a YouTube video, an $800,000 collection of classic cars in an abandoned barn sparked excitement and concern among car experts.
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YouTuber John Clay Wolfe (@johnclaywolfeshow) traveled to an undisclosed location in Wisconsin in a recent video.
The barn was filled with a collection of around 20 classic cars and two boats.
Multiple 1960 and 1970s Chevrolet Corvettes lined the barn's floor. A fully restored 1960s Volkswagen Beetle with a soft top was also on display.
Initially, an anonymous seller's husband bought the sports cars. He passed away several years ago, and his widow put them up for sale.
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She was seeking $800,000 for the entire collection of cars.
However, the YouTuber said the cars carried a massive red flag - most hadn't been turned on in around 20 years.
The newest part of the collection, a green Corvette, hadn't been started in eight years.
The cars were also stored in a barn in the north. The experts worried the vehicles may have been damaged in the Wisconsin winters and never run again.
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Still, they were enticed by the collection of rare finds and said several vehicles in the collection could fetch six-figure sales.
Wolfe confirmed to The U.S. Sun he is still talking to the anonymous seller about a potential purchase of the vehicles.
Man stumbles across jaw-dropping rare car collection worth 'in the millions' in abandoned barn
The buyers shared that the resale prices for many vehicles in the barn had fluctuated in recent history.
For example, a Tri-Five Chevy, built between 1955 and 1957, has depreciated since the 2020 pandemic as financial constraints have driven classic car enthusiasts out of the market.
The buyers similarly suggested a Ford Model A would have sold for around $30,000 three years ago.
Nice collection, [but] most people have no clue what it takes to get them road-worthy again.
YouTube commenter
Ultimately, the enthusiasts walked away from the deal. They worried the car would sell for about half the price if they bought it.
Several drivers jumped into the comment section to praise the buyers after they walked away from making the purchase.
"Nice collection," one commenter said. "[But] most people have no clue what it takes to get them road-worthy again."
RUN IT
Wolfe, who has traveled the country buying and selling classic vehicles for 30 years, said it is essential for vehicle owners to turn on their cars' engines to consistently retain their value.
He said classic cars must be turned on every few days and run for at least five minutes.
He also suggested filling the car's gas tanks with regular leaded fuel - not the gas consumers buy at modern stations.
Old cars, particularly those built before the 1970s, often can't run on unleaded fuel because they lack hardened valve seats.
Modern fuels could damage the internal machinations of an older combustion engine.
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Finally, he also said old car owners should check any liquids and the associated storage tanks for degradation.
Wolfe said drivers can get more tips on his Instagram (@johnclaywolfeshow) about car-buying and selling.