It will probably go down in history as the most extensive barn find in recent automotive history. Only recently discovered in the Netherlands The Palms Barnfind Collection named after its former owner, an eccentric car collector who lived in such a reclusive society that hardly anyone knew about his incredible collection.
More than 40 years ago, when he bought a Lancia B20, Mr. Palmen started his hobby. Over the years he collected more than 230 veteran vehicles, which he stored in a church and two warehouses in Dordrecht, near Rotterdam, where the cars were rarely seen by anyone.
Due to his advanced age, Palmen decided with a heavy heart to finally sell his impressive collection and the local classic car dealer Gallery Aldering managed to acquire the extensive historic fleet.
And now the vehicles are going under the hammer.
Most of the cars are in unrestored original condition. Sure, they’re covered in quite a bit of dust, but apparently mostly in good condition. According to Galerie Aaldering, all the cars were exclusively in a dry environment and they also started regularly to prevent the engines from jamming.
The variety of selection is beyond eclectic – and simply overwhelming. From a 1912 Singer Convertible to a 1995 Jaguar XJ-S 4.0 Convertible, there’s pretty much anything to get car geeks excited about. Different Facel Vegas for example. Also classics from Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati, Ferrari, BMWs, Mercedes, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce, Chevrolet, Cadillac or Ford, but also rarer brands such as NSU, Tatra, Monica, Moretti, Matra, Alvis, Imperia or Villard. A number of auction lots start at a very affordable 1000 euros. Some of course start a bit higher, such as a Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America from 1955, which has a starting price of 100,000 euros.
Other vehicles, which are in lesser condition, are already offered from 100 euros (!).
The online auction starts on Friday 19 May.
The individual auction items are divided into three groups, whose auctions take place on
Monday June 5
Tuesday, June 6 and
Closed Wednesday 7 June.
We can only advise anyone who has the space and time for something like this: Go for it! But hey, even for us mere mortals, the auction should be fascinating. That won’t happen again any time soon. If ever.
Source: Watson
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
