Everyone loves a story about a “barn find”. Someone hears a tale about a long lost sports car that a local farmer may have stored in his shed. The owner has since departed this world, and the immediate family lost interest years ago. Then that someone goes searching the local farms and finds the lost treasure under a tarp covered in dirt and hay… possibly doubling up as a chicken coop.
While travelling around the UK on a recent work and holiday trip, I had my own barn find experience…well, sort of…! Through an acquaintance, I met a guy named Tony (named changed to protect his identity). “Tony” was a well to do banker in a former life, and since retiring, he has discreetly indulged in his passion for 911’s, especially some rare racing ones. After a few phone calls, Tony agreed to show me his collection. Due to the rarity of some of the cars and his desire for discretion, Tony gave me directions to a country pub where we would meet up the following day, and he would drive me to his cars.
At the appointed time, I met Tony at the “Fox and Hounds” in a remote country village. (Remote for the UK). I jumped in Tony’s car and he took me a on the scenic route to his collection. After sufficient disorientation around county lanes, we turned off down a dirt track and slowly navigated our way across a field crest until we came to a series of refurbished barns. Tony jumped out and preceded to the security panel next to one of the barn door to disarm the high security system. The barns were cavernous old army barracks used by British troops and American GI’s during the war, they have since been restored to house Tony’s 40 plus 911’s!
We wandered through aisle after aisle and Tony lifted car covers to unveil gem after gem. Graciously, Tony allowed me to take snaps of some of his favourites. Among the more notable cars:
- A couple of 996 RSR’s. The first one was campaigned at LeMans and the other had been campaigned across the US at Sebring etc. Tony’s plan was for he and a friend to re-commission and race them.
- 964 Cup Car – Restored to race ready
- 73 RS – Fully restored
- A couple of 964 RS in the process of being restored
- 993 RSR – Race ready.
After an hour of ogling his beautiful collection, (not nearly long enough) it was time to go. With me still somewhat awe-struck by the incredible collection of Porsches I’d just seen, Tony secured the property and we took the winding scenic tour back to the pub.
By Tim Rout
