Picture the scene. A dusty barn door creaks open, the light hits something interesting under a tarp, and suddenly you’re wondering if you’ve just stumbled across your next life project.

That’s exactly the spirit behind the Footman James Barn Find Competition, returning with the UK’s biggest barn find display. Twenty forgotten classics, all with stories to tell and a lot of work ahead.

We’ve already revealed four. Now sixteen more join the line-up.

Some are rare. Some are quirky. Some will test the patience of saints.

The real question is… which one would you take on?

Crossley Motorsport’s 1987 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk2

A one-owner car from new, it was discovered resting in a field last year showing just 37,503 miles on the clock. Years of exposure have left their mark, yet beneath the weathered exterior remains the unmistakable DNA of a genuine modern classic waiting to be revived by the students of Crossley Motorsport.

Bernard Eimms’ 1987 Austin Maestro

Discovered in a garage clearance, Bernard got a jump battery, a gallon of fuel and managed to start the car to take it home. With just 40,220 miles on the clock, this one owner from new car has been stored for the past 21 years and never been seen at a public show before.

Bernard Eimms’ 1971 MGB Roadster

Purchased in the mid-1970s as a non-runner, this 1971 MGB Roadster was rebuilt and used until 1984. The owner Bernard Emm didn’t want to sell it so decided to garage it for a while… and over 40 years later, it will finally see daylight again as he’s bringing it to the show!

Kevin Jones’ 1979 Triumph Dolomite Sprint

The story of Kevin’s Dolomite actually began at the NEC in 2022. He met a friend who had discovered the car at his new property, kept under a car port for over 25 years. It took Kevin until 2025 to buy the car and he admits ints in a lot worse state than he first thought. However, he’s planning to restore it as it has only done 22k miles from new.

Andrew Grace’s 1962 Austin Mini 850

Andrew is bringing his 1962 Austin Mini 850 barn find ahead of starting on a full restoration. Found while visiting his father in South Africa and brought to the UK in 2021, the Mini is complete and surprisingly, running. Wear and tear and the African sun have taken their toll. The car is faded and completely worn out with some minor, unavoidable rust spots. On the positive side, the car is complete and has solid floors and sills with no structural rust, a killer of many UK Minis.

John Clements’ 1973 Mazda 1300 Deluxe Estate

Having learnt to drive in his older brother’s Mazda, which he then became the owner of, John always regretted parting with his Deluxe Estate. He joined many Facebook groups and forums scouring to find this example as he had not seen any in this country for over 20 years.

John Clements’ 1976 Mazda 1300 Deluxe Saloon

Whilst searching for his Estate, John discovered a Deluxe Saloon for sale in Northern Portugal. It was right hand drive and because of the lack of any documentation, took three attempts to register before being successful. He has now found most of the parts needed to restore the car including an NOS bonnet, good used doors, and radiator. Let’s hope we see the restored car back at the NEC in the future.

Peter Brightwell’s 1974 Triumph Stag

Owned by Peter and his dad for over 20 years, a failed MoT that ‘resembled the yellow pages’ saw the Stag ‘restored in the 1990s by utilising filler and fibreglass as well as adding a steel plate to the top and bottom of a rusty floor. Despite this, it’s a special car for the family and they’d love to see it properly restored one day.

M25 Classics’ 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier GSi 16v

Regarded as a very rare model, this 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier GSi 16v from M25 Classics has spent years in storage following an MoT failure, patiently awaiting restoration to its former glory.

M25 Classics’ 1956 Ford Zephyr/Zodiac Mk1 2.6

This 1956 Ford Zephyr/Zodiac Mk1 2.6 from M25 Classics has been stored away for years, remarkably retaining its original condition. An exciting future restoration project for classic car enthusiasts.

M25 Classics’ Land Rover Series 3

This classic Land Rover Series 3, belonging to M25 Classics, has been kept in storage for a significant number of years. Its retirement came after a serious farm accident, during which the vehicle rolled and suffered substantial damage to the roof. Despite its ordeal, the sturdy Land Rover remains a promising candidate for restoration, with its rugged character and iconic shape still clearly visible. Such vehicles are highly prized by enthusiasts, offering a tangible link to Britain’s agricultural and motoring heritage. A future restoration could bring this tough off-roader back to life for new adventures.

UK Barn Finds’ 1974 Austin Allegro

Garaged for an impressive 25 years, this early 1974 Austin Allegro from UK Barn Finds stands out as a rare survivor. It boasts the unique quartic steering wheel and, somewhat amusingly, sports a private number plate, adding to its quirky historic appeal. Such features make it a fascinating find for classic car enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the innovative, if unconventional, British motoring design of the era.

UK Barn Finds’ 1984 Porsche 924]

Believed to have been off the road for over 20 years with no MoT history, this 1984 Porsche 924 appears remarkably well-preserved, promising an exciting restoration project for enthusiasts.

UK Barn Finds’ 1983 Datsun New Cherry

This 1983 Datsun New Cherry from UK Barn Finds is a genuinely rare sight on British roads, boasting very low mileage and an eye-catching, vivid red interior that remains in superb condition. Its unassuming, understated exterior belies the distinctive and surprisingly well-preserved cabin, making it a true collector’s gem. For enthusiasts seeking something different, this unusual Japanese classic offers both originality and a vibrant, retro flair, promising to draw attention at any gathering or show.

UK Barn Finds’ 1964 Ford Consul Cortina Mk1

This remarkable 1964 Ford Consul Cortina Mk1, from UK Barn Finds, has been off the road for an astonishing 39 years, having only one previous owner. A pristine time capsule, its originality and untouched condition make it an extraordinary discovery for classic car enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to restore and preserve an iconic piece of British motoring history.

Rory Clague’s 1984 Bedford Astra Van

Supplied new in March 1984 by Eden Park Garage, this Leaf Green Bedford Astra van still retains its original invoice and paperwork. Once a staple for tradespeople, few survive today. Its barn find condition and complete history make it a rare and fascinating candidate for careful restoration.

Iain McKenzie’s 1972 Morris Minor GPO Van

This 1972 Morris Minor GPO Van, originating from the Shrewsbury area, is a classic utility vehicle. An original ladder rack has been sourced, enhancing its authentic restoration and appeal to collectors.

Iain McKenzie’s 1936 Morris 10

Stored since 1972 after being rejected from a vintage auction for lacking age and interest, this 1936 Morris 10 suffered from decades in a leaky shed, presenting a challenging restoration yet offering true pre-war character and classic British motoring history.

M25 Classics’ 1986 Citroen 2CV Dolly

This charming 1986 Citroen 2CV Dolly, discovered by M25 Classics, is a delightful barn find. Its quirky character and enduring French design make it a coveted restoration project for enthusiasts.

Jacek Pawlikowski’s 1990 Lea Francis ‘Ace of Spades’

Excellently preserved, this unfinished example was discovered at the former Lea Francis factory. Chasis 5506 is unique as it has the longer configuration compared to other examples with a larger capacity engine. A genuine unfinished project, the owner is looking to finally get the car back on the road after the show. 

All 20 barn finds will be on display together in the Footman James Barn Find Competition, forming the UK’s biggest barn find display.

Each one has a story. Each one needs a brave owner.

So when you see them in person, ask yourself the only question that matters:

Which one would you save?