MCACN Barn Finds & Hidden Gems

*2023 Sneak Peek

1959 Chevrolet Corvette

2023 MCACN Barn Finds & Hidden Gems Participant

Owners: Jackie & Melody Fiore, New York

______________________________________

Barn Finds & Hidden Gems; They Really Are Still Out There!

The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show has established quite a reputation for many reasons. Among them is our Barn Finds & Hidden Gems area, Presented by Miller Auto Care, Stock Restorations and Restomods, devoted to cars that are never shiny and often downright scary. Of course, not all are worn out, and they always have a story. Allow us to share one with you today.

The current caretakers of this very original 1959 Corvette knew about it for many years. That is because their Uncle purchased it brand spanking new! While he was able to enjoy it for nearly 20 years, he sadly passed in 1977. At that time, the car was safely tucked away. As is often the case, there were other priorities for the family and it would be somewhat forgotten. That is, until recently when it was decided the time had come to share this amazing automobile with those of us who will truly appreciate it. If a car could only talk...

There is a wealth of knowledge with a car like this. Being able to see up close and in person how it was built and how it was enjoyed, albeit briefly, is such a treat. We are honored to be able to host this Corvette, along with 20+ other Barn Finds & Hidden Gems when we return to the beautiful Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, (SUBURBAN Chicago), Illinois, just minutes from the Chicago O'Hare Airport.

So what is a Barn Find and what is Hidden Gem? Well, with the proliferation of the term "Barn Find" let us tell you how we define the term. A "Barn Find" may have never spent any time in a barn, but it is a car that has been parked for any number of reasons. Sometimes something breaks, sometimes an owner passes and sometimes it is just "put out to pasture" as it is no longer needed. Occasionally it is properly stored under cover and sometimes it is simply left out in a field or in someone's backyard. A "Hidden Gem'' is somewhat different, as in most cases the owners are fully aware that it is something special, and most often, have taken steps to preserve it. We have had Hidden Gems come to us after the owners see other cars get attention at the MCACN show and realize it is time to get it out after years of storage. I like to think that some even come out after the owners see the amount of attention similar cars get at our show! Of course, one of our favorite things of all is when we have someone join us with a Barn Find or Hidden Gem, show it as found and then return a year or two later with the car fully restored. Again this year, we have several that have been shown with us that will be Unveiled after extensive restorations, with the covers being pulled for the very first time Saturday morning, November 18.

If you would like to join us with a Barn Find or a Hidden Gem, please send pictures and information to bashton426@gmail.com. Hosted by Automotive Archeologist Ryan Brutt, we will again have over 20 select examples representing rare muscle and vintage Corvettes. This is not an area for unfinished projects, as each car must be something special and have an interesting story that you would like to share. This is also an excellent area to gain more knowledge, as vehicles shown here are often remembered by our spectators, who may just be able to fill in the blanks with previously unknown history.

___________________________________

MCACN Official Event Cars: We have a limited number of the 2022 Johnny Lightning 1/64th scale 1970 Plymouth Superbirds and we also found a "lost" sealed case of our 2021 Auto World Dodge Challenger T/A 1/64th scale Official Event Cars. These are TRUE Limited Editions and we are the source. Don't pay inflated ebay prices; get them right from the source now! And remember...when they are gone they are GONE.

Hoping your car is ready for the Spring season and if you are working on one for the upcoming MCACN show, hope all is on schedule. If it is going to be in the MCACN show, Send us pics!

Stay Safe, Be Nice, Have Fun and please help us spread the word!

Bob Ashton
MCACN, LLC
Managing Member
www.MCACN.com

Title Sponsor