🖊️ 11—Car & Bike Legends

TREASURES

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Cars & Bikes — 11 Finds, $45 Million+

Hidden Treasures in Everyday Places

This list serves as a compact archive of modern car and motorcycle treasure history — a quick reference for journalists, researchers, and enthusiasts. It highlights how high-value items continue to surface in ordinary places.

A few legendary examples from the list include:

$900,000 for an iconic motorcycle found in a barn
$1 Million for a rare gas sign discovered in an attic
$10 Million for a rare car found in a junkyard

Overlooked for years, these surprising discoveries reveal how valuable treasures can be — even when hiding in plain sight.

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11—Legendary Finds

1. Barn Find Ferrari—$18.5 Million for Ultra-Rare 1961 250 GT SWB Unearthed in Rural France

📰 📅 2015 Report: Unearthed in a barn in rural France beneath rotting magazines, a rare 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, one of only 37 ever made, it sold for $18.5 million. This Ferrari was part of a larger collection that garnered an impressive $28.5 million in total.

█ Story and images: 🔗 Autoweek

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2. Gullwing Grail—$10 Million for Rarest Mercedes Found in LA Junkyard

📽️ 📅 2025 Report: In Los Angeles, USA, a rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz alloy Gullwing—one of only 29 made—was discovered unrestored in a junkyard shed. Originally purchased in 1976 for $30,000, it sold for nearly $10 million. Considered the rarest Gullwing known, the vehicle had remained hidden for decades, untouched and nearly forgotten. Full story and in-depth insights in an 18-minute video.

█ Video: 🔗 Jay Leno's Garage / YouTube

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3. Bugatti Barn Find—$4.9 Million for 1932 Type 55 Roadster Discovered in France

📰 📅 2020 Report: A 1932 Bugatti Type 55 roadster, found in a barn, was sold for €4.6 million ($4.9 million in 2024) at the Grand Palais in Paris, in an auction during the 2020 Retromobile week. This car, from the golden age of Bugatti sports convertibles, is noted for its rarity as one of only 29 remaining examples. It boasts a history of racing at Le Mans and modifications by renowned coachbuilder Giuseppe Figoni. The car is deemed priceless due to its unique heritage and design.

█ Story and images: 🔗 Goodwood

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4. Bullitt Mustang Marvel—$3.7 Million for Movie Car Once Bought for $3,500

📽️ 📅 2020 Report: An iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT, featured in the film Bullitt, sold at auction in Florida, USA, for $3.74 million (including fees)—setting a record for the model. Originally purchased in 1974 for $3,500 by a family in the northeastern United States, the car reportedly served as their daily driver for years. The family even declined a buyback offer from Steve McQueen. Full story in a one-minute video.

█ Video: 🔗 CBS Mornings / YouTube

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5. Daytona Discovery—$2.17 Million for One-Off 1969 Ferrari Found in Japanese Barn

📰 📅 2017 Report: In Italy, a one-off Ferrari Daytona, originally commissioned in 1969 and lost for four decades, was rediscovered in a Japanese barn in 2017. This unique car, made with an all-aluminum body and regarded as a priceless treasure due to its rarity and historical significance, fetched $2.17 million at an auction. The vehicle's rediscovery highlights its enduring legacy and exceptional preservation.

█ Story and images: 🔗 CNN

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6. Ferrari Treasure—$1.8 Million for 1950s Car Shell Discovered in Farm Storage

📰 📅 2023 Report: In the United States, a forgotten treasure—a 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider, one of only 13 produced—was unearthed years earlier in Florida, following the devastation of Hurricane Charley. Despite being wrecked and burned, this ultra-rare vehicle fetched a staggering $1.875 million at auction. Discovered in a barn among a cache of 20 classic Ferraris, its race-preserved state only added to its allure. Though non-operational, this artifact of motoring history retains significant value due to its rarity and storied past.

█ Story and images: 🔗 The Drive

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7. Antique Advertising—$1.5 Million for 1920s Gas Sign Found in Attic

📰 📅 2022 Report: In the U.S., a rare 1920s Musgo Gasoline sign, discovered in a Michigan attic, sold for a record $1.5 million. Considered the 'holy grail' for collectors, the sign was in pristine condition and had never been publicly seen before.

█ Story and image: 🔗 Antique Trader

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8. Barn Find Beauty—$1.1M for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Hidden in Indiana

📰 📅 2020 Report: A priceless 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, hidden for over 40 years in a barn in Indiana, USA, was sold for nearly $1.1 million. Originally purchased in 1976 and stowed with less than 15,000 miles, its rarity is underscored by being one of only 249 models made in 1960.

█ Story and images: 🔗 Business Insider

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9. Bond Car Bonanza—$997,000 for 007 Submarine Found in $100 Storage Unit

📰 📽️ 📅 2019 Report: In Long Island, New York, USA, a couple found an underwater car from a James Bond film in a storage unit bought for $100. This rare, film-used submarine car, was later sold to Elon Musk for $997,000. Its initial discovery and immense historical and cinematic value make it a priceless find.

█ Story, video, and images: 🔗 Popular Mechanics

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10. Bike Bonanza—$935,000 for 1908 Harley Found in US Barn

📰 📽️ 📅 2023 Report: In the USA, a 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank motorcycle, discovered in a Wisconsin barn, sold for $935,000, becoming the auction's most expensive bike. Its rarity is underscored by its pristine condition and the inclusion of original parts. Less than a dozen exist.

█ Story, video, and images: 🔗 Entrepreneur

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11. Harley Heaven—AUD $600K (USD $389,000) for Motorcycle Discovered in Dry Storage

📰 📽️ 📅 2015 Report: In Australia, a 90-year-old unrestored Harley-Davidson was discovered in dry storage and sold for AUD $600,000—approximately USD $389,000 based on 2024 exchange rates. This FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer, one of the world's rarest motorcycles, is highly prized for its scarcity and historical significance.

█ Story, images, and video: 🔗 Brisbane Times

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These inspiring discoveries reveal the untapped potential of everyday spaces as hidden treasure troves. Explore the top 40 finds below the ad ☟

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🖊️ 11—Car & Bike Legends

TREASURES

News | Tools | [ List ] | Map | [ Info ]

✩ Money Makers ✩

█ A-Z // Fortunes Found 🔗 - [ i ]

Cars & Bikes — 11 Finds, $45 Million+

Hidden Treasures in Everyday Places

11—Legendary Finds

1. Barn Find Ferrari—$18.5 Million for Ultra-Rare 1961 250 GT SWB Unearthed in Rural France

2. Gullwing Grail—$10 Million for Rarest Mercedes Found in LA Junkyard

3. Bugatti Barn Find—$4.9 Million for 1932 Type 55 Roadster Discovered in France

4. Bullitt Mustang Marvel—$3.7 Million for Movie Car Once Bought for $3,500

5. Daytona Discovery—$2.17 Million for One-Off 1969 Ferrari Found in Japanese Barn

6. Ferrari Treasure—$1.8 Million for 1950s Car Shell Discovered in Farm Storage

7. Antique Advertising—$1.5 Million for 1920s Gas Sign Found in Attic

8. Barn Find Beauty—$1.1M for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Hidden in Indiana

9. Bond Car Bonanza—$997,000 for 007 Submarine Found in $100 Storage Unit

10. Bike Bonanza—$935,000 for 1908 Harley Found in US Barn

11. Harley Heaven—AUD $600K (USD $389,000) for Motorcycle Discovered in Dry Storage

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