The Palmen Barnfind Collection Includes 280 Vintage Cars & Bikes

Essentially serving as long-forgotten automotive time capsules, so-called “barnfinds” have the tendency to fetch exorbitant sums on account of their highly original unmolested condition. And while there’s no shortage of noteworthy vehicles that have been unearthed from the back of old barns and warehouses, what is quite possibly the world’s most significant barnfind has now not only recently been discovered, but each of the nearly 300 cars and motorcycles that comprise the collection are all soon heading to auction. 

Started by a collector known simply as Mr. Palmen, this massive once-in-a-lifetime collection of vintage barnfind vehicles began being amassed roughly 40 years ago. Starting with a single yellow 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20, the Palmen collection would eventually grow to include no less than 280 cars and bikes — practically none of which have ever traded hands since coming into Palmen’s possession. Not only is the sheer number of cars impressive, but so too is the fact that practically every single one is in all-original condition. What’s more, the collection is made up of a diverse yet elite group of vehicles from across a myriad of different eras, regions, and makes. Because Palmen did most of the maintenece himself, very few individuals even knew of this once-in-a-lifetime collection’s existence.

The collection includes rare specimens from Italian brands like Alfa Romeo, Fiat, DeTomaso, Lancia, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ferrari, British cars from Jaguar, Aston Martin, Triumph, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce, German cars from BMW, NSU, and Mercedes, and a handful of vintage American rides. What’s more, in addition to the more than 200 cars, the Palmen collection also features a plethora of what appears to be exclusively Italian motorcycles and scooters from outfits like Vespa, MV Agusta, and Moto Guzzi, and Tomos. With Mr. Palmen now in his older years, he’s opted to sell off this amazing collection for the first time. 

Held by Classic Car Auctions, The Palmen Barnfind Collection by Gallery Aaldering will start going under the hammer beginning May 19th and will continue through June.