The 2023 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, IL, features its largest Barn Finds and Hidden Gems display with 36 exceptional muscle cars—the largest exhibit in MCACN history.
Curated and hosted by Ryan Brutt, author of the book Muscle Car Barn Finds, this popular section showcases rare and unique finds, highlighting vehicles that are in unrestored condition, ranging from rolling shells to complete running cars.
Each barn find and hidden gem is carefully selected for its rarity and intriguing history.
Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from MCACN, shall we?
Table of Contents
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Found in Houston, Texas, this 1970 Boss 429 (1 of 499) has a racing past and was last registered in 1972. Its original engine, lost for years, was miraculously reunited with the car just before the show. However, the owner didn’t have the right engine brackets to install it before the show. There is no word on where the numbers matching transmission is located. Unfortunately, it is missing a few hard-to-find and expensive parts, like the carburetor and exhaust manifolds. However, they can still be bought for the right price.
1969 Dodge Super Bee
This 1969 Dodge Super Bee stands out with its Code 999 special order pink paint, a precursor to “Panther Pink,” one of Mopar’s famous Mopar High Impact Colors. It’s a numbers-matching, stripe-delete car with a standard 383 engine and a four-speed. It was bought new at Jim Stoutars Dodge in Barstow, California, and purchased from the original owner’s son. It’s the only known pink Mopar painted in 1969.
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One of 1,502, this “patriotic”A-Scheme” SC/Rambler runs and sounds like a race car. It’s outfitted with a Group 19 Edelbrock STR-11 cross-ram intake manifold and a pair of Holley carburetors. It was the sole representative of AMC Muscle Cars in the display. The 1969 AMC Hurst SC/Rambler, a budget muscle car priced at $2,998, was designed for NHRA F/Stock class drag racing. It came in two color schemes: “A-Scheme” and “B-Scheme.” Initially planned for a 500-unit run, American Motors ended up manufacturing 1,502 units.
1970 Hurst/Olds Prototype
This 1970 Hurst/Olds is a unique find with a story of survival. Found in a field with significant front-end damage, this black car was a magazine test car and a GM prototype, featuring a sunroof, Y79 Performance Package, and power windows. Note the photo on the roof that shows what it looked like when new. Unfortunately, the original rear spoiler has seen better days, having been abandoned in the elements for so long.
1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 Six-Barrel Pilot Car
Serial number 004, this 1970 Plymouth Cuda is the first of its kind from Chrysler’s Los Angeles plant. This loaded Lemon Twist pilot car was found in a salvage yard in the ’80s. It’s a restoration challenge, missing key components, including the original 440 engine, 6-bbl intake and carburetors, shaker hood air cleaner, and 4-speed transmission.
1969 Shelby GT500 Pilot Car
The 1969 Shelby GT500, originally a 1969 Mustang GT SportsRoof, was transformed by Shelby Automotive. This particular vehicle is one of 3,150 produced. As a pilot car, it features several unique elements not seen in regular GT500s, including special markings likely used for measurements, insulation in the rear side vents, and distinctive two-piece wheels combining a magnesium center with an epoxy outer rim. Currently, it’s a project car poised for a comprehensive rotisserie restoration.
1970 Buick GSX
This 1970 Buick GSX, painted in Saturn Yellow, is one of only 491 made. Despite showing signs of wear, it maintains its original allure. Initially used as a daily driver in Chicago, the car was eventually replaced by a station wagon as the original owner’s family grew. Later rediscovered and reclaimed by the family, the original owner’s son now preserves it for future generations. The intention was to drive it to a show, but it had to be towed due to brake failure. The owner plans to repair only the brakes, aiming to keep the car operational while preserving its historical integrity without undergoing a full restoration.
1970 Dodge Super Bee 440 Six Pack 4-Speed
Another stunning barn finds example, this Plum Crazy 1970 Dodge Super Bee has its numbers-matching 440 Six Pack engine and a 4-speed with a pistol grip shifter. The owner’s plan is to get it running and enjoy it as is. At MCACN 2022, the same owner exhibited a super rare 1969 1/2 Plymouth Road Runner A12 car in the Barn Finds and Hidden Gems display.
1972 Pontiac GTO 455 H/O Ram Air
Currently in Lucerne Blue and primer, this 1972 Pontiac GTO was originally Sundance Orange and features a round port 455 H/O (WW5) with ram air and an automatic Turbo 400. It’s a classic in transition, waiting for its next chapter. It was displayed with PHS documentation. With 300 net horsepower, 1972 was the last year of the high-performance Pontiac GTO during the muscle car era.
1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 6-BBL
A recent discovery is this 1970 Plymouth Superbird, originally in FY1 Lemon Twist Yellow and later repainted Petty Blue. It features its original 440 six-barrel and a column-shifted Torqueflite automatic. While a bit crusty, it was complete, including the nosecone and two-foot-tall rear spoiler. It was one of ten muscle cars that Mopars 5150 brought to the event.
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Ryan Wheaton
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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I have a hidden Gem 73 Cuda numbers matching 340, 3 speed manual 340.
Oh, that S/C Rambler made my heart skip a beat! I must be senile 😀
But you missed posting the 409 Pontiac Parisienne, one of handful built :(-
Good catch. Photos added!