BARN-FINDS
Ran when parked and displayed as found, the Footman James Barn Find Display unearthed some unusual treasures from Britain’s colourful motoring past
A one-off booted Mini unused since the Nineties has won the show’s barn-find showcase.
The 1960 Morris Mini 850, which was fitted with a one-off glassfibre boot extension in period, beat 20 other classics in a public vote to be named the winner in the Footman James Barn Find showcase.
Owner Andy Longfield said: ‘I found this unique, one-owner car just two miles from where I live; it’s a privilege to show it at the NEC. The original owner sadly passed away, but the car is a living tribute to him. ‘It’s too much for me to restore, especially as there are some unique panels on it that need fabricating, so I’m ready to pass it onto the next person, who can either restore it or leave it – what would you do?
Ant Anstead, who presented the awards, said that the barn-find area was the first area he visited at this year’s show: ‘Every year the show brings together some really cool barn finds and we keep hearing amazing stories about these cars sitting idle for many years – and these are the country’s leading barn finds.
‘It’s a huge part of the show. Finding something that hasn’t been touched for so many years and then embarking on a restoration is the holy grail.’
1986 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
Described as ‘being in
