230 cars amassed over 40 years were found stored across three locations and were worth millions
Published on Aug 03, 2025 at 6:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Aug 03, 2025 at 6:18 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
In possibly the greatest barn find ever, 230 cars amassed over 40 years were found stored across three locations and were worth millions of dollars.
This veritable treasure trove of classic car icons was collected over a long period of time by just one man, a Dutch collector called Ad Palmen.
It was only when Palmen became ill and executors discovered his collection, they realized they were looking at one of the best-kept secret car collections in the whole of Europe.
Along with some iconic classics from all of Europe like Ferraris, Aston Martins and Mercedes-Benz, he also had American classics like Cadillacs and Chevys, but the most impressive standout vehicles were truly spectacular.
EXPLORE SBX CARS – Supercar auctions starting soon powered by Supercar Blondie
230 cars + 40 years + millions of dollars = Barn find of the century
This collection of vehicles from all over the world has been labelled as one of the greatest barn finds ever and one of the best kept secrets in all of Europe, and it’s going up for auction.
Just one man, a Dutch collector called Ad Palmen, amassed his amazing collection of 230 cars over 40 years and he secretly built his collection away from prying eyes in two warehouses and even a church.
It was only when Palmen unfortunately became too ill from dementia that his collection came into the hands of executors who realized they had laid their eyes on the best-kept automotive secret in Europe.
Palmen began his collection with a yellow Lancia B20, but the collection grew icon by icon, until it became probably the greatest barn find ever.
What is in the collection?
Palmen’s collection has cars from all over Europe, like Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, and Maseratis from Italy, Jaguars, Rolls-Royces, and Aston Martins from the UK, and BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes from Germany.
The collection also has some All-American classics, too, in the form of Chevys, Cadillacs and Fords and there are some true outliers like Tatra, Matra, Alvis, Imperia and Villard.
The standout and delightfully rare cars include a Lancia Aurelia Spider, an Alfa Romeo 2600 SZ, and a Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster.
According to the auction house, Classic Car Auctions through Gallery Aaldering, all of the cars are in fabulous original condition, and all 230 run well, as Palmen would periodically start all the engines to keep them running.
“It is unlikely that anyone will ever see a collection of this caliber and condition again in their lifetime,” Nico and Nick Aaldering of Gallery Aaldering said in a statement.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
