Apr 11, 2014  •  Stories  •  88 Comments

Huge Barn Find Discovered in Idaho

idaho-barn-find

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Update 4/11/14 – Feel free to email Bruce for a complete inventory list.

From 4/2/14 – Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded that there are still a lot of really good people out there. Our move to Idaho has been quite an undertaking, but we were warmly welcomed. Many of you have offered to treat us to lunch and a few have even invited us over to view their car collections. It has been very exciting and has made the transition much easier. I want thank you all for that. One such reader, Bruce R, was eager to share his father’s impressive collection of British cars with us as soon as we arrived!

dusty-tr6

Bruce’s father worked hard all his life and spent the last part of it doing what he loved most. He loved to chase cars so he was always watching for special ones. Over the years he was able to amass quite a collection. His favorite appears to have been Triumph TR6s though. On our visit, we counted over 15! That was the most we have ever seen in one place. He also had some TR3s, TR4s, TR7s, and even a TR8.

nos-triumph-parts

The upper loft of his shop is so full of NOS parts that it looks like the back room at a Triumph dealer! This is just a small portion of what all is up there.

dusty-jag

Besides the Triumphs there are also a few Jaguars, MGs, and a Morgan. He also had a Singer and a Berkeley at one point, but those have since been sold. There were too many cars to fit them all in the main shop at home, so Bruce’s father scattered them around town in multiple storage units. It was a lot of fun traveling around to each location and getting to lift the doors to see what was lurking inside! The list Bruce gave us had 37 cars listed and that doesn’t even include everything.

storage-unit

Unfortunately, Bruce’s father passed away a little over a year ago, so now Bruce has the momentous task of finding new homes for all these great cars. We have offered to assist in any way we can, so stay tuned. We are very excited about this one and this is just a little teaser of what’s to come! See anything in there you might be interested in saving?

Comments

  1. Mark E
    Apr 2, 2014 at 8:48pm

    I’d love to hear & see more about the teaser pic car, second to last. Looks like a late 40s-early 50s MG maybe? Just the shape of the window is beautiful! Sigh… :/

    Like 0
  2. Bruce Rolfe
    Apr 2, 2014 at 8:53pm

    Thanks Jesse. It was great showing you around part of the collection. We will get you out to the rest of it soon. Mark E that is a 1953 XK120.

    Like 0
    • Nathan
      Apr 2, 2014 at 10:01pm

      Looks like he was a great car hunter. I would like to see the list as well. [email removed] I’d be a very serious buyer on a few of the cars.

      Thanks!

      Like 0
    • Tim Bradley
      Feb 4, 2015 at 5:19pm

      Amazing collection! Please send me a list of cars for sale. Love to have a TR6

      Like 0
    • Doug M. (West Coast)Member
      Feb 10, 2016 at 10:04pm

      Bruce,

      I live in Oregon and was happy to speak to your dad about his white Jag sedan . I was not able to get over to see his cars, but would really like to revisit the option now. Could you please email me the list, too. I am also a great TR6 fan, and have always wanted to restore a TR3. My email is [email protected] Thanks!

      Like 0
  3. Jim Watson
    Apr 2, 2014 at 8:55pm

    How do we get a list of the British Cars that he has?

    Thanks
    Jim

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 2, 2014 at 9:07pm

      Jim, I need your email addy. It is in Excel format.

      Bruce R

      Like 0
      • Doug Campion
        Apr 2, 2014 at 10:52pm

        Hi Bruce,
        Sad to hear your Dad didn’t seem to enjoy these as drivers. Could you send the list of cars to me?
        Thanks,
        Doug

        Like 0
  4. Brian
    Apr 2, 2014 at 8:55pm

    Sorry to read that Bruce’s dad passed away. It does seem that he spent his last years doing what he loved and was fortunate to have the space and funds to not only chase antique cars, but to capture and bring them home to the zoo as well. Sounds like he truely “went out with his boots on” and no one could ask for better out of life than to spend it doing whay you love!

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 2, 2014 at 9:10pm

      Thanks Brian. He loved hunting for them.

      Bruce R

      Like 0
  5. Bryan Cohn
    Apr 2, 2014 at 8:57pm

    Growing up on Bugeye Sprite’s, Midget’s, MGB’s, TR3’s, TR4’s, TR6’s, TR250’s, plus GT6’s, the occasional XKE and 120/140/150 plus later model XJS’s, I’ll can honestly say I’d like to save all of it!!!

    TR250’s are my personal fave and I’ll have one one day when I stop racing and am ready for a toy to play with on the street, drive on Sunday’s, take my daughter to high school or let her drive to school….god what am I thinking??? :)

    Still, having to store cars all over town is a bit over the top. Most sane people stop when they run out of space……hoarders are the same the world over and I’ll never understand them.

    Like 0
    • Lemble
      Apr 2, 2014 at 9:20pm

      If we had no hoarders we would have no old cars or parts for them.

      Like 0
    • paul
      Apr 3, 2014 at 5:59am

      WOW, nice collection, sorry about dad & yes the 250 is one I never owned but could definitely do.
      I’m not sure hoarders is the right term here since they seem to all be in dry storage & most look to be quite nice apart from the dust.
      My personal favorite is the 120 & 3.8 MK 11 & having owned a few Brit cars it is always a treat to see a collection like this & someone who even went so far as to collect the NOS parts to go along with it.

      Like 0
    • Michael Rogers
      May 7, 2014 at 12:10pm

      WHY darken the conversation with name calling?? you sound like the county mounty looking at my collection, it’s ALL junk to her!

      Like 0
  6. russell36
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:06pm

    I have a soft spot for TR33s. I had one when I was young. Wrecked it up and rebuilt it. Traded it later for a new Mustang. Only TR3s i have now are several scale models. However, I still have the instruments from a parts car. Sigh…

    Like 0
  7. Leo
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:43pm

    Sorry to hear of your dads passing Bruce. I too would like to see the list of cars. do you have prices attached to the list?

    Like 0
  8. James H
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:43pm

    Hi Bruce. Do I see a motorcycle handlebar sticking out? Does your father have any motorcycles tucked away in there? Cool pictures!

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 6:25am

      James, We have 2 BSA’a a BUNCH of Cushmans and one Triumph Triton 750. Let me know if you would like the list.
      Bruce

      Like 0
      • James H
        Apr 3, 2014 at 8:36am

        Hi Bruce. Please send the list to [email removed]. I’m a lover/collector of british bikes and it sounds like he enjoyed them too.

        Like 0
  9. Nathan
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:43pm

    Bruce if definately like to talk to you about a few of the cars especially the jaguar and Morgan. [email removed] is my address. Thanks!

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:07am

      email with list sent.

      Bruce

      Like 0
      • Mitch
        Apr 4, 2014 at 7:43am

        Hello Bruce,
        Sorry to hear about your Dad
        I am interested in a list of the cars for sale………I am ready to buy now.

        thanks
        Mitch

        Like 0
  10. Leo
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:47pm

    Forgot… Email addy [email removed]

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 2, 2014 at 10:04pm

      Leo,
      Email with list sent. There are prices on there. They are merely starting points that is all.

      Bruce R

      Like 0
      • Lusso
        Apr 2, 2014 at 10:19pm

        Bruce,

        Can you also please send me the list of cars for sale.

        Thank you,
        Lusso

        Like 0
  11. Briscoe
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:49pm

    That’s a Morgan in the teaser. And a beauty it appears. What a cache’

    Like 0
  12. Carrie Trapp
    Apr 2, 2014 at 9:56pm

    Wonderful collection that your dad acquired. Would you mind to share the British cars via email at [email removed] please? We live in Lexington, Ky and complete our own restorations to help preserve these treasures for future years to come. Thanks!

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:07am

      List sent. Thanks

      Bruce

      Like 0
  13. Nathan
    Apr 2, 2014 at 10:20pm

    not sure if my comments are posting but I am very interested in seeing the list. It looks like your father was a great car hunter!

    Like 0
  14. Rhett
    Apr 2, 2014 at 10:36pm

    Hi Bruce,
    I’m sorry to hear about your dad, but glad you are going through the effort to find them good homes. I too would love to get that document if possible. [email removed]
    Many thanks,
    Rhett

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:06am

      List sent.

      Bruce

      Like 0
  15. Eric Breslow
    Apr 3, 2014 at 12:25am

    Hi… Its Eric from the Breslow Collection… Please contact me… There’s one I’m interesting in preserving…

    E

    Like 0
  16. John
    Apr 3, 2014 at 12:57am

    Who do we contact to make an offer?

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:06am

      Me John. I posed my email addy below
      1edge540 at live.com

      Bruce Rolfe

      Like 0
  17. John Forsman
    Apr 3, 2014 at 1:40am

    I see MK I or MK II Jag I know I could be interested in.

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 6:27am

      John Forsman,
      It is a MK II. We also have a couple XJ6C Jags. If you would like the list get me your email and I will send it to you.
      Bruce

      Like 0
      • John Forsman
        Apr 3, 2014 at 1:40pm

        Hi Bruce, I’m not sure my replies are getting to you. [email removed]
        Thanks,
        John

        Like 0
  18. Tiago Alves
    Apr 3, 2014 at 3:13am

    I would be happy to offer a loving home to a MG A. Is any available?

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:27am

      Sorry no MGA’s

      Bruce

      Like 0
  19. rancho bella
    Apr 3, 2014 at 5:25am

    I sure would have liked to pop a few tops with Bruces dad. Anyone that crazy bout’ furrin’ cars is O.K in my world. What……….no ’73 and earlier Lotus?

    I see a teener (914) up against the wall.

    Like 0
  20. jim s
    Apr 3, 2014 at 5:46am

    i see a 914 and a mg1100 or landcrab. did your dad collect midgets/sprites? sorry for your loss. your dad left you a big project but if sold right you will be “set for life”/long time . i hope you will keep some cars for yourself. thanks for sharing

    Like 0
  21. 67RebelSST
    Apr 3, 2014 at 7:15am

    Any Stags in the lot? Another great collection.

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:04am

      No Stags. Sorry

      Bruce

      Like 0
  22. Joe
    Apr 3, 2014 at 7:53am

    Boy, a list and prices would be great. Looks like something for every English car nut!

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:05am

      Need your email Joe and I will be more than happy to send you the list.

      Bruce

      Like 0
  23. MGB Norman
    Apr 3, 2014 at 8:14am

    My kinda guy. RIP.

    Like 0
  24. Martin
    Apr 3, 2014 at 8:42am

    Hi Bruce,
    Collecting was clearly a passion for your Dad , sorry he has passed away .
    I have been searching for several years for an early Jag XKE , did your dad have any in his collection ?
    I’d be very interested , most early ones went to the US , so over here in the UK very few survive .
    Appreciate any response .

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:03am

      Martin,
      We do have a 64 XKE but one of my sisters is keeping that car. Sorry

      Bruce

      Like 0
      • Martin
        Apr 3, 2014 at 12:17pm

        Hi Bruce, thanks for the reply .
        Great to see that your sister is keeping the XKE ..she clearly has great taste !
        If there is any change of heart , perhaps you’ll bear me in mind !
        [email removed]
        Been looking for a car for a long time now , and much prefer originality to restored cars …not sure what your 64 is like ?
        Given your late fathers passion did he have any colleagues with similar collections? I’d appreciate ANY leads , and will chase down leads as far as I can no matter how obscure !
        Appreciate any help .
        Take care of the Cat…
        Best Regards .Martin

        Like 0
  25. Bruce Rolfe
    Apr 3, 2014 at 9:02am

    Guys,
    Everyone who has posted an Email has been sent the list. I will be more than happy to send the list of available cars and prices to you, but I need an email address. Here is mine if you need it
    1edge540 at live.com

    Bruce Rolfe

    Like 0
    • Ross
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:31am

      Hi Bruce
      Just sent you an email.
      Hope to hear from you!
      Regards
      Ross

      Like 0
  26. Tom Smith
    Apr 3, 2014 at 9:34am

    I would like the list as well. The +4 4seater caught my eye.

    Like 0
  27. John J. Garvey
    Apr 3, 2014 at 9:37am

    I owned a 914 and several TR6’s, once I owned three TR6’s at the same time! I would like to see the price list on these cars too.

    Like 0
  28. Jake Moreau
    Apr 3, 2014 at 9:50am

    Hi I am very interested in the whole collection could you please send me the list of cars and contact information? Thanks a bunch

    [email removed]

    Like 0
  29. Han
    Apr 3, 2014 at 10:21am

    Not a single Jensen in sight….too bad!

    Like 0
  30. Len Drake
    Apr 3, 2014 at 12:06pm

    Hi Bruce – sorry about your dad. I’m an old fart with a lust for British cars. Please send the list of what is available (also what there is for parts if possible).
    Thanks,
    Len

    Like 0
  31. curt wichman
    Apr 3, 2014 at 12:09pm

    Very sorry to hear of your loss, I too recently lost my dad, and besides being my dad, he was my best friend/teacher. I’m very interested in your TR-6 and TR-8, possibly others.

    regards
    curt

    Like 0
  32. Darren Pendley
    Apr 3, 2014 at 12:14pm

    Nice Collection!!! I may be interested in the 914 in the last picture, or any others you may have.

    Like 0
  33. Chris
    Apr 3, 2014 at 12:38pm

    I’d like a copy of the list. Some great cars and motorcycles. [email removed]

    Like 0
  34. RickyM
    Apr 3, 2014 at 4:38pm

    Sorry to hear about your Dad Bruce.
    Good to see another Austin/Morris/MG 1100 (not sure which from the picture) – grew up in the 70’s and there were loads over here in England. Hope it gets rescued. Probably quite rare in the States…….

    Like 0
    • Julie Akers
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:33pm

      Ricky, that is a 1967 MG 1100, and don’t worry, I plan on restoring it. The interior is trashed, but looks pretty good mechanically. As there are no interior kits (that I have yet found) to be had, I will probably be doing everything myself. Should be a fun little car.

      Like 0
  35. Gazzer
    Apr 3, 2014 at 5:57pm

    I would like to see the email list also, please.
    [email removed]
    Thanks

    Like 0
  36. Edd Weninger
    Apr 3, 2014 at 6:06pm

    Like a copy of the list.

    I think I know what an Edge 540 is. Am I right?

    My old boss and mentor has a museum near Sandpoint. Do you know him?

    Cheers,

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 7:42pm

      Edd,
      Who was your old Boss? Did he work for Lighthouse? A Edge 540 is a aerobatic plane.

      Bruce

      Like 0
  37. familiars
    Apr 3, 2014 at 6:27pm

    I’d like a list with prices listed and a location. Might be able to drive there. email is [email removed]

    Like 0
  38. Beach Roo
    Apr 3, 2014 at 6:57pm

    So sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful collector of some of my absolute favorite pieces of British Iron… Jags were my Dad’s Passion and I had more than my share of MGB’s Triumph TR-6’s and the odd Jag…They look fairly straight. A pair of TR-6’s please…

    Like 0
  39. Bruce Rolfe
    Apr 3, 2014 at 7:40pm

    Hey Guys I sent emails to everyone. If you didn’t get a reply from me please send me another email. I will respond to everyone who emails me. Thanks again for your interest, I love it.

    Bruce

    Like 0
  40. Bruce Rolfe
    Apr 3, 2014 at 8:32pm

    One other thing Gents. IF a car isn’t on the list, it is not available. Yes I know that everyone gets really excited about a XK 120 or a Morgan or a MGTC,TD,TF. If one of my family members decides that they are willing to part with a car that is NOT on the list, Jesse will be the first to know and will post pics.
    Thanks again for your interest.

    Bruce

    Like 0
  41. Edd Weninger
    Apr 3, 2014 at 8:57pm

    Forresf M. Bird.

    Started as a company pilot for him 1966 flying thundrous Lockheeds, including a Howard 500.

    An Edge 540 would be a bit much for me, but I do have a T-34B, a bit more sedate ;-)

    List to [email removed]

    Thx

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 3, 2014 at 9:41pm

      Very Cool. I sent the list to ya. Hope you see something you like.

      Bruce

      Like 0
  42. curt
    Apr 4, 2014 at 1:24am

    hello Bruce, would it be possible to get a copy of the list of cars available??

    Like 0
  43. curt wichman
    Apr 4, 2014 at 6:03am

    Sorry, forgot to include email address…
    [email removed]
    would love to see list of cars/prices.

    thanks

    Like 0
  44. Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor
    Apr 4, 2014 at 8:52am

    I just wanted to let you guys know that we have hidden everyone’s emails and closed commenting on this post for now. If anything changes we will keep you posted!

    Like 0
  45. Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor
    Apr 11, 2014 at 5:38pm

    We have opened commenting again on this one! Be sure to email Bruce directly for an inventory list. We will have more updates on this huge find in the near future…

    Like 0
  46. Dean Gill
    Apr 12, 2014 at 8:43pm

    hello Bruce, I would like a list of cars and parts if possible – nothing like lots of good stuff to sooth the soul.

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 13, 2014 at 8:06am

      Dean,
      I need an email address to send the list. Thanks
      Bruce

      Like 0
  47. Dave Pelosini
    Apr 15, 2014 at 9:36am

    Very interested in a TR6..I’ve restored 2 and may be looking for a couple more. Please advise…
    Regards
    Dave

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Apr 15, 2014 at 10:14am

      Dave,
      Please send me an email at 1edge540 at Live.com I will get the list sent out to you.

      Thanks
      Bruce

      Like 0
  48. Harold
    Apr 15, 2014 at 9:44pm

    Sorry about the passing of your father. I would like to get a list of the vehicles that will be available for sale when you get around to it. Thanks.

    Like 0
  49. Bruce Rolfe
    Apr 15, 2014 at 10:57pm

    Harold,
    I need your email addy so I can send it to you. Please email me at
    1edge540 at Live.com

    Thanks…
    Bruce Rolfe

    Like 0
  50. Jeff
    Apr 23, 2014 at 7:47pm

    Bruce. Sorry to hear of your loss. If you get a chance, I’m interested in seeing what you have. Looking for a GT6, 914, or possibly another TR6.

    Like 0
  51. steve wagner
    Apr 23, 2014 at 8:50pm

    Bruce,so sorry for your loss. If you ever put a list together of the parts collection part numbers, I would be very interested in a copy and price. Thank you steve

    Like 0
  52. Alan
    May 7, 2014 at 9:53am

    Bruce,
    Add my voice to those offering condolences over the loss of your father. It has been 10 years now since mine went on to the next chapter. He was not so much the car guy as my older brother and I turned out to be, but his moderate level of interest sparked stronger notions in us.

    Like 0
  53. Croan
    Aug 16, 2014 at 8:04am

    My condolences , can you add me to the list to interested a lot in British cars

    Sincerely

    Like 0
  54. Bruce Larson
    Sep 17, 2014 at 9:45am

    Bruce
    A great collection! I am a TR6 fan. Please send me the entire list. Maybe I missed it,
    what part of Idaho are you in?

    Thanks,
    Bruce Larson
    [email protected]

    Like 0
  55. Derek Graham
    Nov 19, 2014 at 10:36pm

    Hi Bruce,
    What a great collection. I am a lifelong fan of the TR6 and would really like a copy of your list.
    many thanks
    Derek Graham

    Like 0
    • Bruce Rolfe
      Nov 20, 2014 at 7:29am

      Derek,
      I need your email address.

      Like 0
  56. Derek Graham
    Nov 20, 2014 at 12:09pm

    Hi Bruce,

    It is [email protected]

    many thanks

    Derek

    Like 0

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