Secret Finds obsessions

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It was one of the best-kept secret car collections in the world—a private collection of 230 rare and classic BMWs, Mercedes, Maseratis and Ferraris, recently discovered in the Netherlands. Known in car circles as a “barn find,” the impressive array was kept mostly under wraps, stored in a church and two dusty warehouses after being collected for four decades by a man named Ad Palmen. The 82-year-old former professional dealer specialized in rare cars and kept most in their original and unrestored condition in Dordrecht. He reportedly started the eclectic collection with a yellow Lancia B20 and is said to have maintained the cars on his own, starting them on a regular basis to ensure the engines remained operational.

Now, the extensive and enviable collection, which includes cars from Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce and more obscure brands like Tatra, Monica, Moretti and Villard, is heading to auction. According to reports, there is a rare Lancia B4 Spider

America and Ferrari 365, several Facel Vegas, a Maserati Bora, a Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe and a Jaguar E-Type, along with a Messerschmitt bubble car, a Citroen SM, two Corvairs and a Studebaker Avanti among other rarities in the lot.

Palmen was careful about who he allowed to view the treasure trove—even his neighbor never got a glimpse. “We have been at this location for about 15 years and have regularly asked the owner if we could take a look inside, but it never came to a viewing,” a neighbor told the auctioneers.

Hosted by Gallery Aaldering in conjunction with Classic Car Auctions, the vehicles have been moved to one location for viewing with bidding set to go live online next month. “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.

BY CASEY BRENNAN & HANNAH MILITANO