230 Classic Cars Up For Sale at Dutch Auction

The fascinating story behind the Palmen Barn find Collection

For the last 40 years, a man referred to only as ‘Mr Palmen’ has been creating his collection in Dortrecht, just south of Rotterdam. Stashing his acquisitions across two buildings and a church, the various makes and models have been kept in incredibly good condition.

Palmen would reportedly add to the collection, rarely selling any once he acquired them, and regularly started the engines to prevent them from seizing. Palmen also did all the maintenance himself.

The variety is more than eclectic. He had a refined taste and extensive knowledge of rare and special cars as he was professionally dealing in similar cars from the mid 60’s before he started collecting.

Most of the collection is in an unrestored and original condition. He rarely showed the collection to anyone, so very few people knew of its existence. Circumstances and older age have forced Mr Palmen to sell his vast collection to a Dutch auction house specialising in classic cars. All the vehicles have now been put under one roof and will now be going up for sale.

Although Mr. Palmen loved Italian and German cars, the British were well represented with Jaguar, Daimler Dart, MG, Triumph Aston Martin, Singer, Jensen Healey, AC Bristol, Sunbeam Talbot, Rover, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The 230-treasure trove is being referred to as one of Europe’s largest barn finds, although it should be noted that the cars weren’t lost to begin with.

The cars are to be auctioned in 3 lots on June 5th, 6th and 7th. .

Editor - Information for this story sourced from BBC Top Gear and Classic Cars Auctions.