Barn Find Hunter: Dodge Rampage Turbo, Willys Pickup, Porsche 356 & More

A Diverse Collection of Automotive Gems

• 🎯 Tom Cotter visits Dave Dean in northern Michigan, a collector with an eclectic mix of vehicles including a Dodge Rampage Turbo, an original Willys pickup, a Mazda 323 GTX, and a Porsche 356 "Notchback."
• 📍 The episode showcases Dave's passion for unique and rare automobiles, highlighting several distinct vehicles from his collection.

The Willys Pickup: A Local Treasure

• 💡 A 1959 Willys pickup, featuring original paint and an impressive Hurricane 6 engine, is presented as a local car with a unique history.
• 🛠️ The pickup is equipped with a pump system for raising and lowering a plow, demonstrating its utility for winter work.
• 🌟 Its remarkable condition, with no rust and low original miles, makes it a standout find.

Dodge Rampage Turbo: A Shelby Tribute

• 🚀 The centerpiece of the visit is an 83 Dodge Rampage, enhanced with a Shelby nose clip and a turbocharged engine.
• 🚗 While not an official Shelby model, it's noted that Carol Shelby allegedly paid assembly line workers to add Shelby parts during off-hours.
• 🔑 This rare vehicle, owned for about 25 years, is a 5-speed manual and represents a disappearing model from the automotive landscape.

Other Notable Vehicles in the Collection

• 🚗 A rare 1962 Porsche 356 "Notchback" is featured, a model with its own unique body molds and limited production.
• 💨 A 1985 Mazda 323 GTX, an all-wheel-drive turbocharged rally car, is highlighted, with only a limited number brought into the country.
• 🚢 An interesting find is a 26-foot motorized lifeboat from World War II, originally used on ships during the war.
• 🚗 A Cobra replica is also present, with the owner noting that modern replicas can sometimes surpass originals in build quality and materials.

The Art of Detailing and Car Preservation

• ✨ Dave Dean, an auto detailer, plans to detail the Dodge Rampage and get it running, showcasing his skills.
• 🤝 The episode emphasizes the importance of preserving these automotive treasures and finding them new homes with enthusiasts.
• 💡 The video also touches on the growing interest of younger generations in learning to drive manual transmissions.