The woodie wagon takes a break this week, with Tom Cotter – Mr Barn Find Hunter – focusing less on discovering cars (for once) and instead looking to move a few dust-caked cars from one resting spot to another. That, to be fair, is a bit of an oversimplification considering he’s dealing with a Ferrari 275 and an AC Cobra that need moving out of the way. But they are mighty dirty, and the building they’re in is due to be demolished.
The move, however, doesn’t commence until we discuss some of the other interesting classic cars sheltered in the doomed building. The first is a green Morgan Plus 8. The 215bhp V8 powered roadster is snapshot in time because it is an example of a propane conversion car that Morgan built to sell the V8 model in America. Mainly a response to US emissions regulations, the conversion required removal of the entire fuel system that was replaced with a propane tank and all the hardware to make the engine run smoothly. With no traditional fuel gauge, the glovebox mounted propane tank pressure was the only reference to range the driver would have.
The other relic worth noting in the garage is a white Triumph TR6. The 1976 convertible has just 9000 miles on it from new, and as Tom points out, it is absolutely wonderful car – James May once claimed the TR6 is the blokiest car built – but is overshadowed by the Cobra and Ferrari. The original tyres and trunk full of bits and pieces make it a restorer’s dream. Many drivers consider the sound of the British straight-six to be sublime, but because it’s been laid to rest this one hasn’t shared its good vibrations in decades.
With the talking done, it’s time to get to work moving cars. The driveway angle is causing issues with getting a trailer right to the garage door, so it becomes a careful game of pushing cars. The Cobra and Ferrari leave their places without a fight, but the Morgan and Triumph both initially suffer from locked-up wheels. Luckily for Tom and crew, the restoration shop that came to help out has a set of wheel dollies and a trailer with a winch.
The wheels all eventually broke loose, making for a much less stressful day. The cars all went off to the restoration shop for storage, and the garage was ultimately torn down.
It is not all about finding cars to Tom, but also about keeping them out of danger and putting them in the hands of a loving owner. What will Tom find on the next adventure? You’ll have to subscribe to Hagerty’s YouTube channel to find out.
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