Our Best Barn Finds of 2023 - The Late Brake Show

Best Barn Find Cars of 2023 // The Late Brake Show. Welcome to a compilation episode of our best barnfind classic car discoveries this year. Jonny Smith looks back at his favourite parts of the 20 (!) barn finds he has uncovered this year alone. Revisit the emotion, the dust and the refusal to use an air compressor here on our Late Brake Show Barn Find playlist:
• Late Brake Barn Finds
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Filmed and edited by: Phil Vaughan Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:45 Over 20 this year
0:52 Most valuable barn find
1:35 1959 Aston Martin DB4
2:34 most emotional barn finds
3:22 Escort RS2000 stolen by PIMP
5:15 MG Montego Turbo
6:25 Mk1 Escort Mexico 1 owner
7:48 Epic location
8:05 Lamborghini barn find
9:40 Best start ups
9:53 BMW E9 coupe
12:05 Mercedes AMG Hammer SEC
13:54 Rarest barn find?
16:07 Collabs
#barnfind #classiccars #thelatebrakeshow #4k

[@TonyBMWE12]

Definitely one of my favourite shows on KZbin and it’s been a pleasure to be involved Really looking forward to watching Gors E9 being restored by the guys at Yorkshire car Restoration youtube.com/@yorkshirecarrestoration?si=kFTiiNoFP7sWuT8l

[@davidtyler2622]

Brilliant Tony ... A huge thank you for making this happen.. He's so excited and grinning from ear to ear every time I see him.

[@gordoncouser5906]

…can’t thank you enough Tony, your involvement helped bring the E9 back to life, you’ve made an old man very happy. It will be interesting to see exactly much rust the guys at YCR can find, and how they tackle it 🕊️❤️🕊

[@squareyes1981]

Hi Tony, I’m sure I remember chatting with you on forums years ago. Glad to see you’re also a fan of YCR.

[@gordoncouser5906]

… the BMW E9 episode has to be my all time favourite, since I’m her owner, it all seems like a miracle. To know that she’s presently being carefully and expertly restored by Steve and Ryan at Yorkshire Car Restoration, and that the entire process will be shown on their KZbin channel is just too good to be true, and the fact that they’re doing it all for free is almost beyond words, what a result, what can I say, we all love a happy ending. Thanks to you I’ve I’ve been very, very fortunate, so I really can’t thank you, your team at the Late Brake Show, and our Tony BMW, enough, for what you’ve all accomplished, and I’m so looking forward to when you can make the E9 barn find update. Happy New Year to all. Peace and Love in 2024 🕊️❤️🕊

[@Active.mk27]

I have the same feelings as you mate, watching these barn find vids are really cool in itself but when one of the vids are one of yours or a family members it's completely different, personally thats why my favourite is the mg maestro turbo video as i organised it and the cars owned by my uncle. Was hoping it was on this video but for obvious reasons not every car can make it

[@gordoncouser5906]

…yes, the barn find vids are all great viewing, especially so when they bring back pleasant memories of the past, and well done for organising the 80’s Classic Hot Hatch Turbo episode, such a cool car, great to hear the engine fire up after sitting so many years 🕊️❤️🕊

[@fastEdCanuck]

Thanks Jonny! And yes to more of Greg with you if he has the time. He’s fine on camera, relaxed and not shouty like some who do this on a regular basis.

[@alanduncan3337]

Yes more Greg, he is a car enthusiast and the fact he's your brother means there's understanding between you which comes across on camera.

[@WPD77]

Yes to more Greg please, he was really good to watch.

[@robcyster3909]

Definitely would love to see more of Greg on the barn finds. He is great at explaining what he's doing in that calm way of a genuine expert . Wonderful selection of barn finds in 2023. What interesting cars are hidden in various sheds barns and other buildings . We wait in hope .....

[@willflack]

Great news about Gor's BMW and definitely more Greg - you two work together well! Here's to more in 2024, maybe a Saab?

[@rufusharbud3673]

All the barn finds this last year were just magical. It wasn't just the uncovering, or the will it start moments for me. It was the back story emotion of all the barn finds that painted a picture of how these cars were to be left until the....barn/garage door was opened on the day of filming. I know a car is a metal box, but to hear the stories of past adventures with all these cars, just makes the watch of these barn finds so engaging. If you watch these amazing barn finds and don't get a tear in your eye, then what else will..... Oh yeah and Greg needs to be involved more...he adds a certain something of nothing ( I do mean expertise...he heee) great stuff Jonny...Get more for 2024

[@WilliamStevens007]

Couldn't put it better myself. Totally agree with every word.

[@marky9117]

The barn-find episodes are the best vids on KZbin. Real cars with real people and stories. Forget your “influencers” with 10 supercars. This is pure, genuine content. All the best for 2024! 👍🏻

[@yorkshirecarrestoration]

Hi Jonny, we do have Gors car here with us @ YCR but we dont have a website we only have a KZbin channel that can be found here www.youtube.com/@yorkshirecarrestoration

[@gordoncouser5906]

@ YCR, …haha, I’ve spotted my E9 waiting patiently in the background on a few YCR’s recent episodes, congratulations on your achievement of passing the 100 K subscribers milestone, I sincerely appreciate your involvement with this project and hope it helps to get you many more subs in 2024. I really can’t thank you and your team enough for your generosity and for all the hard work you’ll be doing with the restoration, it’s all quite overwhelming guys, I’m thrilled, it feels like I’m floating on air. So looking forward to watching how you go about the fabrication process on your KZbin channel @ Yorkshire Car Restoration. Peace and Love x 🕊️❤️🕊

[@davidmiddlemas1511]

BMW E9 one of the best of 2023 . Thanks to you Johnny and your team for making all this great content

[@jaisabai4155]

Bless your memory John. A man of dignity and courage.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I loved that BMW E9 Coupe, I'm so glad to hear that t's going to be restored because it didn't seem to be going anywhere! I'm going to look that up, thanks Johnny! 👌

[@gordoncouser5906]

…thanks for your vote, she is a beautiful car, and you’re so right, my old E9 Coupe wasn’t going anywhere. Jonny and his team have made a dream come true, and I know the guys at Yorkshire Car Restoration will do a superb job bringing her back to life. I couldn’t have wished for a better outcome 🕊️❤️🕊️

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@gordoncouser5906 Hey Congratulations man! I can't wait to see the restoration! 👍🖖

[@gordoncouser5906]

…thanks again fella, it’s such a cool story, and it’s partially your fault, since it wouldn’t have happened without people like you, the viewers. I want to thank everyone who watched the E9 episode, you’ve all helped to make this possible. 🕊️❤️🕊️

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@gordoncouser5906 Good things happen to good people mate! Keep your head up! 👍

[@Piner5074]

The one with Freddy where he mucks in and helps with the Aston is still one of most favourite, it was a great and pleasant surprise to see him on the channel

[@Carrera-gp9od]

The espada was magnificent, yes to the brother !

[@stuartfraney4969]

Favourite Ban Find was the green Mark 1, Escort Mexico. Great story and with lots of detailed paperwork.

[@andypalin3287]

Helen's story was my standout! What a delightful lady! 😀

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

She really is delightful

[@brucewatt1032]

‘Barn Find Follow Ups’ - what a brilliant idea!!!!

[@leeholden8658]

For me the best barn find was the Ford Escort mk1 bursting into life. But every episode was watched with bated breath. All the best for 2024 and more of the same please

[@petesplaneta9340]

Great reminder of the barn finds this year! Love the stories. When you are collaborating with someone that you’ve got great chemistry with then it definitely adds something extra. Greg and you clearly have great chemistry. Good reminder of the mini foot pump moments, especially when there was clearly a compressor available.

[@PeterJames-tq5wk]

For someone who now lives Downunder and whose first car was a 59 Mini 850 it’s just great to watch clips like these, keep up the great work JS and Greg should/would be a valuable part of the team!

[@kevincochrane]

My favourites of '23? Definitely the Mk 1 Escort & the 911.. It would be nice to see you & Greg doing more together in '24 (and beyond).. Keep saying it, but this is still the best car content, anywhere.. All the Best, Jonny.. Cheers 🏁

[@jamiedufrayer5461]

Yep, definitely more Greg please! A great year's work Johnny and team, thanks very much ❤️

[@ljones396]

Yes, more Greg. What a great community you're building here Johnny, you've always been a breath of fresh air, I remember watching you on Fifth Gear back in the day. Another great video, thanks for the recap. 👍🏼😎🍻

[@jodydewald19]

Yes, to more of your brother. It is refreshing to see people on camera being themselves. There's far too many KZbinrs that try to put on a show, and you and your guests don't do that, and it is very genuine. Thank you.

[@nauthizzz]

Another vote for more Greg! He's a great addition when he's on the channel and the dynamic between you two is always entertaining.

[@1ongava]

I love these barn finds, it matters not the value of the car, its the story and the people. Often pretty emotional when they fire up too, beautifully presented, and Jonny deals well with some tough circumstances often. Total joy to watch, can't wait for more.

[@daveyacarter]

You should definitely get Greg in more TLBS vids.

[@riaanolwage2931]

The green mexico was epic.

[@philhuggett4776]

I'm with you Jonny, the blue 2cv was definitely one of my favourites. I loved the story and how the car was pretty much a pivotal part of the family. Would love to see more of Greg too

[@HowardLeVert]

Yes, more Greg please :) My favourite barn find was that little blue 2CV. Fair brought a tear to my eye, that one and yes, for me it's as much the stories behind the cars that matter as much as that first start. And this is a brilliant summary of the year, Jonny.

[@davesouthall3834]

Greg top man. Take him every time for me. Knows his onions.

[@user-rk1yr2mr3v]

So many awesome cars this year The green Mexico’s story put a tear in my eye and the fact it’s been bought by someone who’s going to get it restored. The AMG Hammer is a brute of a car. Those were my two favourites this year ❤

[@iankelleher5072]

Definitely yes more Greg, love the barn finds the personal stories and the random cars it's great viewing. We need more Tony BMW too he's fantastic

[@user-tw3cz2dd8n]

Loved the journey so far Jonny! Onwards in 2024!!!!!

[@davidparry1982]

Really highlights what a positive experience these are for the people involved and builds enthusiasm for these lovely old cars

[@reddcocker64]

What a splendid year of barn finds. I'll have to go back and re-view some of them.

[@6545george]

Get that slack as a clowns pocket shakey to do some more Byrne out episodes. Or you could do a new feature called "Byrne finds" and do the same to motorcycles every now and again. 👍🏼 love the content.

[@tunwellengineering733]

Great year Jonny, every barn find was excellent if it’s a 2cv or Aston they’re all worth the wait. Hope for more in 2024 and of course we want to see Greg again.

[@MrCummquott]

Jonny, your vids are the best...so natural, enjoyable and realistic. I'm looking forward to watching you in 2024.All the best!

[@Ktmandsuzuki]

Yes more of Greg he's great on camera. I would love to see some motorcycle barn find episodes

[@Milkybar3320011]

Brilliant recap of 2023, life means I haven’t seen them all but you’ve brought a few to my 2024 list. Happy new year.

[@JR90.]

Jonny, thank you and the TLBS team for bringing these epic finds to our eyeballs. Also, to those people who reached out to the TLBS, allowing our eyes and ears to see and hear these fantastic cars and stories, thank you. To the families that lost love ones, just know we appreciate you! These videos have pulled in many different ways on our emotions and at times, have been relatable. Lastly, Jonny, TLBS, thanks for the hard work in 2023 - looking forward to what 2024 has in store. Happy New Year everyone ❤.

[@thisguyjoel9683]

Thank you for the content. Yes to Greg. 👊🏾

[@randster64]

Keep em coming Jonny.....I love your channel....best to you and your family in 2024

[@LoftechUK]

Thank you for 2023 and see you next year.

[@besenzon1]

Great video Jonny. Love all the Barnfinds. Lucky to have found a 1963 Beetle which had been parked from 87 to 2014. Did you reunite Helen with her RS2000 ? More collaborations and Greg for 2024. Invite the local Club for the car. Good luck in 2024 🥂!!

[@JoeCurtis82]

Still one of my favourites was the MK1 escort from years ago that you did. Absolutely unreal 👍

[@r0ndema]

That was the video that introduced me to TLBS and part of the reason we wanted Dad’s Mexico featured 👍🏼

[@mrburns8101]

21:48 These barn finds are some of my favourite video moments of yours, but the 2CV moments have a special meaning for me… and this one in particular, as my Dad has owned his since new in 1987 and it’s identical! We need to do some work to it to get it through its MOT so he can keep using it (it’s a daily driver second car, alongside his C6). Thank you for inspiring so many people with these stories, and for introducing so many passionate people who adore their cars as much as we do. Can’t wait to see what you get up to this year.

[@RobJowett]

Deffo more Greg - the 2 of you together is a great combo

[@eddienoel1149]

Yes more of Greg on the channel, he is a legend with a 2cv enough said 😊

[@16Tango]

I have really enjoyed all of the Barn Find videos, so much that they were a significant part of my middle son's and I decision for his first car. My son turned 15 and a half in July and the two of us had been looking around for a first car for him. He wanted something manual, preferably turbo charged and not boring. While browsing Reddit I came across a local guy selling a 1986 SAAB 900 Turbo with a 5 speed for $500. Tyler said "Oh yeah" so we went to look at it. I expected it to be a rust bucket due to the price but was pleasantly surprised at how clean it was. It had been off the road for about 5 years due to a blown turbo, but all the parts were there to put it back together. We bought it at the end of June 2023, took it up to my Dad's house because he has a detached garage that was empty and started in on it. It has been slower going than I had hoped, the car is 1.5 hours from us, but I think one more weekend and it should be home. We are trying to take it down to the Daytona 24 hour race at the end of January from Ohio. Anyway, watching your videos helped give me the confidence to at least give the thing a go so Tyler and I thank you for that.

[@user-ow9xg9vq5x]

The tartan in that Mitsubishi is amazing !

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

It was majestic!

[@martinclapton2724]

Keep them coming in a happy 2024, Johnny

[@noonehere1793]

Glad to hear that the Bristol is being saved, such a quirky car. I have always wanted a Bristol Fighter. Thanks for the review and i wish you a prosperous 2024!👍👍

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Did you film this episode inside a Grain Barn? That's commitment to the theme! 😂

[@sdg198127]

That BMW from South Africa. That was a beaut

[@Lowrider-73]

My favourite was the Aston Martin barn barn find with #Tavarish. Such a down to earth guy.

[@Isthatyoudermot]

The foot pump music montage was amazing, Jonny 😂. The black Cortina was great. My dad and granda worked at the Ford plant in Cork Ireland 🇮🇪 until it closed in 1984, i was 7.

[@kevincoombs7348]

oh and I really loved my wife's 2CV in the day. The gear change 2-3-2 was sublime.

[@brettsta72]

Best motoring journalist (car pervert) by a country mile. Jonny you are amazing. Please keep being authentic in 2024. I love your content.

[@taff4379]

Great stuff, Jonny. By far my favourite channel on KZbin. My favourite video of yours has to be the Escort Mexico owned from new by that lovely family. Not only did I love the car, but the memories that came with it from the family warmed my soul. When the two 'lads' jumped in the back and both remembered which side they sat on brought back memories from the seventies of my Sister and I doing the same thing in my Dads Escort.

[@r0ndema]

The vinyl 🖤

[@Scott-kh4pw]

Yes to Greg. Adventures together as brothers!

[@RallyMichael75]

Definitely get Greg on the show more, he is good value. Would also love to see Richard on a few so he can sprout loads of boring trivia about the particular manufacturer/model of that car. I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year Johnny and I look forward to watching you in 2024.

[@damienmills293]

Its when the production team get silly that it really gets fun. Been a great year. Thanks to you all.

[@bobafettish6730]

Many years ago I didn't like you (dunno why) But you sir have grown on me, and I genuinely thank you for giving life to these time lost relics. I have a 65 Landrover with a jag swap engine, she has sat for almost 32 years. You have made me want to tinker and breathe life into her. Happy new year, and I raise a glass to you sir.

[@KevZJ]

yes to more Greg. He has a great voice

[@havardstle3788]

Yes, more of Greg! Thanks for your effort!

[@mikebull1972]

Happy memories of a year of great content. Here's to 2024! 🍻

[@johnwells1483]

After this recap episode I went to rewatch the triple find with Greg as your wingman, just to confirm what I had already said on that video. You two have a great bond and he is a natural in front of the camera, more Smith bros episodes please.

[@MGBetts1]

Your barn-finds are the best! 👍🏻

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

🤘🏽

[@Patriiiiick]

Thanks for a thoroughly entertaining year, Jonny and team. Look forward to more of the same next year!

[@aussiefirestorm]

But the compressor , it was right there next to the mini bro !!! Love ya work Johnny keep them coming.

[@kevmackintosh7953]

2 brothers who love cars starting old cars together, yes please! Your channel is by far my favourite for wholesome car content Johnny, thanks for all the hard work to you and everyone involved 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Rusmiester]

I loved this look back at 2023, they way you always include the owners whether they are stil with us or past on is so special and respectful, you always capture the history and romance of how these cars come to be. Thank you

[@johndavey72]

Hello Jonny . My favourite had to be the DB4 .....and l'm still pretty certain this was filmed in Shaldon . But they were all enjoyable because for me it's not just finding the cars , it's meeting the people and stories behind them . Thanks Jonny Wishing you the very best for 2024 .

[@robbo2011ish]

Really enjoyed all the finds of 2023 but my fave must be the mini mk1 which has been in a garage 2mins from my house for almost all my life ! Not every day u drive past a barn find shoot !! Keep it up Jonny

[@neiliosr8]

Happy 2024 Jonny, I loved all your barn finds over the years but I think my favourite is either the mini or the Cortina 2000E. And yes more of Greg please he is so dead pan and very methodical, he is born to barn find.

[@s1m0nc]

I hadn't forgotten That 911 SC! it's a beaut! Been keeping an eye out but not seen it come up. Have to look forward to ghetto boxster instead :) Thanks, and all the best for 2024 Jonny and the team.

[@harmhoekstra22]

Thanks Jonny for a year of amazing content. ❤ I always like the barnfinds, please bring your brother along, he is just like you a lovely guy.

[@theloneranger2101]

Excellent Jonny!! No one does it better than Jonny & his team. You make a BF on Sundays a must watch, best content on YT. BF always puts a big smile on my face, and a tear in my eye sometimes when I hear the backstory, and you tell us that some owners are sadly no longer with us. Can't wait for more BF in 2024, Thank you Jonny, your the best. Happy New Year Jonny to you and your Family. 👍🙂👍

[@grahamlillis6184]

Keep em coming Jonny, love your work, I watch them all regardless of whether it's a car I have an interest in or not.

[@grahamclayton675]

I do feel there is so much more content that we are missing. It’s such a good concept i really could see it on Discovery + . We need to how many of these cars make it back on the road . Happy new year and all the best .

[@grootzijl]

Nice compilation, I forgot how much I enjoyed the video with your brother. I'd love to see more of him on the channel!

[@darrenherbert6411]

More Greg yes. My fave was the Espada in the undisclosed location, with uncertain provenance.

[@barrydavies998]

Go Greg.... a hidden gem of a geezer... the episodes with Greg in are my favourite ... So a massive thumbs up for more of your brother Greg.........🧰

[@christopherclarke5978]

I love watching the barn finds as it shows us cars that most forgot. I like how passionate you are about the old stuff.

[@davidholwell2060]

Here's to 2024 Jonny. May you have a great new year.

[@michaeltalbot7363]

Great review of 2023. I look forward to many more highlights in 2024.

[@user-vh4ju3rv4c]

Great 2023 review Jonny. My favourite has to be the story about the pimp thief brilliant. All the best for 2024,

[@iainweller452]

Great episode Jonny, looking forward to the BMW follow up episode, and yes more Greg please.

[@JohnGarbutt-bh8xc]

Yorkshire car restoration. KZbin channel

[@markmanderson]

I like the dynamic when Greg is on, i agree he should appear more.

[@d-d-i]

Last year's best ones were definitely that BMW E9 Coupe, those two Astons and that Mitsubishi. And I specifically would wanna see what happened to that Mitsubishi, so hopefully there will be a follow up to that!

[@russellmalone3532]

Great year. Hoping for more in 2024. Fantastic channel ❤

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you so much.

[@andyc9187]

Brilliant video Johnny! I saw all of them when they came out but the recap is just great!

[@marklaity5436]

Thanks Jonny, brilliant as always. Come on Greg, you know you want to. After all it is a family show. Happy New Year Guys. Bring on 2024.

[@Chris16s44]

Merci Jonny, super tes découvertes, beaucoup de belles histoires😢 Merci. Bonne année 2024. Continue comme cela.

[@blondeboi]

Definitely need more of Greg happy new year everyone and especially everyone working on the late brake show can't wait for more content in 2024

[@paulw103]

Gunpowder plot Lambo, everything about that video was epic, loved it 😆

[@scotthay9874]

Happy new year Jonny. I watch every video you put out. I am from Edinburgh and now live in Canada. I need to see your channel to get and keep my roots firmly in touch with the cars I grew up with. Thank you so much. The cars over here just don’t do it for me. I’ve had 7 ford capris. 3 ford fiesta. 2 ford escorts. A ford cortina. A ford Granada. 4 ford transits. Oh and a ford Orion. Then vauxhall astras and novas then a couple of bmws. But absolutely love watching what barn finds you get. May many many more come your way so we can see the good old days.

[@jeph-rey]

The DB4 is just so beautiful, all the best for 2024 Jonny and team.

[@johnmccarthy115]

Been a fab year of barn finds & other LBS vids, here's too many more in '24 👍😁 & yes to more brother Greg👍🤘