Its no secret among car collectors and enthusiast that the pursuit of lost cars is what drives many gearheads. Finding an abandoned, restorable car is one of the most common dreams among collectors and a touchstone for the hobby. Top shows like the Pebble Beach Concours and Chicagos Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals have added special classes devoted to original and barn find vehicles.

Author and photographer Ryan Brutt is theautomotive archaeologist, author of the CarsInBarns blog, and a monthly columnist for Hot Rod magazine. Brutt has selected his best muscle car images forMuscle Car Barn Finds.No searching the back roads required--just kick up your feet and begin your barn-finding adventure by turning the page.

These old warriors arent dead, just resting. A drive in the country or through a small-town back street will reveal them lurking under tarps, hidden behind garage doors, stashed behind fences from prying eyes.