Massive Collection Hidden in a Grocery Store Is Packed With Rare, All-Original Gems
If you haven't heard of Paul Gentilozzi, I have two reasons why you should check him out. For starters, he holds the Trans-Am record for wins, poles, and top three finishes; he won the 24 Hours of Daytona and had a successful drag racing career. Second, and the reason I'm mentioning him, Paul has an impressive collection of classic cars.
And it's not impressive just by models and numbers. In addition to including some of the most iconic vehicles ever produced in the US, his collection is almost exclusively made up of unrestored and all-original rigs. Thanks to Tom Cotter of Hagerty's "Barn Find Hunter" series, we can get a closer look at Mr. Gentilozzi's incredible stash, which he preserves inside a former grocery store.
The footage starts with a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette, which may appear mundane at first glance. However, this red-on-red sports car is one of those untouched classics that still has the original paint—a rare feat for such an old Vette. These vehicles are usually either restored or severely weathered.
The next classic, a 1967 Oldsmobile 442 W-30, is even more impressive. Even though it spent its early years as a race car, the Olds is still highly original and factory-correct, except for the roll cage. Yes, this one is also sporting the original paint, while relying on a numbers-matching, one-year-only V8 engine.
If you fancy one-of-one gems, Paul's collection includes the only 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 finished in orange. Chevrolet sold more than 7,000 Z/28s that year, so it's a big deal. It also features the houndstooth interior, which makes for a striking combo against the bright orange paint.
Mr. Gentilozzi doesn't collect just high-performance cars. He also owns a bare-bones 1969 Chevy Nova. Bought from an old lady in all-original condition, this Nova is powered by a straight-six with an automatic on the column. It features a bench seat and no radio. It doesn't get more basic than this. And you know what? This is a very rare setup.
A black 1954 Corvette also shows up in the video. This one is not a V8 car, but the "Blue Flame" inline-six has been modified for racing with Weber carburetors. Speaking of modded engines, Paul also owns a 1965 Olds Cutlass with a stroked engine.
But the latter is nowhere near as impressive as the 1968 Hurst-Olds parked next to it. A museum piece for 25 years, this unrestored and highly original muscle car is the best example out there, according to Paul.
Not surprisingly, he also owns the holy grail of the Chevelle lineup, the 1970 SS 454 LS6. A convertible with 90% original paint, top, and interior, this Chevelle LS6 is super rare. Experts claim only 12 to 25 units were ordered with the retractable top. Units in this condition are worth more than $500,000.
The video ends with Paul's impressive engine collection, which also includes a Cosworth, but the list of cars is just too long to cover here. So hit the play button below, sit back, and enjoy this beautiful stash of iconic classic cars.
And it's not impressive just by models and numbers. In addition to including some of the most iconic vehicles ever produced in the US, his collection is almost exclusively made up of unrestored and all-original rigs. Thanks to Tom Cotter of Hagerty's "Barn Find Hunter" series, we can get a closer look at Mr. Gentilozzi's incredible stash, which he preserves inside a former grocery store.
The footage starts with a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette, which may appear mundane at first glance. However, this red-on-red sports car is one of those untouched classics that still has the original paint—a rare feat for such an old Vette. These vehicles are usually either restored or severely weathered.
The next classic, a 1967 Oldsmobile 442 W-30, is even more impressive. Even though it spent its early years as a race car, the Olds is still highly original and factory-correct, except for the roll cage. Yes, this one is also sporting the original paint, while relying on a numbers-matching, one-year-only V8 engine.
If you fancy one-of-one gems, Paul's collection includes the only 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 finished in orange. Chevrolet sold more than 7,000 Z/28s that year, so it's a big deal. It also features the houndstooth interior, which makes for a striking combo against the bright orange paint.
Mr. Gentilozzi doesn't collect just high-performance cars. He also owns a bare-bones 1969 Chevy Nova. Bought from an old lady in all-original condition, this Nova is powered by a straight-six with an automatic on the column. It features a bench seat and no radio. It doesn't get more basic than this. And you know what? This is a very rare setup.
A black 1954 Corvette also shows up in the video. This one is not a V8 car, but the "Blue Flame" inline-six has been modified for racing with Weber carburetors. Speaking of modded engines, Paul also owns a 1965 Olds Cutlass with a stroked engine.
But the latter is nowhere near as impressive as the 1968 Hurst-Olds parked next to it. A museum piece for 25 years, this unrestored and highly original muscle car is the best example out there, according to Paul.
Not surprisingly, he also owns the holy grail of the Chevelle lineup, the 1970 SS 454 LS6. A convertible with 90% original paint, top, and interior, this Chevelle LS6 is super rare. Experts claim only 12 to 25 units were ordered with the retractable top. Units in this condition are worth more than $500,000.
The video ends with Paul's impressive engine collection, which also includes a Cosworth, but the list of cars is just too long to cover here. So hit the play button below, sit back, and enjoy this beautiful stash of iconic classic cars.