What's In the Barn?

What's In the Barn? is a captivating reality television show that aired on Velocity in 2013. The central premise of the edifying series involves exploring various barns across the United States, unearthing fascinating treasures, big and small, hidden within them. The program's magnetic appeal rests primarily on the element of surprise stitched together with vast knowledge about vintage vehicles.

The series is centered around Dale Walksler, an experienced motorcycle expert, and the heart and soul of the venture. Walksler, a native of Illinois but resident in North Carolina, manages Wheels Through Time Museum, renowned for its collection of American motorcycles and memorabilia. Having a passion for vintage American vehicles stemming from childhood, Dale has dedicated over four decades to collecting, preserving, and promoting vintage American motorcycles and cars.

On What's In the Barn?, Dale, with his son Matt, embarks on barn-hunting missions spanning diverse regions of the country. From the plains of Midwest to the southern swamps, and from the urban cities to the secluded rural estates, Dale strongly believes that every barn has a story to tell, and he is determined to uncover those narratives. The extensive journeys are motivated by a firm conviction that significant pieces of automobile history are stowed away unnoticed in these barns. His intelligence, charm, and knowledge allow him to persuade homeowners to permit him into their barns, transforming an otherwise mundane barn visit into an exhilarating treasure hunt.

As Dale takes viewers on a whirlwind journey of discovery and revelation, the reality television series becomes an evocative saga of history. Every episode features different barns, each revealing rare motorcycles, cars, and related artifacts that have been entombed in dust and grime for generations. Dale and Matt then work to extract these invaluable pieces, counting on their collective expertise to bring the historical and monetary worth to light. Some of these finds require restoration and intensive work to restore their original glory, while others simply need a bit of cleaning before they are ready to be presented to the world again.

The episodes aren't solely about the thrill of discovering hidden treasures; they also underscore Dale's vast knowledge about vintage machines. As Dale unearths each find, he also recounts the item's historical significance, shares stories behind particular models, and elucidates on their intricate features. This wholesome perspective offers viewers a glimpse into the production of early American vehicles, broadening their understanding of the evolution of the automotive industry.

What's In the Barn? is not just a reality show for car enthusiasts. It blends the excitement of a treasure hunt with elements of history and restoration work, appealing to a diverse audience. Yes, you get to witness some stunning and seldom-seen vintage cars and motorcycles, but you also get to learn about America's rich automotive past, and the craftsmanship that went into these timeless machines. This seamless combination of entertainment and education is what sets it apart and contributes to its overarching appeal.

Witnessing the father and son team of Dale and Matt brings an added layer of warmth and camaraderie that further elevates the series. Their shared passion, mutual respect, and the evident thrill they share as they embark on these history-laden treasure hunts reflects the show's heart – the love for preservation, restoration, and dissemination of critical pieces of America's automotive history.

In essence, What's In the Barn? is an unmissable journey of historical exploration delivered by two exceedingly passionate and knowledgeable guides. It offers viewers a distinctive opportunity to travel across the United States from the comfort of their homes, unveiling the hidden treasures of unassuming barns and learning about American automobile history. The series successfully combines mystery, history, restoration, and family dynamics into an entertaining package that keeps viewers longing for more. Each episode is a new adventure, a fresh journey into a barn that could hold anything from an extraordinary vintage car worth a fortune to a rare motorcycle that has not seen the light of day for years. The thrill is always in the discovery and unveiling of What's In the Barn?