It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. We fantasize about discovering a rare, original, and highly sought-after classic car that had been stowed away in a barn, garage, or yard for decades, preserved like a time capsule from the past. Unfortunately, the reality is that these barnfinds are still old cars. They've been sitting in the same spot without use or maintenance, often for decades. So, if you come across one of these vehicles, how should you examine, repair, and restore it?

The term "rotisserie" is often used in a culinary context, such as the whole roasted chickens that you'll find under heat lamps at the grocery store. But you'll also hear the term in the automotive restoration industry. So what does this mean in the context of a classic car?

Fortunately, rotisserie restoration has nothing to do with skewering a car over an open flame — we shudder at the thought. As you may have guessed, rotisserie restoration involves suspending the front and rear of a car on a special rack, and rotating it to access every nook and cranny of the underbody. Short of disassembling and removing the body for a full frame-off restoration, it's one of the best ways to thoroughly restore a vehicle.

This 1967 Camaro SS belongs to Graeme Chapman, of Huntington Beach, California. Graeme bought the car in 2008, and proceeded with a full rotisserie restoration to achieve the stunning results seen here.

Time has a way of changing most things in life. As the years pass, new relationships form, families grow, career paths develop, and hobbies change. That's why it's so impressive to come across a one-owner classic car. Over the course of four and a half decades, most people go through several vehicles. It takes a special individual to stay dedicated to one car for that long.

This 1972 Chevy Nova belongs to D.J. Jimenez of Garden Grove, California. He tells us he is the original owner, and after all this time, he knows every inch of the car. D.J. recently retired, so he plans to utilize some of his newly-acquired free time to restore it.

D.J.'s Nova might not look like it needs much restoration, since he has kept it in excellent shape over the years. The stock 350ci V8 was worn out after 20 years of use, and D.J. dropped in a replacement 350 engine, which has served him well for over 40,000 miles. The car has retained its rare original floor-shift Saginaw 3-speed manual.

One dollar doesn't get you much these days. You can head down to the local fast food restaurant and buy an item off the value menu, or here in California, you can put about 1/3 gallon of gas in your car. Even at the dollar store, many items you'll find on the shelves cost more than a buck. That's why Robert Henderson, of Costa Mesa, CA, calls his 1972 Chevy Cheyenne the "best deal ever" — he bought it for just $1.

As you might imagine, there's more to the story of this purchase. This truck originally belonged to Robert's grandfather, who bought it brand new in March 1972 for $4,010. Robert's grandfather drove it almost every day for the next 40 years, racking up nearly 500,000 miles. In 2013, he finally decided to let the truck go, and generously passed it on to Robert for a measly $1.

While some have jokingly referred to the full-size Chevy coupes and sedans of the late '60s and early '70s as "land yachts", no one can deny that these sleek cruisers exude style. The long hoods, sweeping rear haunches, big V8 engines, and bright chrome trim on these classic Chevy models remind us of a time when extravagance and luxury was par for the course.

The 1967 Chevy Caprice pictured here belongs to Mike Forster, of Fountain Valley, California. Believe it or not, this car is almost entirely unrestored. Mike's uncle purchased the car new from the dealer, and put just 48,000 miles on the car since then.

Life has many turning points, and we often make decisions only to wonder what might have been if we had chosen a different path. Such was the case with the sale of this 1971 Camaro, now owned by David Kline, of Lakewood, California.

Back in 2003, the car's previous owner was unsure if he should sell it, but he eventually settled on the decision to let it go. David took this opportunity to purchase the then-rough Camaro as a new project, but as the former owner handed over the keys, he already felt a pang of regret.

It never fails to amaze us when we see a gorgeous classic car, and learn that just a few short years ago, it was a basket case peppered with dents, scratches, and cobwebs. The transformation from a neglected lawn ornament to a gleaming and purring restored ride is truly astonishing each and every time.

Tony Munoz, of Pomona, California, purchased this 1966 Mustang Fastback about 9 years ago. He bought it from a childhood neighbor — after seeing it every day as a kid, this iconic pony car made an indelible impression. Many years later, he was finally able to convince its original owner to part ways with the car.

Every classic car owner we meet has a specific reason for owning and restoring his or her vehicle. Unlike a new car, you can't simply drive to your local dealership and purchase a classic with the exact options you're looking for. These timeless vehicles are chosen, built, and rebuilt with a purpose beyond going from "point A" to "point B".

John Hoisington, of Anaheim, California, built his 1955 Chevy pickup truck in memory of his mother. She passed away in 2010 as a result of cancer, and he restored his truck to honor her memory. He also uses the vehicle to spread the word about cancer awareness and early detection — certainly a noble cause.

The Tri-Five Chevy Bel Air has a distinctive look that appeals to just about everyone, whether you're a classic car fanatic or someone who knows very little about these vehicles. The sleek curves, bright chrome,and finned rear yield an appearance that has stood the test of time.

The '56 Bel Air seen here is beautiful to look at and nice to drive, and the top-of-the-line 265ci engine originally available on this model was certainly quick for its time. However, by modern standards, the 225 horsepower produced by the 265 V8 isn't exactly blistering. This is why many Tri-Five owners have restomodded their vehicles with newer, more powerful engines, upgraded suspension, and disc brakes.

The 1964 Impala is a true icon of American automotive design. It's one of those vehicles that is recognizable even to those who wouldn't consider themselves classic car enthusiasts, and its long sleek lines exude style from every angle. No matter who you are, when one of these rolls up, you'll know something special has arrived.