Forza Horizon 5 barn finds are one of the most exciting elements of the game, adding a sense of mystery and exploration to the high-octane racing experience. These hidden gems are scattered across the vast and beautifully rendered Mexican landscape, waiting to be discovered and restored to their former glory.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Forza Horizon 5 barn finds—from what they are and how to trigger them, to detailed tips on locating each one. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned Horizon Festival racer, this article will help you master the art of the hunt.
What Are Barn Finds in Forza Horizon 5?
Barn finds in Forza Horizon 5 are abandoned classic vehicles hidden in remote barns throughout the map. Once located, players can restore these rare cars and add them to their garage. These aren’t just ordinary cars—they’re historical icons, often with unique handling and performance traits that make them worth the effort.
Unlocking barn finds brings both satisfaction and a gameplay advantage. These restored vehicles can become some of the most valuable assets in your collection, offering nostalgic charm and competitive power.
How to Unlock Forza Horizon 5 Barn Finds
Not all barn finds are available immediately. Some are unlocked by progressing through the campaign, completing certain events, or purchasing specific properties. Here are key ways to trigger barn finds:
- Accolades and Story Missions: Completing story-driven tasks can prompt barn find rumors.
- Expedition Missions: Specific expeditions reveal barn locations.
- Purchasing Landmarks: Certain houses, once purchased, reveal hidden barns on the map.
Once a rumor is triggered, a purple circle will appear on the map, indicating the general vicinity of a barn. Your job is to explore that area carefully and find the exact location.
Tips for Finding Barns Quickly
Finding the exact location within the purple zone can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use Drones: The drone mode is an incredibly useful tool. Activate it to scout hard-to-reach areas quickly.
- Look Near Dirt Roads: Most barns are off the beaten path but often connected to small dirt trails.
- Watch for Environmental Clues: Look for signs of old buildings, overgrown paths, or unusual structures.
- Check Elevation: Some barns are located on hillsides or plateaus. Don’t forget to check above or below your current elevation.
Full List of Forza Horizon 5 Barn Finds
Below is a summary of all the barn finds available in the game and a bit of insight into what makes each one special.
1. 1967 Ford Racing Escort RS1600 Mk1
Found near the Los Jardines area, this rally icon boasts exceptional handling and agility—ideal for dirt tracks.
2. 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo
This barn find brings German engineering into the spotlight. Located near Teotihuacan, this car offers precise handling.
3. 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR
A barn located in the Gran Pantano region reveals this American beast, known for its raw power and sleek design.
4. 1970 GMC Jimmy
Found near the La Gran Caldera volcano, this SUV is a nostalgic off-road machine perfect for mountainous terrain.
5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
One of the rarest and most valuable finds. Hidden in the western jungle, this car is a collector’s dream.
6. 1970 Porsche 914/6
This lightweight classic, tucked away in the jungle south of Teotihuacan, is an underrated performance gem.
7. 1993 Toyota T100 Baja Truck
Ideal for dirt racing, this pickup is hidden near Cascadas de Agua Azul and offers tough off-road resilience.
8. 1968 Renault 4L Export
More about character than speed, this small French car, found near Mulegé, is a charming addition to any garage.
9. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
Located near the coast, this early American sports car is an iconic symbol of the golden age of racing.
10. 1991 Jaguar XJR-15
This hyper-rare supercar is found near the AerĂłdromo en La Selva. Its futuristic design is a standout.
11. 1971 Porsche 911
Discovered near Baja California, this classic 911 offers timeless style and excellent road feel.
12. 1968 Dodge Dart HEMI Super Stock
This muscle car legend is buried in the fields near Pantano de la Selva. Pure torque and American brawn.
13. 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS
Hidden in the dense jungles, this version of the 911 is one of the most collectible Porsche models ever.
14. 1956 Ford F-100
Resting quietly near the swamps of Riviera Maya, this vintage truck embodies American truck culture.
15. 1963 Volkswagen Beetle
One of the first barn finds you’ll encounter, this lovable car is found early and showcases the charm of simplicity.
Restoration: What Happens After You Find a Barn?
Once you’ve discovered a barn and the vehicle inside, the car isn’t immediately usable. The game requires some in-game time to pass before the restoration is complete.
- Waiting Period: Some restorations take a few minutes to several in-game hours.
- Fast Track Option: You can skip the wait by donating credits to speed up the process.
- Notifications: You’ll receive a notification when a car is ready to be picked up and added to your garage.
Once restored, these vehicles can be used across all game modes—races, photo shoots, and even online events.
Why Forza Horizon 5 Barn Finds Matter
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, barn finds enrich the game in several ways:
- Nostalgia: Each barn find tells a story. The wear and tear on the vehicles, their dusty covers, and the settings all evoke a deep sense of history.
- Collection Value: These cars often aren’t available through dealerships or auctions, making them exclusive collectibles.
- Performance Diversity: From lightweight European cars to rugged American trucks, barn finds offer a wide range of handling styles.
- Tuning Potential: Restored cars can be customized, tuned, and modified to match your driving style.
Hidden Lore in the Barn Finds
Some of the vehicles come with backstories shared through brief voice-over snippets. This adds a layer of immersion and storytelling, connecting players to the culture and history of automotive design.
These stories often reference historical events, racing legends, or the social importance of the vehicle, giving players a richer sense of purpose in seeking them out.
The Role of the Environment
The Mexican landscape in Forza Horizon 5 plays a key role in barn finds. From arid deserts and dense jungles to coastal plains and volcanoes, the setting adds to the excitement.
No two barn finds feel the same. The ambiance of each location creates a unique memory—whether you’re plunging through a rainforest or climbing a mountainside road.
Are Barn Finds Missable?
Fortunately, barn finds in Forza Horizon 5 are not permanently missable. Even if you don’t unlock them during the main campaign, you can always return and complete them later.
However, progressing in the story and exploring side missions will speed up the unlocking of rumors and availability. So, exploration pays off.
Seasonal Content and Additional Barn Finds
With ongoing seasonal updates and festival playlists, new barn finds may become available as part of limited-time events or expansions. Keeping an eye on these updates ensures you don’t miss out on new hidden vehicles.
Some DLC expansions have also introduced additional barn finds with new environments to explore and more rare cars to collect.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Hunt
Forza Horizon 5 barn finds are more than just hidden vehicles—they represent a love letter to car enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Each discovery brings a sense of wonder, accomplishment, and mechanical beauty to the player’s journey.
Whether you’re driving through canyons, drifting through jungle paths, or flying across desert roads, never ignore the thrill of a rumor popping up on your map. You never know what dream car is waiting to be rediscovered.
So grab your drone, rev that engine, and start exploring. The roads of Mexico have more secrets than you think.
