Car enthusiasts dream about finding their dream car under a tarp in the back of an old barn in the middle of nowhere. Silverstone Auctions' International Trophy Sale has taken consignment on a 1968 Maserati GhibliMaserati GhibliItaly, 1966 > present5 photos
that was found in a storage shed in the UK and has not been on the road since 1999. The auction begins on May 17. 

The car needs a nearly complete restoration, but Silverstone Auctions predicts that it will sell for between  £12,000 ($18,000) and £16,000 ($24,250).

“With some loving care and attention, this stunning Ghibli can once again rule the road as one of the most beautiful Maserati’sMaseratiItaly, 1914 > present62 models
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to be built," said Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions.

The Ghibli was designed by Ghia under the pen of Giorgio Giugiaro and went on sale in late 1966. It borrowed a chassis from the QuattroporteMaserati QuattroporteItaly, 1963 > present and MexicoMaserati MexicoItaly, 1965 > present but with a 3.5in shorter wheelbase. Compared to its peers like the Ferrari 275Ferrari 275 Gen.2Italy, 1966 > 19676 versions
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, the Ghibli was relatively old fashioned. It had a live rear axle and leaf springs. However, it reportedly made the cars more driver-friendly because of lower service costs. Power came from a 330hp V8. 

The Ghibli was replaced by the KhasminMaserati KhamsinItaly, 1974 > 19821 photo
in 1973 after 1,274 units were built. 

“This is undoubtedly one of the best barn finds uncovered by the Silverstone Auctions team and it will be very exciting to see how it performs at the International Trophy Sale,” said Whale.