Finding the Forza Horizon 3 barn find 3 is basically a rite of passage for anyone tearing through the Australian Outback in Playground Games' 2016 masterpiece. You're driving. The sun is setting over the Pink Lakes. Suddenly, Warren hops on the radio with that gravelly Aussie accent to tell you there’s a rumor of a "beaut" hidden in a shed nearby. Most players realize pretty quickly that these aren't just random cars. They are pieces of automotive history tucked away in rusted outbuildings.
For the third unlock in the sequence, we’re talking about the 1974 Holden Sandman HQ Panel Van. This isn't just some clunky utility vehicle. It’s a cultural icon of the 70s Australian surf scene. If you aren't looking in the right spot, you'll spend forty minutes driving in circles through the brush. Honestly, it's frustrating if you're just trying to clear your map.
Where Exactly Is the Forza Horizon 3 Barn Find 3 Located?
The "Barn Find 3" label is a bit of a misnomer because the order can vary slightly based on how you progress through the festival sites. However, for the vast majority of players, the third rumor triggers around the Alcott Heath region. It's south of the Rainforest and north of the Byron Bay festival.
Look for the circular purple "hint" area on your map. It’s big. Way too big when you're looking for one tiny shack. The actual barn for the Holden Sandman is nestled in the lower-central part of that purple circle. You’ll find it tucked among some thick clusters of trees near a small clearing.
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Don't look for a paved road. It’s off the beaten path. Look for a small, weathered wooden structure that looks like it hasn't seen a coat of paint since the Fraser administration. Once you get close enough, a cutscene triggers. Warren will geek out over the "shaggin' wagon" (his words, basically) and the restoration process starts.
Why the 1974 Holden Sandman HQ Matters
The Sandman is a weird car. It’s part truck, part van, and entirely Australian. In the real world, the HQ Sandman was Holden’s answer to the youth culture of the 1970s. It became synonymous with surfboards, beach parties, and a certain "relaxed" lifestyle that the authorities probably didn't approve of.
In the game, it’s a C-Class beast when you first get it. It’s heavy. It leans in the corners. But the customization is where this thing shines. You can keep it stock for the "surfer" aesthetic, or you can do what most players do: shove a massive V8 in it and turn it into a drag strip sleeper.
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Performance and Upgrades
When the restoration is finished—which takes about 15 to 30 minutes of real-world gameplay—you get it for free. Here is the reality of the Sandman’s performance:
- Stock Power: It’s underwhelming. You're looking at around 140-150 horsepower from the factory 5.0L V8.
- The Weight Problem: This thing is a tank. It’s over 3,000 lbs. If you try to take it on a technical circuit without upgrading the suspension, you’re going to have a bad time.
- AWD Swaps: Like almost every car in Horizon 3, an All-Wheel Drive swap makes it much more competitive on the dirt tracks of the Outback.
Common Mistakes When Searching
I’ve seen people complain that the rumor won't pop. Here is the thing: barn finds are tied to your "XP" and Festival level. If you've just started the game, you can't just drive to the spot and expect the door to open. You have to wait for the radio call.
Also, the drone mode is your best friend. Seriously. Stop driving your supercar through the trees and hitting every single stump. Pull over, activate the drone, and fly over the Alcott Heath woods. The drone can spot the barn much faster than you can from the driver's seat, and once the drone "sees" it, the location is permanently marked on your map.
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Restoring the Beast
Once you find the Forza Horizon 3 barn find 3, it goes to the shop. You can't drive it immediately. The game forces a wait time while the "restoration" happens. You can pay credits to speed it up, but honestly, just go do a couple of races or a Bucket List challenge. It’ll be ready before you know it.
When you finally get it back, check the liveries. The community has made some incredible recreations of the original 70s decal packages. The "Sandman" script on the side is iconic. It really captures that specific era of Aussie motoring that most people outside of the Southern Hemisphere never got to experience.
Is It Worth the Effort?
Yes. Even if you never plan on racing it, these barn finds contribute to your total completion percentage and unlock achievements. Plus, the Sandman is surprisingly capable in Off-Road events once you slap some rally tires on it.
The Alcott Heath find is one of the easier ones compared to the ones hidden in the dense rainforest or the massive desert dunes. It’s a straightforward hunt that rewards you with a car that has more personality than a dozen modern supercars.
Actionable Steps for Your Hunt
- Level Up: Ensure you've expanded at least two festival sites to trigger the third rumor.
- Head to Alcott Heath: Focus on the southern portion of the purple circle.
- Use Drone Mode: Fly low through the trees to trigger the discovery without damaging your current car.
- Wait Out the Restore: Don't waste your hard-earned credits on the "Instant Restore" feature unless you're absolutely swimming in cash.
- Build for Torque: When upgrading, focus on a high-torque V8 build to help the heavy chassis get off the line in dirt races.
By following these steps, you'll secure one of the most culturally significant cars in the game and be one step closer to completing the full list of 15 base-game barn finds.