Police in Getaria, Spain, were investigating the theft of a heavy generator from a construction site when they made a surprise discovery: the thief was also a very passionate gearhead.

According to an arrest report published by the Erzaintza police, the stolen generator was located under a tarp in a farmstead along with the truck that was used to steal it. After arresting the 42-year old male suspect, police obtained a warrant to search the rest of the property. Stashed away in another building was a drool-worthy collection of enthusiast cars from the 1980s and 1990s the thief had stolen across Europe. In total, 26 stolen cars were retrieved from the barn.

Some of them were humble French hatchbacks, but many of them were rare homologated rally and touring cars. Several cars were also found with forged chassis numbers.

Among the 26 cars that were uncovered by police were multiple Mitsubishi Evo models spanning several generations, a Ford Escort RS Cosworth and Sierra Cosworth, a Lancia Delta Integrale, a rare Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 EVO II (one of only 502 ever made), an E30 and E36 BMW M3, a Renault R5 Turbo, and a Peugeot 205 GTI. Clearly, this thief has incredible taste in cars.

Authorities also found the thief to be in illegal possession of two firearms, a taser, and "a considerable amount of money of dubious origin," reportedly worth €10,000 ($10,800).

The 42-year-old man was arrested for the theft of the generator, possessing firearms, and altering the cars' VIN numbers. It isn't known how long the stolen cars have been stored away in the barn, but they appear to be in great condition so at least the thief took good care of them. It isn't known what will happen to the unique collection or much it's worth, but let's hope they all get returned to their original owners.