Bugatti Type 57S Atalante found in a barn

You’d have thought that every barn in the world had been scoured for lost classic cars by now. But it would seem not. An extremely rare Bugatti Type 57S Atalante has been found in a barn in the North East, property of a late Dr Harold Carr.

The nieces and nephews of the late doctor were aware he had some old cars in his barn, but they could have had no idea they would turn up anything as dramatic as this. I’m sure Uncle Harold will have been toasted to the ceiling after this find, and even if he wasn’t the favourite uncle before, I bet he is now.

Rare Bugatti Type 57S Atalante found in a barn

Bonhams have got the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante up for sale in their Paris sale in February, and estimates are all over the place. But it’s a fair bet that someone is going to cough up at least £3,000,000  for the car, which needs a full restoration.

This Bugatti Type 57S Atalante was originally owned by Earl Howe, but was bought by the good doctor in 1955 for just £895. The last tax disc apparently ran out in 1960, so the car has been sat in the barn for nearly 50 years.

But with only 17 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante ever made, and half of those in a French museum, this is going to be some legacy.

I’m sure those nieces and nephews are going to have a very Happy New Year!

By Cars UK