Lazarus 0 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/7807210.stm A classic Bugatti car, which gathered dust in a Tyneside garage for almost 50 years, could fetch up to £3m when it goes under the hammer. Relatives of reclusive Newcastle doctor Harold Carr found the 1937 Type 57S Atalante in a garage after he died. Now the classic car, thought to be one of just 17 built, is to be sold by Bonhams in Paris next month. It was originally owned by Earl Howe - first president of the British Racing Drivers' Club. Dr Carr, a former army surgeon, left the contents of a lock-up garage to his family when he died in 2007. As well as the Bugatti, his nephew also discovered a classic Aston Martin, and a Jaguar E-type in the lock-up. The nephew, an engineer from Newcastle, said: "We just can't believe it. "Of course we're delighted and we're going to make sure the money is shared out among the family. It's a wonderful thing to leave." Bugatti Type 57S Only 17 Bugatti Type 57S Atalantes were built. Pic Bonhams Earl Howe took delivery of the sporty two-seat Atalante after it was completed in 1937 and kept the car for eight years. After Earl Howe sold it, it changed hands a couple of time before Dr Carr bought the car in 1955 from Lord Ridley, a member of the Northumberland gentry. He drove the car for the first few years, but in 1960 it was parked in his garage where it remained until his death. James Knight, international head of Bonhams' motoring department, said: "I have known of this Bugatti for a number of years and, like a select group of others, hadn't dared divulge its whereabouts to anyone. "It is absolutely one of the last great barn discoveries. "The Atalante is incredibly original and, although she requires restoration, it is 'restoration' in the true sense of the word. "It offers a truly rewarding project to the new owner - who will join a select list of distinguished owners - to play such an integral part in bringing this wonderful motor car back to life." The car has a remarkably low mileage with an odometer reading of just 26,284. The Bugatti 57S is a highly coveted car by collectors, with at least four thought to belong to the Musee Nationale de L'Automobile in Mulhouse, France. Others remain in the hands of private collectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob W 0 Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 it looks awful TBH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jusoda Kid 1 Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 I'm one of the nephews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth Operator 10 Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Came good for them then!! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7876741.stm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 14021 Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Everybody needs some luck, hope they enjoy it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Has the exchange rate just screwed them royally? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 7328 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Surely its the other way round? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snakehips 0 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Just goes to show that doctors are paid too much, if the geezer could afford to buy it in the first place. All NHS staff should have a pay cut iyam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattM4 0 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Surely its the other way round? Indeed, best time ever to get pounds from your euros. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jusoda Kid 1 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm one of the nephews I'm away on a world cruise now, see ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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