One of the most significant automotive discoveries of modern times was made in a quiet British garage: a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante. This extraordinary vehicle, untouched for decades, had been hidden away by its owner, Dr. Harold Carr, since the 1960s. With only 17 of these rare models ever produced, the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante is a masterpiece of pre-war automotive design and engineering, boasting both rarity and a rich history. When news of the discovery broke, it sent shockwaves through the classic car community, bringing the forgotten car and its fascinating story into the spotlight.
The Type 57S Atalante is often considered one of the most beautiful and technically advanced cars of its era. Designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of the company's founder Ettore Bugatti, the Type 57S featured an elegant, streamlined body that was revolutionary for its time. Under the hood, the car was equipped with a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, capable of reaching speeds of over 120 mph—remarkable performance for the 1930s. The "S" in its name stood for "Surbaissé," meaning "lowered," which gave the car its distinct low-slung profile and improved handling. Combined with its exclusivity, these qualities made the Type 57S a dream car for collectors, but for decades, this particular one had been forgotten.
Dr. Carr, a reclusive orthopedic surgeon and a former RAF pilot, had purchased the car in 1955 but, for reasons unknown, stored it in his garage where it remained unseen for over 40 years. After his death, family members were astonished to find the dusty Bugatti parked in the cluttered garage, with its original parts intact. The discovery was nothing short of miraculous. When the car was finally brought to auction in 2009, its exceptional condition and provenance made it one of the most anticipated sales in automotive history. It was sold for an astounding £3.4 million, a testament to its significance in the world of classic cars.
The rediscovery of the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante is more than just a tale of a forgotten car—it’s a symbol of the allure and mystery of classic cars as pieces of history. Such finds spark the imagination, reminding enthusiasts of the countless untold stories that still lie hidden in garages and barns around the world. The Bugatti's journey from being a forgotten treasure in a dusty garage to a highly coveted collector's item underscores the enduring value and fascination of these automotive masterpieces. Today, the Type 57S Atalante remains a prized possession among collectors, a tangible link to a golden era of craftsmanship and design.
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Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.c
