London: A Bugatti sports car that was found after 50 years gathering dust in a garage in England was sold on Saturday night in Paris for 3.4 million euros (Dh16.14 million).
The two-seat 1937 Bugatti Atalante 57S coupe was one of 17 vehicles of its type produced by the Italian-based racing-car manufacturer. It had been estimated to fetch between 2.75 million euros and 4 million euros at the Retromobile sale held by London-based auction house Bonhams. The price included sale fees.
"This was the creme-de-la-creme of late 1930s sports cars," said Simon Kidston, a classic car adviser who attended the auction.
"Of the examples that have come on the market, this had by far the best history, prettiest body style and no one has seen it for 50 years. Nothing drives collectors more crazy than a car they haven't been able to buy."
Bonhams described it as "one of the last great barn discoveries" in an e-mailed statement before the sale.
Dr Harold Carr, a surgeon, owned the Bugatti from 1955 until his death in the spring of 2007. The reclusive doctor, from the northern English city of Newcastle, left his family a lock-up garage and its contents. Dr Carr's nephew knew he owned an Aston Martin and a Jaguar E-type sports car and only discovered the partially dismantled Bugatti when he opened the building's doors. The 130 miles-an-hour coupe has 26,284 miles on the clock and the engine has not been fired up for more than 50 years, said Bonhams.
The car had originally been made for Earl Howe, a British aristocrat who in 1929 was elected the first president of the British Racing Drivers' Club. Two years later, he won the 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans.
"People were taken aback by the condition," said Kidston in an interview. "It's gone a bit too far. Whoever has bought it will probably be looking at a restoration bill of at least £500,000. It's a big job, but worth it. That car deserves to be preserved."
It was pursued by three telephone bidders and two bidders in the room, with both the buyer and seller reported to be satisfied.