Vintage Bugatti, found in barn, to be auctioned next month

Bugatti’s were primarily built between 1909 and 1957, by the original firm found by Ettore Bugatti, a native of Italy and a naturalized citizen of France. With a 10-year hiatus in and around World War II, the company produced some of the fastest and most exclusive automobiles in the world. Of 7,900 built, only something like 2,000 are still in existence.

In January 2009, a rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante was reportedly found in the garage of a late surgeon in England. Only 17 of these were made, all by hand.

That July, a 1925 Bugatti Brescia Type 22, soaking at the bottom of Lake Maggiore between Switzerland and Italy, was lifted out of the water. The Mullin Museum of Oxnard, CA bought it at for a reported $351,343 at Bonham's Retromobile sale in Paris last year.

The Type 57 was built circa 1934-35 and though needing a significant outlay for restoration, the investment will likely fare much better than an equivalent gamble on stocks or banknotes.

Lankes, namesake and president of the auction company, says such a discovery would be an absolute climax in the long history of his auction house. Details of the car are available in the auction catalogue, available now. Among the other rare and precious cars connected with the famous Mille Miglia race, the Bugatti will certainly be the Crown Jewel, he inferred.

“It is interesting to learn how many people are eager to buy classic cars due to a lack of confidence in banking investments,” Lankes said. “The discovery of the Bugatti will surely cause great excitement among lovers of old cars.”

We have placed a request for more information with the auction house and will provide updates when available.