Dusty English garage contained a 'once-in-a-lifetime' $10 million Bugatti that'd just been left for 50 years

Published on Aug 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall

Last updated on Aug 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

A dusty English garage contained a ‘once in a lifetime’ $10 million Bugatti Type 57S Atalante that had sat untouched for over 50 years.

The 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante is one of the rarest cars ever made, with just 43 Type 57S models built, and only 17 of those had the Atalante coupe coachwork.

After being thought to be lost for decades, one resurfaced in 2009 after sitting in an English barn for 50 years, making the story of its survival even more incredible.

The car earned even more fame after selling for an incredibly high price at auction.

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How this 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante was found

The car was found in the garage of Dr. Harold Carr, a British orthopedic surgeon who bought the Bugatti in 1955.

Prior to this, it had belonged to Francis Curzon, the 5th Earl Howe, and a renowned Le Mans racer.

It passed through three intermediate owners before Carr bought it in 1955, yet in December 1960, the car was parked in the garage.

Carr parked it following the expiration of its tax disc, and later in life, while suffering from OCD, he became a recluse and hoarder.

This meant the rare Bugatti stood for decades, gathering dust with few aware of its existence.

Carr passed away in the 2000s, and the car was found by his nephew after he went to clear out the garage.

What happened to the $10 million Bugatti after its discovery?

When found, it turned out the Bugatti was almost completely original.

The Bugatti had its original engine, chassis, and body, with only small modifications such as the bumpers.

After the car was discovered, it was put up for auction through Bonhams in 2009.

Its original condition and rarity meant it was expected to sell at around £6 million; however, it failed to meet its reserve.

The Bugatti failed to sell for the £3 million reserve, reaching a high bid of $4,408,575 or £2.9 million.

But it was restored and once again put up for sale in 2020 thanks to Gooding & Co.

This time, the Type 57S Atalante sold for $10,433,965, or £7,855,000, becoming the most expensive Type 57 ever sold at auction.

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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.