Bugatti Type 57S Atalante (57502): Difference between revisions
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{{Mergeto|Bugatti Type 57|date=January 2009}} |
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[[File:Bugatti 57502 discovery.JPG|thumb|right|300px|1937 [[Bugatti Type 57]]S number 57502 pictured in the garage where it was discovered (undated photograph released by [[Bonhams]])<ref name="AP2Jan08ImageCaption"/>]] |
[[File:Bugatti 57502 discovery.JPG|thumb|right|300px|1937 [[Bugatti Type 57]]S number 57502 pictured in the garage where it was discovered (undated photograph released by [[Bonhams]])<ref name="AP2Jan08ImageCaption"/>]] |
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The '''Bugatti Type 57S Atalante number 57502''' is one of a batch of rare French sports [[coupe]] [[automobile]]s built in 1937 by the [[Bugatti]] company, a version of the [[Bugatti Type 57]]. Of the 710 ''Type 57'' cars built, only 43 were ''Type 57S'' and only 17 of those were produced with the [[coachbuilder|in-house]] Bugatti Atalante coupe body style (termed [[coachwork]]), (not to be confused with the Type 57 Atlantic body). |
The '''Bugatti Type 57S Atalante number 57502''' is one of a batch of rare French sports [[coupe]] [[automobile]]s built in 1937 by the [[Bugatti]] company, a version of the [[Bugatti Type 57]]. Of the 710 ''Type 57'' cars built, only 43 were ''Type 57S'' and only 17 of those were produced with the [[coachbuilder|in-house]] Bugatti Atalante coupe body style (termed [[coachwork]]), (not to be confused with the Type 57 Atlantic body). |
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The car was bought originally by the [[Francis Curzon, 5th Earl Howe|5th Earl Howe]] in 1937 who owned it for eight years. It passed to three intermediate owners, when in 1955 it was bought by Harold Carr, from [[Newcastle upon Tyne]].<ref name="BBC, 1 Jan 2009"/> He drove it for a few years, before storing it in his lock up garage in 1960, where it was discovered by his family after his death in 2007. |
The car was bought originally by the [[Francis Curzon, 5th Earl Howe|5th Earl Howe]] in 1937 who owned it for eight years. It passed to three intermediate owners, when in 1955 it was bought by Harold Carr, from [[Newcastle upon Tyne]].<ref name="BBC, 1 Jan 2009"/> He drove it for a few years, before storing it in his lock up garage in 1960, where it was discovered by his family after his death in 2007. |
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== Background == |
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[[File:B 4 b.jpg|thumb|right|A Type 57SC with Atalante bodywork]] |
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The '''Type 57S''' was a redesigned short-wheelbase "sportier" version of the standard '''Type 57''' chassis, distinctive by its 'V' shaped radiator grille and by being considerably lower. A [[supercharged]] version, the '''Type 57SC''', was also offered (as had occurred with the standard model as the '''Type 57C''') but was initially not bought in great numbers, possibly even only one, but many Type 57S's were [[retrofit]]ted to SC by Bugatti in the 1950s. These lowered chassis Type 57s are often considered one of the original [[supercar]]s. The 57SC could reach {{convert|130|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in an era when the average top speed was {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Fact|date=January 2009}} The cars were solely considered road going cars by Bugatti, not intended for use on race tracks, although they were sometimes raced by their owners. A true racing Bugatti model, the Type 57G, which was developed from the 57S, won the famous [[24 Hours of Le Mans|''24 Heures du Mans'']] twice. |
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The Type 57 was built with a range of in-house and external [[coachwork]] styles, of which the 17-strong '''Atalante''' are often referred to as the finest looking, built on both the standard and lowered chassis. The Atalante had been adapted for production from the less suitable '''Atlantic''' body. The Atlantic itself had been developed from the '''Aerolithe''' prototype, which introduced the "teardrop" shape at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. Only three Atlantics were built in production, and differ from the similarly-shaped Atalante in having a split windscreen, and differently-shaped doors, windows and boot. Being hand built, each Atalante was different in detail, and some had noticeable differences such as in the roofs, in the fenders and in the headlight body mounting style. Other Bugatti factory coachbuilt Type 57s wore bodywork named after [[Alpine passes]], such as 4-door sedans named [[Col du Galibier|Galibier]], various styles named [[Mont Ventoux|Ventoux]], and drophead coupes named [[Stelvio Pass|Stelvio]]. Unlike the names of the Alpine pass models, the Atalante was a derived name, from a heroine of Greek mythology, [[Atalanta]]. For their rarity and style, the Atalante bodied Type 57's are considered prized assets to classic car collectors. Four Atalantes are owned by the [[Cité de l'Automobile]] Museum in [[Mulhouse]], [[France]] (formerly known as the ''Musee Nationale de L'Automobile de Mulhouse'')<ref name="ConceptCarzType57SDetails">{{cite book |
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|url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13374/Bugatti-Type-57S.aspx |
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|title=1937 Bugatti Type 57S |
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|publisher=[http://www.conceptcarz.com www.conceptcarz.com] |
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|date=undated |
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|accessdate=1 January 2009 |
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|ref=ConceptCarzType57S |
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|quote=The Type 57S was a short-wheelbase sport version of Bugatti's twin-camshaft, straight eight, 3.3 liter Type 57 model, and featured a 'V' radiator. Only 43 examples were built between 1936 and 1938, and this one was the last of 17 to be fitted with factory built black Atalante coupe coachwork...The Type 57S has been called the ultimate road going Bugatti. It is also one of the rarest...The Type 57 and its variants were intended for road going use...The catalogue bodies included two versions of the Ventoux Coupe, the Galibier four-door sedan, the Stelvio cabriolet, Atalante and Atlantic. The Atlantic, and its derivative the Atalante, were constructed in two-door coupe configuration. |
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}}</ref><ref name="ConceptCarzType57SUses" >[[#ConceptCarzType57S|ConceptCarz, Bugatti type 57S]], ''Many manufacturers during the time produced multi-purpose vehicles that could be driven to a race track, raced, and then driven home. The Bugatti Type 57, however, was solely a road going vehicle and is considered the most celebrated of all non-racing Bugattis. Even though the Type 57 was strictly a road-going vehicle, a racing version was created for the 1937 24-Hours of Le Mans race. This vehicle, based on the Type 57S chassis and named the 57G, won the race. A supercharged version was created for the 1939 Le Mans race and also was victorious.''</ref><ref name="MotorbaseLot39Styles">{{cite book |
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|url=http://www.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/216562633/ |
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|title=Lot 39: 1938 BUGATTI TYPE 57C ATALANTE COUPE |
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|publisher=[http://www.motorbase.com www.motorbase.com] |
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|author=Exceptional Motor Cars, Christies |
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|date=3 June 2007 |
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|accessdate=1 January 2009 |
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|ref=Christies, Exceptional Motor Cars, lot39 |
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|quote=Bugatti designs for the Type 57 comprised a series of handsome styles named after famous alpine passes: Galibier 4-door sedans, Ventoux coaches, coupes and drophead coupes and Stelvio drophead coupes...Even those famous designs were, however, ordinary compared with the exquisite proportions and intricate details of the Molsheim-built Atalante Coupes...the Atalante's name - taken from a fleet-footed heroine of Greek mythology rather than alpine landmarks - signified how different it was from the others in Bugatti's coachwork catalogue. |
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}}</ref><ref name="Supercars57SC" >{{cite book |
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|url=http://www.supercars.net/cars/265.html |
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|title=1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante |
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|publisher=[http://www.supercars.net/cars/265.html www.supercars.net] |
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|author=Richard Owen |
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|date=undated |
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|accessdate=1 January 2009 |
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|quote=The Atalante body style was an interpretation of the 1935 Aérolithe Coupe, essentially a prototype that reached very limited production in 1936 as the Type 57 Atlantic...As majestic and unusual as the Atlantic was, it wasn’t suitable for series production with its high set doors, fussy construction and split front window. The design was revised into the Atalante which included the Aérolithe’s teardrop shape, but with a flat windshield, a separate trunk area with recessed spare-tire and full-size doors that retained the signature kidney-bean windows...To maintain exclusivity, no two of the Type 57SC Atalantes were the same. In detail, each was distinct and some major differences were introduced. For instance, two were made as Roll-Back Coupes with reclining soft-tops. Some of the first had independent headlights while others were sculpted into the body. Most featured skirted rear arches and wire wheels or polished aluminum hubcaps. Some of the more dramatic cars feature lengthened rear fenders...Atalante bodies were manufactured on the complete range of Type 57 chassis...Outwardly, the Type 57S chassis was distinguished by its ovoid radiator that formed a deep vee...With such a capable chassis, the Type 57SC has been described as the world’s first supercar |
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}}</ref><ref name="ConceptCarzType57SCOrders" >{{cite book |
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|url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9159/Bugatti-57SC-Atalante.aspx |
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|title=1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante |
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|publisher=[http://www.conceptcarz.com www.conceptcarz.com] |
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|date=undated |
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|accessdate=1 January 2009 |
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|ref=ConceptCarzType57SC |
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|quote=The supercharger was an option from the inception of the Type 57S but it is believed to have been installed on only one or two of the first models delivered. The factory however, did a lively business in upgrading unblown Type 57S chassis with superchargers right through the fifties. |
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}}</ref> |
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== Specification == |
== Specification == |
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Revision as of 01:44, 14 January 2009
The Bugatti Type 57S Atalante number 57502 is one of a batch of rare French sports coupe automobiles built in 1937 by the Bugatti company, a version of the Bugatti Type 57. Of the 710 Type 57 cars built, only 43 were Type 57S and only 17 of those were produced with the in-house Bugatti Atalante coupe body style (termed coachwork), (not to be confused with the Type 57 Atlantic body).
The car with chassis number 57502 (registration EWS 73, ex-DYK 5, ex-works-1127-W5)[2][3] was rediscovered in 2008 having been stored in a private owner's garage in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, for 48 years, with few people aware of its location. Described as "one of the last great barn discoveries" by classic car experts, it is due to be sold at auction by Bonhams on 7 February 2009. Set at a reserve price of £3 million, due to its low mileage and original condition, it was speculated that it could become the most expensive car ever sold at auction, at around £6 million.[4]
The car was bought originally by the 5th Earl Howe in 1937 who owned it for eight years. It passed to three intermediate owners, when in 1955 it was bought by Harold Carr, from Newcastle upon Tyne.[4] He drove it for a few years, before storing it in his lock up garage in 1960, where it was discovered by his family after his death in 2007.
Specification
Chassis number 57502 was completed at the Bugatti works on 5 May 1937, wearing the works number plate 1127-W5[3], and then wore the British number plate DYK 5[2], later being re-registered as EWS 73, the number which it wore on rediscovery. When discovered, 57502 still possessed its original chassis, engine, drive train and body. It had an odometer reading of 26,284 miles (42,300 km), described as "remarkably low".
While mostly original, the car as found in 2008 did contain some modifications from the originals. Dating from bespoke modifications made by Earl Howe, the car possessed unique bumpers, rear-view mirrors on the A-pillars, and a luggage rack. In addition, due to the fitting of a Marshall K200 supercharger while it was owned by Mr J P Tingay, the car was with respect to engine power closer to the retrofitted super-charged types, (although the K200 is not the same supercharger used on the original C or SC models however).
According to James Knight of the Bugatti's future auctioneer Bonhams, the rediscovered Bugatti "is incredibly original and, although she requires restoration, it is "restoration" in the true sense of the word...save for some of the interior, all original parts can be restored or conserved in order to maintain originality"[5].
Ownership history
The car was ordered new from Bugatti by Francis Curzon (1884 - 1964), the 5th Earl Howe, a former Naval officer and British politician. He took delivery of it on 9 June 1937 from Sorel of London, the UK agents for Bugatti. Curzon was a keen motor racing enthusiast, racing several times in the famous 24 Heures du Mans endurance race, winning the 1931 race, and the first president of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC).
The Bugatti was then sold via Continental Cars to a Mr J P Tingay in 1947. A Mr M H Ferguson acquired the Bugatti from Tingay in 1950 and by 1954 it formed part of the collection of Lord Ridley of Northumberland.
In 1955 Harold Carr paid Jack Barclays £895 for the car, but drove it for only a few years. Dr Carr then stored the car in a lock up garage after its last tax disc expired in December 1960, where it remained unused and untouched.
Harold Carr
Harold "Harry" Carr was born in Newcastle in 1917, and died on 14 June 2007, aged 89[6]. Carr gained both medical and engineering degrees, and had worked both as an orthopaedic surgeon and an osteopath, and ran a family wholesalers business in Newcastle, JJ Macy's[6]. He was described as "generous", "eccentric" and a sort of "mad doctor" by his family. The life of Dr Carr was compared to eccentric American millionaire Howard Hughes, due to a passion for machinery, aviation and adventuring, and also due to suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which in later life turned him into a recluse[6]. The reasons for Carr storing the car unused for so long was attributed to a hoarding instinct which he had developed and had progressively worsened since the 1950s, due to his OCD[6]. In addition to the Bugatti, the hoarding had led to Carr collecting everything from receipts for pencils to 1,500 German beer steins[6][7]. His hoarding instinct also meant that the documentary history of the car had been preserved.
Rediscovery
The car had been stored in a garage in Gosforth[1]. In his later life, Carr's OCD had caused him to become a recluse. After his death, while clearing the garage of his uncle's possessions in 2008, the nephew discovered the Bugatti in the lock up garage, along with a "treasure trove" of cars including a classic Aston Martin and a Jaguar E-type. The Aston was sold while the Jaguar was scrapped due to its condition[8]. According to the nephew, notes found in the garage showed that some people had previously inquired about the car, and had even visited Mr Carr in attempts to buy it from him. According to James Knight of the car's future auctioneer Bonhams, had stated on its discovery, "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.". Friends who knew Dr Carr were reported to have stated that Carr would have known the true value of the car, and that he would never answer the door to collectors who called on him in person, and they would resort to writing offers on notes for neighbours to post through his letter box[9].
Auction
Being unmarried and having no children, Carr left his possessions to his nieces and nephews. Other family members had been aware that Dr Carr had possessed the Bugatti and other cars, but the true value of the car had remained unknown to them, coming as a surprise. The Carr family instructed the auction house Bonhams to sell the car, with the proceeds to be shared between eight relatives who inherited his estate[10]. It was to form the centrepiece of their Retromobile car show and sale in Paris, and be sold on 7 February 2009. The car would have a reserve price of £3 million. Analysts speculated that the car could be sold for up to £6 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction. (As of 2005 six of the most expensive cars sold for over £3 million, with the most expensive, a 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe sold for £4.87 million in 1987, holding the record for the most expensive car sold at auction[11][7]). While the car would attract global buyers, in November 2008 opinions were varied as to whether the classic car auction market had been affected by the 2008 recession affecting the United Kingdom economy[12]. On the discovery of 57502, other less desirable Type 57S Atalantes were said to have sold for millions in recent years. An Atalante which did not have its original chassis, but was built by combining an Atalante body on a Type 57C chassis, was sold at auction in 2007 for $852,500, from a top estimate of $400,000[13].
References
- General references
- 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante. Bonhams Auctioneers. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
- Rob Pattinson (1 January 2009). Family inherit Bugatti worth millions. Evening Chronicle web edition,.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - The eccentric uncle who left a garage in his will... containing a £6m Bugatti supercar. Daily Mail. 1 January 2009.
- Car worth £3m is found in garage. BBC News. 1 January 2009.
- Gregory Katz (2 January 2009). Rare 1937 Bugatti supercar found in English garage. Associated Press. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
- Inline citations
- ^ a b Katz, Associated Press, (image caption) In this undated image released by Bonhams, an extremely rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante, is seen in a garage in Gosforth, England, where it was revealed by relatives after the death of the owner
- ^ a b "Bugatti Trust Photo Archive Album 19 - Type 57S 118. Type 57S, Chassis # 57502, Reg. DYK 5, Atalante". The Bugatti Trust. 1938. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
Raymond Mays talking to Lord Howe. Donnington Park 1938
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^ a b "Bugatti Trust Photo Archive Album 19 - Type 57S 104. Type 57S, Chassis # 57502, Reg. 1127-W5, Atalante". The Bugatti Trust. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
T.57S Atalante with works registration number plate. Near the factory gates, Molsheim
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^ a b BBC Online News, 1 Jan 2009
- ^ James Knight, Bonhams auction page
- ^ a b c d e Rob Pattinson (1 January 2009 regionwide edition). "The Wheels of Fortune (front page), Life of an adventurer (section, p5)". Evening Chronicle. p. 1,4,5.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help);|format=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Rob Pattinson (1 January 2009 regionwide edition). "The Wheels of Fortune (front page), History of the well-kept car (section, p5)" (newspaper). Evening Chronicle. p. 1,4,5. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
Dr Carr's hoarding instinct meant the car has remained virtually untouched and unused since the early 1960s. The current record sale for a car at auction stands at £4.7m, for a 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe, sold in 1987.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Katz, Associated Press, He also left behind an Aston Martin, which was sold, and a Jaguar sports car that was scrapped because it was in such poor condition
- ^ BBC Look North Evening News 18.30GMT television bulletin
- ^ Katz, Associated Press, Knight and a small number of Bugatti enthusiasts knew of Carr's proudest possession, but not the eight relatives who inherited Carr's estate.
- ^ John Apen (31 August 2005). "Top 10:Most-expensive auction cars ever!". Forbes (via MSN.com). Retrieved 1 January 2009.
- ^ Will Smale, Business reporter (4 November 2008). "Classic car sector hits bumpier road". BBC News. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
{{cite news}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ Christies, Exceptional Motor Cars, lot 39, "The 1938 Bugatti Type 57C offered here was originally bodied by Gangloff of Colmar with Stelvio cabriolet coachwork...it came into the hands of Ray Murray in the United States who already owned Bugatti Type 57 Atalante 57733...Murray then created this car's current configuration, installing the...Atalante coachwork on the supercharged Type 57C chassis to create the ultimate combination of Bugatti Grand Routier, a supercharged Atalante. Estimate $300000-$400000 Outcome SOLD Hammer Price $852500"
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