Epic garage finds - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Tech · 01-03-2009, 04:08 PM

i know we've had threads like this before. here's another example of an automotive jackpot hidden away in someone's garage.

Quote:

LONDON – It was the equivalent of finding an old Picasso or an unknown Beatles tape hidden away in your uncle's attic.
Relatives of Dr. Harold Carr found an extremely rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante — a Holy Grail for car collectors — as they were going through his belongings after his death.
The dusty two-seater, unused since 1960, didn't look like much in the garage in Gosforth, near Newcastle in northern England.
But only 17 were ever made, and when it's cleaned up and auctioned in Paris next month, experts believe it will fetch at least 3 million pounds ($4.3 million) and possibly much more.
Bugatti once represented the height of motoring achievement. The supercar was so ahead of its time it could go up to 130 mph (209 kph) when most other cars topped out about 50 mph (80 kph).
This particular car is even more valuable because it was originally owned by Earl Howe, a prominent British race car driver, and because its original equipment is intact, so it can restored without relying on replacement parts.
"It has all the finest attributes any connoisseur collector could ever seek, in one of the ultimate road-going sports cars from the golden era of the 1930s," said James Knight, head of the international motoring department at Bonhams, which will auction the car Feb. 7.
Knight and a small number of Bugatti enthusiasts knew of Carr's proudest possession, but not the eight relatives who inherited Carr's estate.
The orthopedic surgeon, who died at age 89, was described by relatives as an eccentric hoarder who never threw anything out. 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.
The Bugatti marque is famed for its speed and handling and was a frequent race winner in the 1920s and 1930s. The 57S Atalante was one of its most successful models, each one made by hand with unique details.
The company founded in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti collapsed in the 1940s after a long string of racing victories.
The rights to the legendary Bugatti name were purchased in 1998 by Volkswagen, which has built the Bugatti Veyron, one of the world's fastest and most expensive cars.

BadNick · 01-03-2009, 05:58 PM

WOW!!! what a find!

I've been reading various news reports about this latest find for the last couple of days. I wonder why I never had an eccentric uncle like that

Redjake · 01-05-2009, 06:40 AM

somebody call Jay Leno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THGL · 01-05-2009, 09:58 AM

I think Jay Leno already has one.

Here's another find:
The Supercar Registry Bulletin Board: really cool 70 Z28..simply the best.

Quote:

Here goes. I have kept my mouth shut as long as I can. Thanks to Stefano I have just acquired probably the nicest survivor 70 Z28 there is. It has 1100 miles and has not been outside or driven since 1973. No drag car stories etc. Norman, the orig owner drove it sparingly for the first three years and had every intention of driving it for years. But one day a friend of his sister's opened a car door against it and gave it a door ding. He got so mad he parked it. It has been in a climate controlled room ever since. Never had the oil changed and Stefano says it still looks like new. Spare etc has never been out of the car. I don't think the air cleaner has ever been off. Bought new at Fencl-Tufo. Still has remnants of the window sticker on the window. Norman threw the sticker away because it was just going to be his car. He saved all the other paperwork though. Orig air in tires. Car has never even been waxed. I have a few pics but will get more. Jason Ayers and his friend Dan met with Stefano and Guarise at Normans place today and loaded it up in Jason's trailer. Jason is hauling it back to Iowa and was going to give it a light cleaning but after looking at the car he is not sure that it should be touched. If any of you know Jason, he is that kind of Anal about orig stuff and the guy I wanted primping it. It is that kind of car. Thanks Stefano, Jason, Mike, Dan... And Thanks Norman for preserving this great car. This is amazing.

QuasiMondo · 01-05-2009, 11:56 AM

Where' s the door ding?

THGL · 01-05-2009, 12:06 PM

It's on page 2 of the above link. Certainly not bad enough to park the car for 30 years!

01-05-2009, 11:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
QuasiMondo Wise-ass Latino Location: Pretoria (Tshwane), RSA	Where' s the door ding? __________________ Cameron originally envisioned the Terminator as a small, unremarkable man, giving it the ability to blend in more easily. As a result, his first choice for the part was Lance Henriksen. O. J. Simpson was on the shortlist but Cameron did not think that such a nice guy could be a ruthless killer. -From the Collector's Edition DVD of The Terminator

01-05-2009, 12:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
THGL Psycho Location: Louisville, KY	It's on page 2 of the above link. Certainly not bad enough to park the car for 30 years! __________________ "The truth is merely an excuse for lack of imagination." - Garak

01-03-2009, 05:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	WOW!!! what a find! I've been reading various news reports about this latest find for the last couple of days. I wonder why I never had an eccentric uncle like that

01-05-2009, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Redjake I'm a family man - I run a family business. Location: Wilson, NC	somebody call Jay Leno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!