Affectionately known as ‘Bugatti in the Barn’ this 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Series 3 Ventoux Coupe (below) with only 22,000 kilometres on her odometer was found recently dormant in a barn, much to the delight of both collectors and auctioneers.

According to auction house Bonhams “the car sat unused for more than three decades and came to the market for the first time in nearly 50 years.”

Bugatti historian David Sewell has confirmed the car had been imported to the U.S. from Switzerland, and soon that after the relocation, the car suffered from an engine bay fire which damaged the driver’s side hood panel and blistered much of the paint on the front end of the car.

This substantial damage, combined with rodent damage to the leather and unfinished electrical work to the original engine left the car unused in ruins for almost half a century.

The unique find was expected to fetch between US $150,000 – 200,000 at auction, however Haute Today are pleased to announce the timeless beauty sold for US$337,000 to a loving buyer. We cannot wait to see the restore.

by Amanda Johnstone