Greenwich, CT, June 3, 2007 – The proverbial car collector’s dream, finding an old extremely rare car tucked away in someone’s barn and selling it for a handsome profit came true this weekend when Christie’s auction hammer came down on a “barnfind” Bugatti 57C bringing the happy seller $825,000 at the auction held in conjunction with the annual Greenwich Concours.

The car, a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Coupe, had actually been parked in a garage, not a barn, since 1962 when it was only 24 years old. It offered a unique opportunity to own a car that marked the ascendancy of Jean Bugatti within the fabled automaker family before his tragic death in 1939.  

The Type 57 was his finest achievement, neatly melding his mechanical and aesthetic talents, and hinted at what the marque could have achieved under his guidance.  

This remarkably well-preserved auto proved too tempting for two bidders who battled it out to take it home.  One determined bidder was in attendance at the Concours and his opponent was calling in his bids over the phone.  

The spirited tussle excited the crowd that broke out into applause after the in-room bidder finally gave way and the hammer was bought down for more than double the highest pre-sale expectations.

“After a weekend of clear sunshine and a busy view, we were delighted to provide some great auction theatre on the last lot of the sale,” said Christopher Sanger, Head of Car Sales, Christie’s Americas.

The Greenwich auction kicked off Christie’s American season of sales for 2007 and offeedr collectors from across the country and the world an opportunity to bid on a broad selection of 35 cars, from a 1909 Chalmers-Detroit Thirty Touring to a Porsche.

“We were also particularly pleased with the reception for many of our top cars today, including the eye-catching 1955 Chevy Pickup and the 1965 Porsche 911,” said Sanger.

Next up for Christie’s is their flagship sale in Monterey in August, which will include the Steve McQueen 1963 Ferrari 250GT Lusso.

Here are the some of the Highlights.

All sold prices include buyer’s premium]

Sold: $2,398,825                £1,211,528              €1,776,907

Lots Sold: 29           Lots Offered: 38        Sold by Lot: 76%   Sold by $: 62%

Exchange Rate for calculation: £: $1.35    €: $1.98

Lot     Price                                          Estimate
39      $852,500                £430,556        €631,481        $300,000-400,000
1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Coupe

20      $396,000                £200,000        €293,333        $300,000-400,000
1931 Bugatti Type 49 Two-Door Sports Coupe, Ex-Bugatti Stand Berlin Motor Show

18      $159,500                £80,556         €118,148        $120,000-160,000
1937 Ford Model 78 Deluxe Station Wagon

17      $99,000         £50,000         €73,333         $100,000-200,000
circa 1914 Stutz Model 4E Bearcat (reproduction)

29      $99,000         £50,000         €73,333         $90,000-120,000
1957 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel Injected Roadster

23      $77,000         £38,889         €57,037         $35,000-45,000
1955 Chevrolet First Series 3100 Pickup Truck

30      $77,000         £38,889         €57,037         $60,000-80,000
1915 Vauxhall 25hp D Type Staff Car

13      $73,700         £37,222         €54,593         $80,000-120,000
1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8 Liter Drop Head Coupe

10      $71,500         £36,111         €52,963         $25,000-35,000
1965 Porsche 911        

14      $66,000         £33,333         €48,889         $60,000-80,000
1954 Austin Healey 100 BN 1     


For more information: Christie’s Car Department at www.christies.com/cars

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