Rare Bugatti on show ahead of auction

(AFP/Getty Images)

A rare Bugatti car which was found in a garage after the death of its owner went on show to the media today before it is sold at auction.

The 1937 Type 57S Atalante was one of just 17 built by the company and its existence was known to only a handful of people during the last 50 years.

Originally owned by Earl Howe, it was discovered by the family of Dr Harold Carr in his garage in Gosforth, Newcastle.

The bachelor died in June 2007 aged 89 and had not driven the 130mph car since 1960.

He left the garage to his nephews and nieces, who knew nothing of its valuable contents. Dr Carr also had several other classic vehicles.

The Bugatti, which went on display in Hartney Wintney in Hampshire, is to be sold at Bonhams' Retromobile sale in Paris on 7 February with an estimated guide price of £2.75m to £4m.