Harold Carr
The ultimate estate car
Dr Harold Carr, an orthopedic surgeon in Gosforth, near Newcastle, never married and had no children. He did have a baby, though: a two-seater 1937 Bugatti 57S Atalante. And boy did he baby it.
When Dr Carr died in 2007 at the age of 89, the Bugatti had clocked up a mere 26,284 miles during its 70 years - averaging less than 400 miles per year. Dr Carr owned it for 52 years, and most years, it did no miles at all. The car sat untaxed, undriven and, alas, uncovered in his garage for 50 years, gathering plenty of dust, to be sure, but otherwise well protected against the elements. Dr Carr also owned an Aston Martin and an E-type Jaguar.
Bugatti built only 17 of these cars, and four are in museums. Although this particular Bugatti led an exceptionally reclusive life, some collectors knew of its existence and, given its rarity, wanted it.
Dr Carr wouldn't sell. He wouldn't even think about it. And when some prospective buyers asked neighbours to give him a letter of solicitation, Dr Carr would usually tear the envelope in two, unopened, unread. The Bugatti was destined to become part of his estate.
Dr Carr left his car to his nieces and nephews, who were his closest relatives. They promptly sold the Bugatti at auction in France, achieving 3.4 million euros (c. £3m).
The car's first owner was Earl Howe, the first president of the British Racing Drivers' Club. Dr Carr purchased it from Lord Ridley for £895. The receipt was found among Dr Carr's papers along with other documents.
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