Brightwells to sell barn-find Bugatti

| 12 Jul 2012

A Type 51 Bugatti that was believed by a previous owner to be Count Stanislas Czaykowski’s 1931 Casablanca Grand Prix-winning car will be auctioned at Brightwells on 26 September.

The car – which has being lying unused for 9 years – was discovered hidden behind 1980s youngtimers in a Worcestershire garage that was blocked off by trees.

The racing car’s previous owner Alan Riley acquired it in 1987 – trading it for a 1931 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 and a 1954 Maserati 250F.

Research into its history is ongoing, but an initial inspection by a Bugatti expert suggests it is a skillfully executed replica, though a substantial part of the chassis may be from Czaykowski’s car.

The car will be sold at Brightwells’ Leominster aution.