Barn finds are some of the most sough-after vehicles. The sentiment can be described like finding a hidden treasure, untouched for years, even decades.
The most important and valuable thing about a barn find, is the glimpse to the past the vehicle offers. Its unrestored body and patina represents the voyage through life. Just like an antique object, it has a story, a motif. This rare Bugatti Type 13 Brescia is that kind of car. It has been sitting for more than 40 years, waiting to be “found”.
Considering the fact that the car is from 1925, meaning its 90-years old, you can argue it spent almost half its life tucked away. It belonged to Bernard Terrillon, a well-known Bugatti enthusiast, who had three more besides this gem. The other cars were sold in the 1970’s but this one remained still until some family members discovered it in the barn earlier this year.
It’s believed to be one of just 12 surviving examples and it has a mono-bloc, straight-4, 1.4-litre, 4-valve engine which develops around 30 BHP with the aid of two Zenith carburetors. An adequate amount, considering the fact the little Bugatti only weighs 300kg.
The Type 13 was considered the first real Bugatti ever built and the Brescia the evolution of it. 435 examples were produced, in all its variations (Type 15, Type 17, Type 22, Type 23), and it was one of the most successful race cars Bugatti ever created, despite its 2 meter-long wheel base.
The moniker Brescia comes from the 1921 Brescia Grand Prix, in which Bugatti took the top four spots. From that moment on, all Type 13 with 16-valves engine (one of the first ever produced), became known as Brescias.
The Type 13 barn-find is in an exceptionally good condition and bares the body-work of coachbuilder Maron Pot et Cie. According to Artcurial – the auction house selling this rare machine – it is estimated to fetch between €150 000 – €250 000($170 000 – $280 000), and will be offered with no reserve.
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