A 1929 Bugatti Type 44 Vanvooren Saloon will star in an auction hosted by H&H Classics at Duxford Imperial War Museum on July 26.
It’s expected to sell for around £200,000-240,000 ($258,500-310,200).
Some Nazis used the Bugatti Type 44 for target practice
The model was unveiled at the 1927 Paris Salon and is widely regarded as being among the best tourers the marque ever produced.
The engine is particularly innovative.
Edgar Duffield, writing in a 1928 edition of Automotor Journal, described it as “just as refined as it is fast; just as amusing a car in the hands as ever the little beggars were”.
The car’s ownership history may give it further appeal to collectors.
It was originally delivered new to Jean Jacques Peugeot (an heir to the Peugeot dynasty).
Soon after the second world war broke out, Peugeot’s home in Montbeliard was occupied by German troops – who one day decided to take a few pot shots at the car.
Photographs from the time show bullet holes in each of the doors.
Thankfully, the damage caused has long since been repaired.
“It is beautifully detailed with unusual triple-hinged doors and among the most delightful Vintage Saloons we have encountered,” says Damian Jones, head of sales at H&H.
The auction will also feature a 1961 Lotus Elite Type 14, valued at £75,000-90,000 ($96,937-116,325).
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