Bugatti Submerged for 70 years goes to auction in France
 

Expected to bring six figures, despite only 20% of the car remaining intact.

http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=EUR&screen=lotdetailsNoFlash&iSaleItemNo=4469309&iSaleNo=18191&iSaleSectionN o=2#

What would you do with it if you were the lucky high bidder with unlimited funds?

It's an interesting bit of sculpture as it is.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/v...es/Bugatti.jpg

I think it's one of the most beautiful "sculpture" I have ever seen, If I had the money I would go for it and leave it like it is.

Matte black, tube frame, airbags, Foose wheels and a blown Hemi.

Because of the value it will most likely be rebuilt to running condition. That can probably be done for a fraction of the value of the number plate and original parts.

If they restore it their won't be anything left. I'd keep it original.

I won't be worth anything if it's restored. It is only valuable because of it's "original" condition. You could probably build a running replica without molesting the original car.

Have it Ziebarted.

The basic story was that one of the past owners owed some money, and parked it in front of the courthouse as payment. The town didn't want the car, which was pretty well used up at that time, so they destroyed it by sinking it in the lake.
Inspiration for the guy in Texas, maybe?

At any rate, the car most likely does not actually have it's original body. That was supposedly severely damaged in a racing incident. It is being auctioned without reserve though-

I would put it in the front of my house with the rest of tthe yard art.

I wouldn't be surprised if a running Bugatti of that vintage especially if it has racing history has a value in the millions. The current trend toward not restoring cars only applies if they are in usable condition....more or less.

This car does not appear restorable without destroying the original parts. At best it could be used as a blueprint to build all new parts. If you are going to do that, you might as well keep the original too.

How about this?

http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=EUR&screen=lotdetailsNoFlash&iSaleItemNo=4505188&iSaleNo=18191&iSaleSectionN o=2

Some great cars in this auction.

How about restoring using as many parts as you can, but only make them fully functional and leave them as is. All the new metal and parts can gleam while the original retains it patina, only cleaning and preserving. It would make an interesting contrast.

That's one approach, but I bet it's still more valuable as-is.