The Bugatti Type 57 was both beautiful and powerful and provided cash-flow for the Bugatti Company during a difficult economical time in history. It was introduced in 1934 and quickly grew a reputation for low noise and vibration from the engine. The engine is a 3.3-liter engine capable of producing 135 horsepower. There were four-bodystyles offered and their names were in honor of the Alps mountain peaks, the Galibier, Stelvio and Ventoux. The Ventoux body style had seating for four and two doors. Its design, such as raked windshield, was borrowed heavily from the Type 50. All of the Ventoux bodystyles were created in-house, by Jean Bugatti. Most of the Stelvio bodystyles were outsourced to custom coachbuilders.
A second series was introduced in 1936 and featured a redesigned chassis which accommodated a more flexible engine mounting system.
The 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA where it was estimated to sell between $400,000-$500,000. Since new, it has been treated to a body-off restoration to concours quality. The work was done by Ivan Dutton Ltd of England for the cost of $450,000. It was shown at the 1998 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance and was awarded the first ever 'Elegance in Motion Trophy' by the judges.
On auction day the vehicle was sold for $467,500 including buyer's premium.
It was later brought to the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $450,000 - $550,00. The lot was sold for $528,000 including buyer's premium. | |
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