1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux Coupe

The Bugatti Type 57 was displayed at the 1934 Paris Automobile Salon where it was a highlight of the event. The car was created as a replacement for the Type 49. The Type 57 was powered by a 3257cc engine that had a 72mm bore and a 100mm stroke. There was a multi-plate clutch and a four-speed manual gearbox. The car rode on semi-elliptic leaf springs in the front and quarter-ecliptics in the rear.

Improvements were made to the series during its lifespan, including hydraulic brakes in 1938. Sporting derivates included the 57S and the supercharged 57C.

From the factory, bodies came in the style of Ventoux, Galibier, and Atalante Coupes. Gangloff was tasked with creating the Stelvio Coupes. The Ventoux body style had two-doors and in 2+2 configuration. The interior was art-deco and the front had a raked windshield. The body was aerodynamic, and many of the features followed this form. The headlamps were built into the rounded, flowing fenders and there was a long and louvered bonnet.

This 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux Coupe is equipped with the desirable tachometer option. It is finished in a two-tone tan and brown livery. Under the bonnet is a flexibly mounted engine, a feature introduced in 1936.

The car has been treated to a complete restoration, including the vehicle's mechanical components. Though the restoration was done a while ago, it is still in excellent condition. The vehicle is very original with matching number components.

Bugatti Type 57 with chassis number 57614 was sold new on April 3rd of 1937 to Paul Pernod through an agent Montaigne as a Ventoux Coupe with engine number 429.

This car is a former Blackhawk Collection vehicle and was once in the collection of noted Bugatti collector William B. Ruger. This car was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California, where it was estimated to sell between $265,000 - $300,000. At the conclusion of the auction, the car was left unsold.

After the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfield auction, the car was restored to its original livery, Oxblood with tan hides and matching Oxblood Wilton carpets. This was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $450,000 - $550,000. As the gavel fell, the lot was sold for a high bid of $412,500, including the buyer's premium.

In 2008 the car returned to auction, this time to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $475,000-$575,000. Bidding reached $390,000 but was not enough to satisfy the reserve. The car was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008