1939 Bugatti Type 57 3 Position Drophead

This rare Type 57 cabriolet was bodied by Letourneur et Marchand—one of the few custom coach-builders whose work matched Jean Bugatti's own designs for grace and beauty. Chassis 57587 is the first of eight cabriolets built. This is design number 5877 with chassis number 57587, the first built.

The build process, all the way from the original order placed by Baron Georges de Cocq, took place from March to July in 1939. Numerous fascinating letters record the car's early life, with many unique details incorporated to suit the Baron's needs. Letourneur et Marchand, at the Bugatti Paris agency's request, crafted unique rear bumpers to the Baron's design and even fitted a special holder above them for his fishing rod! After these modifications, the car was exhibited in the Paris showroom from October 1938 to March 1939

The Bugatti accompanied the Baron and his family to the South of France. It remained in Southwest France until 1956, when, it was sold by the Baron's widow, Emilienne, to Jean Laurent in Paris. In 1957, chassis 57587 was sold by Parisian Bugatti dealer Armand Beressi to Dr. Milton Roth of Long Beach, California. It then passed through several 'Bugattistes' ownerships. In 1962 the car was recorded in the Bugatti Register and Data Book. It was then sold to a longtime Bugatti Club member, and then resold again in 1979.

After Robert Owens of Haverford, Pennsylvania acquired the cabriolet he chose to give it a concours restoration. Owens diligently sought out the original engine and in 2003 he finally acquired and reunited it with the car. The Type 57 was restored back to its original condition. It has since passed through several owners.

In 2004 the car was exhibited freshly restored at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.