1939 Bugatti Type 57 Galibier Saloon

This 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier Sport Saloon is fitted with the supercharged DOHC straight-eight engine. It is a late Galibier that was ordered directly from the Bugatti factory by author L. Cabot Briggs. It was delivered to him in the United States through George Rand's New York Bugatti agency. It is fitted with Lockheed hydraulic brakes, rubber-bushed engine mounts, and stiffened chassis frames.

In the late 1960s, the car was given a complete, professional restoration. By this point in history, it was owned by Robert Campbell, who had purchased it from Edgar de Evia. Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson purchased the car in October 1978. The restoration, still not completed, was sent to Don Lefferts' Vintage Auto Restorations to be completed. It is finished in ivory with tan leather upholstery.

The car has a single side-mounted spare with metal cover, chrome-wire wheels, polished brake drums, a Jaeger chronometer in the instrument panel, trafficators, a fold-down center rear armrest and a split rear window. The Galibier body has a solid roof with no glass panels or sunroof.

In the 1990s, the car was repainted. In 2008, this Type 57C Galibier Sport Saloon was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $500,000 and offered without a reserve. It was sold for $396,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009