1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Drophead Coupe

In 1934, Bugatti introduced their Type 57 which would remain in production through 1940. They were initially built for touring, but many of them made their way onto the racing circuit.

The Type 57C project was headed up by Jean Bugatti, son of company founder Ettore Bugatti. Unfortunately, Jean Bugatti was killed near Molsheim while test-driving a 57C that was being prepared for a race. The date was August 11th, 1939 - less than a month before the start of World War II.

This Bugatti Type 57 is one of four with the Gangloff Aravis body. At the 1934 launch, Bugatti offered four Type 57 body styles, and then in 1938, the Aravis was introduced. This Type 57 Aravis has the standard 3.3-liter straight-8 supercharged engine developing 160 horsepower, which is basically a detuned version of the Grand Prix Type 59 engine.

This 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Drophead Coupe is only one of four ever created and one of the few surviving of its kind. The coachwork was handled by Gangloff.

Since new, it has been treated to a complete and professional restoration. At the time of its restoration, it was fitted with a correct-style Bugatti supercharger which brought it up to the 'C' specification.

It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $1,500,000-$1,800,000. It is in concours ready condition with a history that is completely accounted for and known. It is one of only three that has survived in modern times and one of the greatest examples of the Type 57 ever created. At the auction, the car did sell, finding a new owner for the price of $1,375,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019