1937 Bugatti Type 57S
A stunning 1937 Bugatti Type 57S cabriolet is set to
steal the show at the upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction at the Amelia Island
Concours d’Elegance event next year.
The almost achingly-beautiful Bugatti is one of just
three Type 57S cabriolets ever produced – a piece of art created by Parisian
coach-builder Vanvooren. The car in question has not been restored whatsoever,
which auctioneers say adds to its appeal.
This means the Type 57S still has the original
engine, transmission, body and chassis straight from the Bugatti production
line, circa 1937. The story behind the Type 57’s production is that Ettore
Bugatti put his son, Jean Bugatti, in charge of the Type 57 project at just 23
years of age. All up, 710 units were produced between 1934-1940, with numerous
styles of body designs having been produced after they were modified by
coach-builders.
This Bugatti Type 57 has changed hands several times
over the course of its life, according to RM Sotheby, with owners largely based
in the UK, before crossing the Atlantic. It is the first time the Bugatti has
been offered up at auction, having been sold privately in the past.
Auctioneers have released early estimates for the
Type 57S, stretching up to the US$ 8.5 million mark. A sale at this price would
put the Type 57S in the company of some of the most expensive Bugatti models
ever sold. A Type 57SC Atalante was sold at the Pebble Beach event in 2013 for
a sum of US$ 8.7 million, with a 57SC Sports Tourer fetching US$ 9.7 million at last
year’s Amelia Island event.
We’ll know whether or not this Type 57S can break a
sales record when the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance event kicks off on
March 11, 2017.
