1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux Coupe - Sold at $390,000

1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux Coupe
135hp, 3,257 cc twin-cam inline eight-cylinder engine, four speed manual transmission, solid axle and semi-elliptic leaf spring front suspension, solid axle and quarter elliptic leaf spring rear suspension, and four-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 3,300mm

The 1937 Bugatti Type 57 we are pleased to offer here, chassis number 57614, is an absolutely remarkable automobile. It was sold new on April 3, 1937 to Paul Pernod (of the beverage family) through agent Montaigne as a Ventoux Coupe with engine number 429. Over the course of the last 70 years it has resided in the collections of John Armstrong, Jean Arkin, as well as the Blackhawk Collection.

In the 1988 and 2003 American Bugatti Club register it stated that the original engine number was 443, but that has since been determined to be incorrect. This is thought to have been an error made by Bugatti historian, the late Andy Rheault. Unfortunately, this error has been perpetuated in many other publications. What has recently come to light is that engine number 443 has always remained with its original car, chassis number 57625, which is a car with continuous Dutch provenance. Today, Bugatti experts agree that this particular car does in fact have its original engine (number 429) and always has.

The first known restoration of the Ventoux Coupe was performed by Phil Reilly & Company, in California for the late William Ruger of Sturm-Ruger Arms Company of Guild Road, Newport, New Hampshire. The Bugatti was then listed in the ABC (American Bugatti Club) as being the property of Ruger.

The most recent restoration returned the Bugatti Type 57 to its original livery, Oxblood with tan hides and matching Oxblood Wilton carpets. The Ventoux Coupe has a tachometer in the dash fascia, which appears to be a factory special order accessory. Also of note, the Bugatti is fitted with factory correct 18" wire wheels which have been tastefully chrome plated by a previous American owner. In addition to receiving cosmetic attention, a major mechanical service was included in the restoration. It was last checked over and subjected to a thorough road test by Bugatti expert and restorer, Mr. Scott Sargent of Fairly, Vermont in March of last year and was given a clean bill of health.

Specs & Details:

Auction Date: 02 Aug 2008
Sold For: $390,000
# Bids: 16
Engine: 8
Transmission: manual
Exterior Color: red
Interior Color: tan