1937 Bugatti Type 57Sc Sports Tourer. Coachwork by Vanden Plas. Chassis no. 57541. Engine no. 29S. Estimate of $11 - $13-million. Photo: Bonhams.

Bonhams announced the addition of an extremely important motorcar to its second annual Amelia Island Auction next month – a 1937 Bugatti 57SC Sports Tourer with one-off coachwork by Vanden Plas. Well researched and documented by marque experts, this extremely desirable sports tourer – chassis number 57541 – is regarded by many as the greatest and most collectible of all pre-war automobiles. With just a handful ever created, a 57SC rarely if ever becomes available as they are locked-up in the finest collections around the world, cherished by some of the greatest names in car collecting. 

Rare, luxurious and extremely fast, the Type 57S was considered the ultimate automobile of its day, with its sophisticated surbaissé low-slung chassis, dry sump lubrication and distinct V-shaped radiator. Virtually a Grand Prix car in touring guise, nothing else in the world compared. 

When new, number 57541 was featured in the company’s catalog and also represented the firm at the London Motor Show at Olympia. Not just a handsome showpiece, the car also went on to race in New York and, after World War II, in Trinidad where, in the words of Bugatti historian, Pierre-Yves Laugier, its owner “made the XK120 Jaguars pay dearly…reaching speeds of 180 km/h (112 mph).” 

Authentic, well known and in impressive mechanical, structural and cosmetic condition, number 57541 embodies the very best of pre-war motoring. Its unbeatable combination of coachbuilt body and 1930s performance underpinnings result in a car of the highest known standards of the time. Athletic and tremendously aesthetic, this is the rarest of the rare and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

This incredible and charismatic automobile, carrying an estimate of $11 - $13-million, will be offered for sale by Bonhams on Thursday, March 10th at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club (located near the municipal airport) on Amelia Island in Florida, conveniently scheduled to coincide with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance activities.

1937 Bugatti Type 57Sc Sports Tourer. Coachwork by Vanden Plas. Chassis no. 57541. Engine no. 29S. Estimate of $11 - $13-million. Photo: Bonhams.