1937 Bugatti Type 57C Ventoux

Introduced in 1934, the Bugatti Type 57 represented the fullest expression of Jean Bugatti’s creative and engineering vision. Powered by a jewel-like 3.3-liter, twin-cam straight-eight engine and constructed with the marque’s customary delicacy, the Type 57 embodied all that defined Molsheim’s artistry: exceptional mechanical refinement, extraordinary aesthetics, and an unmistakable sense of exclusivity.

As production evolved, Bugatti continually refined the Type 57 chassis, incorporating strengthened rear-axle components, a cross-braced frame, rubber engine mounts, and upgraded braking systems. Bugatti offered an array of bodies designed and built in-house at Molsheim, including the closed two-seat Atalante, open four-seat Stelvio, and closed four-seat Ventoux.

According to a copy of the American Bugatti Register and Data Book entry and notes on file, this Bugatti was originally constructed with chassis 57584 and engine 421 in September 1937. A desirable series III chassis, the car was clothed in Ventoux four-seat coupe coachwork and finished in metallic blue with a pigskin leather interior. The Ventoux was used as a factory demonstrator before being sold to M. Bierlein of Switzerland in the summer of 1938.

The Ventoux was retained by M. Bierlien through WWII and stored in France until it was acquired by a local garage owner in 1950, who then sold it a year later to Ken Hassrick, a student from New Jersey living in France. By 1958, the Ventoux was sold to another American, W. Hudson Mills. Mr. Mills, who owned two Type 57s, exported the car to the US and, for unknown reasons, swapped the engines and chassis plates between his two cars. This car received the chassis plate numbered 57664 and engine 507. It was likely during Mr. Mills’ ownership that a Roots-type supercharger was fitted.

Following a succession of American owners, the Type 57C was acquired by Peter Bruppacher of Switzerland in the early 1990s. Mr. Bruppacher entrusted respected UK marque specialist Ivan Dutton Ltd. to restore the car to concours standards. This included refinishing the Ventoux’s coachwork in its current deep blue and burgundy two-tone color scheme, retrimming the interior, and renewing other finishes across the car as needed. The cost of this work reportedly totaled approximately £450,000.

Following the restoration, the Bugatti was sold to the noted Southern California-based collector, Bruce Meyer. Mr. Meyer exhibited the Bugatti at the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® where it participated in the inaugural Tour d’Elegance and received the Elegance in Motion award.

The Bugatti remained in Mr. Meyer’s collection for nearly a decade and later resided in the respected collection of Judge Joseph Cassini. In 2016, it was acquired by the consignor, in whose care it has been enjoyed on local outings in serene Northern California. Maintenance in current ownership has included fluid changes and drivability modifications, such as the installation of an electric fuel pump and ignition, and the Bugatti continues to present beautifully throughout.

Fitted with hydraulic brakes and shock absorbers, and a full complement of Type 57C instruments, this stunning Ventoux presents a rare opportunity to acquire a supercharged Bugatti which will be welcome at marque gatherings and concours events worldwide.