1936 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux
According to Bugatti factory records on file, this Type 57, chassis 57422, was assembled in May 1936 and was fitted with two-door Ventoux coachwork, designed by Jean Bugatti and constructed in-house at the Molsheim works. Originally finished in gray, this body features a striking, avant-garde design characterized by its steeply raked windscreen, flowing lines, and rear-mounted spare. Delivered new to France; documented in the American Bugatti Register. A desirable Second-Series Type 57 with Jean Bugatti-designed Ventoux Coachwork. It retains its original matching numbers engine and original factory data tag. Kept in single family ownership for over 50 years, this is the ideal candidate for restoration or museum display.
Little is known of the Ventouxs earliest history from its delivery to Moreau- Esnault in August 1936 until 1949, when it was in Paris, being serviced by Roger Teillacs Laos Garage for then-owner M. Raleur. In 1954, it was registered to a new Parisian owner and then passed through two subsequent owners before being acquired in 1960 by famed Belgian Bugatti dealer Jean De Dobbeleer. In the mid-1960s, 57422 was sold via Dutch dealer van Ramshorst to Osmo Penttinen of Westminster, Massachusetts. Remarkably, the Bugatti remained. in his familys care for more than five decades before being sold to the previous owner. Throughout this period, the Ventoux was exhibited on just one occasion, at The Boston Cup Classic Car Show in September 2012.
Today, 57422 presents as an exciting discovery among the precious few Type 57 Bugattis that remains in fundamentally original, unrestored condition. As a result of decades spent in storage, rarely seen original details have been preserved, including sections of original paint, glass, carpeting, and upholstery. Significantly, the Bugatti retains its matching-numbers engine (no. 310) per factory records on file, factory data tag, and Ventoux coachwork, which can be seen stamped with body no. 54 in several locations, including the trunk and fender box covers.
With timeless styling and sophisticated engineering, the Type 57 is the ultimate road-going Bugatti and enjoys sought-after status among collectors. Chassis 57422, which features the improved second-series chassis and classic Ventoux bodywork, is among the last unrestored examples of this legendary marque and model. For the collector in search of a time capsule Bugatti, we encourage serious consideration of this captivating and highly original Ventoux.
Moreau-Esnault, France (acquired new in 1936)
M. Raleur, Paris, France (acquired by 1949)
M. Robins (acquired circa late-1950s)
Robert Baer, Geneva, Switzerland (acquired by 1960)
Jean De Dobbeleer, Brussels, Belgium (acquired from the above in 1960)
M. Albatros (acquired from the above in 1960)
Osmo Penttinen and Family, Westminster, Massachusetts (acquired via Van Ramshorst circa mid-1960s)
Previous owner (acquired from the above)
Chassis: 57422
Engine: 310- Desirable Second-Series Type 57 with Jean Bugatti-Designed Ventoux Coachwork
- Delivered New to France; Documented in the American Bugatti Register
- Retains Matching-Numbers Engine and Original Factory Data Tag
- Kept in Single Family Ownership for over 50 Years and Largely Unseen
- An Ideal Candidate for Restoration or Museum Display
Price: $367,500