Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, the world's most expensive car ...
In recent months many collectors will have been reassured that the market is still very strong, especially for good cars. Three Ferrari 250 GTOs have changed hands already this year, topped by a pristine example that fetched an awe-inspiring $26 million in a private transaction. That record was blown out of the water last week when David Gooding found a new owner for this Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe, chassis 57374. For the past four decades, it was the crowning piece of the collection of the late Dr. Peter Williamson.
Built in 1936, it was the first of three Type 57s clothed with the 'Atlantic' style body with its very typical riveted centre lines. The car was built to the order of Baron Victor Rothschild in London, who was one of Bugatti's most prominent clients. Since 1945 the car changed hands only once, when Dr. Williamson acquired it in 1971. He paid $59,000 at auction, which at the time was an unheard of amount for a motor car but in hindsight was a very solid investment. Of the other two examples built one was virtually destroyed in a fatal collision with a train very early in its life. Its remains were used for a rebuilt but it is not nearly as desirable as the other two. The third car has been owned by prominent American collector Ralph Lauren since the 1980s and is not expected to hit the market any time soon. Both cars that have survived in highly original condition have won the much coveted 'Best of Show' award in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Most of the Williamson collection had already been sold in Gooding auctions but this spectacular work of art was brokered personally by David Gooding. Initially it was reported that the Mullin Automotive Museum had acquired the car but that has since been denied. The new, as of yet anonymous owner, did express his intention to show the car at the newly opened museum. Although no exact amount was disclosed, we understand it was well over $30 million. To put things somewhat in perspective; Christie's auctioned a Picasso painting for $106 million this week.
Enjoy the links:
1936 - 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information
Last edited by Wouter Melissen; 05-06-2010 at 12:17 PM.
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