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 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. In 1937, these improvements culminated in the introduction of the supercharged Type 57C. Equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and enhanced instrumentation, the Type 57C produced approximately 160 hp. Performance was formidable for the era, with top speeds comfortably exceeding 100 mph, accompanied by impressive braking ability and high-speed composure.

While Bugatti offered an array of bodies designed and built in-house at Molsheim, the Type 57 chassis also served as a platform for Europe’s most esteemed coachbuilders, including Gangloff, Corsica, and Vanvooren. These bespoke bodies allowed discerning clients to further individualize what was an already rare and sophisticated automobile.

According to the American Bugatti Register and Data Book, chassis 57742 was completed at Molsheim in November 1938, fitted with engine no. 516 and originally clothed in factory-built Galibier berline coachwork. On May 31, 1939, the car was ordered by Garage Carnot on behalf of its first owner, M. Saint Martin, with delivery arranged through Bugatti agent G. Groslambert in Besançon, France, near the Swiss border.

Little is known of the Bugatti’s history until the 1960s, when it was acquired in unrestored condition by French collector Jean Serre. Within M. Serre’s private collection was also a sporting Vanvooren cabriolet body that had originally been fitted to another Type 57, chassis 57430. That car had been supplied new to Prince Louis Napoleon, a direct descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as an enthusiastic Bugatti patron and amateur racing driver.

Founded in 1888 by Achille Vanvooren in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, Carrosserie Vanvooren earned renown for its elegant, lightweight, and finely constructed coachwork.

The firm reached its zenith during the 1930s, producing refined bodies for elite manufacturers including Hispano-Suiza, Delage, and Delahaye. Vanvooren’s designs are celebrated for their subtle proportions, restrained ornamentation, and modern sensibility – as exemplified by this handsome Cabriolet body seen here.

M. Serre retained both chassis 57742 and the Vanvooren cabriolet body until 2000, when they were sold as a package to prewar French car specialist Charles Bronson. Under his ownership, the Vanvooren coachwork was mounted onto chassis 57742, and the original engine was fitted with a supercharger. Notably, the chassis already featured the factory indentation required for supercharged specification, allowing the upgrade without the need for structural modification.

In 2005, this Bugatti was displayed by Dutch classic car specialist Tony Paalman at Techno-Classica Essen, after which it was sold to Bugatti specialist Competition Motors of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Ownership subsequently passed to noted collector Howard Fafard, who commissioned an extensive concours-quality restoration. Documented by invoices and photographic records on file, the restoration was completed in the tasteful black and aubergine color scheme seen today, complemented by an exquisitely tailored interior trimmed in exotic ostrich leather.

Completed in 2012 at a reported cost exceeding $800,000, the Bugatti was reacquired by Competition Motors and debuted that year at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Later in 2012, it was professionally photographed for Ralph Lauren Purple Label advertising for the Fall collection.

In 2023, chassis 57742 joined a prominent East Coast collection and returned to Pebble Beach in 2024, where it was displayed in Class J-2, European Classic Touring Late. Carefully maintained, the Bugatti presents today in outstanding concours condition and would be an ideal candidate for future concours events or vintage rallies, including those organized by the American Bugatti Club.

A desirable late-production Type 57 retaining its matching-numbers engine, enhanced with a supercharger, clothed in original Vanvooren cabriolet coachwork, restored by marque specialists, and twice exhibited at Pebble Beach, chassis 57742 stands as a compelling and versatile example – one that embodies both the artistry and performance that define the very finest vintage Bugattis.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1937.