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Vintage Bugatti Cars Set New World Records At Auction
Over its illustrious 115-year history, Bugatti has cemented its legacy in the automotive world, producing vehicles that are not only marvels of engineering but also works of art. The brand's vehicles are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, making any auction featuring Bugatti models a significant event. This was evident at the recent Selections from the Mullin Collection Auction hosted by Gooding & Company, where Bugatti automobiles exceeded expectations, fetching prices well above their estimates.
The auction featured pieces from the former Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, known for housing the world's greatest collection of French Classic and Art Deco automobiles. Following the passing of its founder, Peter Mullin, in September 2023, the museum's closure marked the end of an era. The museum was home to an extensive collection of artifacts from the Bugatti family, including over 75 pieces of furniture by Carlo Bugatti and numerous sculptures by Rembrandt Bugatti. It also boasted the largest private collection of Ettore and Jean Bugatti automobiles globally.
Among the highlights of the auction was a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis ‘Special Cabriolet‘, which sold for a record $6,605,000, surpassing its lower estimate of $2,500,000. This supercharged Type 57C is one of only three examples of the Gangloff-bodied Aravis still in existence today. It was originally ordered by Avignon agent Granat & Fils for Maurice Trintignant, a celebrated Bugatti team racing driver. The car, featuring ivory bodywork with dark blue fenders and trim, chassis number 57768, was raced by Trintignant in the 1939 Grand Prix du Comminges and underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2005 by Sargent Metal Works.
Another record-breaking sale was that of a Bugatti Type 46 Semi-Profilée Coupe, which fetched $1,105,000 against a lower estimate of $650,000. This rare Type 46 featured replicated semi-profilée-style coachwork and was initially ordered by Bugatti agent Vladimir Gut in Prague. After changing hands several times, it underwent restoration in the early 2000s to replicate one of the most stunning bodies ever seen on a Type 46: the Semi-Profilée.
The auction also saw strong performances from several highly original and unrestored Bugattis. A 1927 Bugatti Type 40 ‘Break de Chasse‘ sold for $445,000, significantly above its $100,000 lower estimate. This particular vehicle was delivered on December 2, 1927, to Fernand Huck and later converted into a distinctive wooden "shooting brake" body during the 1930s or 1940s. Additionally, two Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux models with original engines and bodywork doubled their estimates alongside robust sales for a 1927 Bugatti Type 40 Faux Cabriolet and a 1931 Bugatti Type 40A Roadster.
The success of these sales not only underscores the enduring legacy and appeal of Bugatti automobiles but also highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design that have become synonymous with the brand. As these vehicles find new homes among collectors and enthusiasts around the world, they continue to celebrate the rich history and artistic achievement of one of the automotive industry's most storied names.
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