A Collection Of Timeless Masterpieces, Bugatti At Monterey Car Week

The most prestigious event of its kind, amassing only the most phenomenal cars on the planet, Bugatti lined the lawns of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week.

A collection of seven elegant, timeless and powerful pre-war icons adorning the famous ‘Macaron’ emblem was displayed to be revered by aficionados from across the globe.

Bugatti Type 57G ‘Tank’

Among the collection of seven historic examples, the Bugatti Type 57G ‘Tank’ is perhaps the most spectacular of all, and the only one remaining in existence. 

It won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 and also set a number of long-standing speed records, including an average of more than 200 km/h over 24 hours.

During World War II, it was hidden away in Bordeaux, before being restored by the factory and then later subjected to a full and meticulous rebuilding following its sale to a new owner in 1968.

Bugatti Type 57 - 1934 Graber Roadster / 1936 Graber Cabriolet

In a special celebration of the internationally acclaimed Swiss coachbuilder, Graber, two extraordinary examples of the Bugatti Type 57 were featured.

Between the two, the 1934 Graber Roadster is the notable one as it is a unique example of true two-passenger coachwork on the Bugatti Type 57 chassis. 

This version is believed to have been the first Type 57 bodied by Graber, featuring expressly light and flowing fender lines, accentuated by a low rear deck and subtle chrome trim.

Bugatti Type 57C Atalante

One of the most beautiful examples of automotive design ever, the Type 57C Atalante is a version of the Type 57 fitted with a supercharger or a ‘Compresseur’, hence the ‘C’ in its moniker.

Originally, this two-toned Bugatti was delivered to a collector in France, but with the onset of war, it was sent into hiding. 

Soon after, it emerged in 1950 and was acquired by Bugatti collector Paul Pittorino, and has been cared for by a series of passionate collectors ever since.

Bugatti Type 38A

Being a particularly rare example of the Bugatti Type 38, of which just 54 were built, the supercharged Type 38A was runner up in the European Classic Early Open class. 

These supercharged versions of the Type 38 featured a slightly extended hood, increased brake diameter and various other subtle enhancements. 

Driven by a 2-litre, eight-cylinder mill, with a four-speed manual, the one on display was the first Bugatti with a body by Giuseppe Figoni, the celebrated coachbuilder of Figoni et Falaschi.

Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante

An extremely sought-after example, the Type 57SC Atalante is one of just two models fitted with a supercharger by Bugatti.

Beautifully, this Atalante possesses several unique characteristics, most recognizably its large Scintilla headlamps, which imbue the car with an exquisitely elegant appearance.

Aside from being displayed, it was the second most valuable lot auctioned off during Monterey Car Week, achieving a price of USD 9,400,000 (MYR 42,003,900).

Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

Representing one of Bugatti’s modern era builds, the EB110 Super Sport. It only had a run of 140 examples, of which only 39 were Super Sport models. 

For the Super Sport version, Bugatti took the scintillating performance of the EB110 GT and juiced it even further by fitting a new ECU, larger injectors and a less restrictive exhaust system.

Said upgrades were to increase its overall power by 54 HP to 611 HP. Other than that, the car’s weight was also cut by 150 kg.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport / Chiron Pur Sport / Chiron

On the official ‘Le Domaine’ Bugatti stand was the Chiron breed, where the Chiron Super Sport, Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron were showcased.

Just by sitting still, these Chirons outstandingly projects the Molsheim marque’s expertise at creating the most powerful, fastest and exclusive production super sports car.

Fittingly, they were flanked by Bugatti’s very latest debut and the last of its kind, the W16 Mistral roadster, which had been revealed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering two days before.

All in all, just as it has ever been, these timeless Bugattis revealed that the ingenious creations of Ettore Bugatti, or those inspired by his vision, continue to capture the attention of the world.