1939 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio Cabriolet (Gangloff body)
- Engine
- Supercharged inline engine, no. 103C
- Colour
- Black
Bugatti Type 57C chassis 57834, completed in July 1939, is among the final examples produced and carries the desirable late-specification Lockheed hydraulic brakes, telescopic shock absorbers, and supercharged engine. Bodied as a Gangloff Stelvio cabriolet in black over burgundy leather, it was delivered new through a Lyon agent to a French physician. After passing through several French owners, it crossed to the United States in 1959 and remained with one American diplomat for decades. Following a complete professional restoration, it has been exhibited at several leading concours events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$797,000
- 1939 →Factory deliveryDr. Robert Perrinpartial documentation
Took delivery via the Lyon agent Monestier et Cie; initially registered in Lyon, later relocated to Grenoble with the vehicle.
- → 2006InheritanceJeffrey Ozanpartial documentation
Collector who received the car following Pazery's death; held it briefly before selling.
- 2006 →Private saleKeith Crainpartial documentation
Enthusiast who commissioned a full concours-standard restoration by Classic & Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, with bodywork separated from the chassis and refinished in black with deep red upholstery.
- Date unknownTurkpartial documentation
Listed as a subsequent French custodian in the ownership chain.
- Date unknownFrançois Chevalériaspartial documentation
Listed as a subsequent French custodian following Turk.
- Date unknownPrivate salePaul Pazerypartial documentation
French-born diplomat based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, who sourced the car through broker Gene Cesari's Parisian network; enjoyed it in France before shipping it to the US in 1959, later retired with it to New Mexico and arranged a cosmetic restoration in the late 1970s; retained the car until his death.
Competition
- 20072007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
First public outing following the full restoration.
- 20082008 Meadowbrook Concours
- 20132013 Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's
- 20182018 Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John'sOtto Rosenbuch Spirit of the Hobby Award
Most recent competitive appearance at the time of cataloguing.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A cosmetic restoration was carried out under Pazery's supervision during the late 1970s while the car was based in New Mexico.
- —RestorationClassic & Exotic Service
A thorough, ground-up restoration was performed after the car was acquired by Crain in 2006: the body was separated from the chassis, repainted in black, and the interior re-trimmed in deep red. Tim Purrier noted that the underlying structure and original interior were in sound condition, making the work relatively straightforward.
Work directed by Brian Joseph and noted by his successor Tim Purrier; photographic documentation of the process exists.
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