At the historic Concours d’Elegance held on the Pebble Beach golf course as part of the Monterey Car Week, rare and exceptional cars from around the world took the spotlight. These vehicles, carefully assessed for their beauty, condition, and historical significance, faced judgment from a panel of the most seasoned experts in the field. A particular highlight for many this year was a dedicated class focusing on the Bugatti Type 57, a design that continues to captivate enthusiasts with its enduring beauty, engineering brilliance, and innovative features.
Bugatti’s unparalleled craftsmanship and coachbuilding expertise have played a leading role at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since the debut of a 1938 Type 57 coupé de ville at the inaugural event in 1950. The 2023 edition showcased six examples of the Type 57, proudly demonstrating the model’s beauty and exclusive coachbuilding savoir-faire. This impressive display resulted in two examples being awarded the titles of ‘Most Elegant Closed Car’ and ‘Most Elegant Open Car’ at the event.
Within this special class, a diverse range of Type 57 models graced the scene. One standout was the 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Franay Cabriolet, one of just four Bugatti models to receive the finishing touch from the Parisian coachworks. It is believed to be the sole Type 57 featuring a Franay body. This two-seater has a fascinating history, having been initially commissioned by German movie star and skier Hella Hartwich. Later, it came into the possession of French filmmaker Jean Rouch, who cherished it until his passing in 2004. After a loving restoration in 2011, it now resides under the care of the Evergreen Historic Automobiles Association in Lebanon, Missouri, where it receives meticulous maintenance.
Also sharing the spotlight was one of only 42 Type 57S chassis, with a cabriolet body crafted by French coachbuilder Vanvooren. Today, only three of these exceptional vehicles remain, and one of them graced Pebble Beach this year. The 57S model, originally designed for motorsport, achieved remarkable success in the Grand Prix races of 1936 and 1937, as well as at Le Mans. This particular Vanvooren Cabriolet version, still featuring its original engine, transmission, rear end, body, and fenders, served as a testament to the extraordinary build quality and enduring durability of these automotive works of art.
However, it was the Type 57S Corsica Open Sports that truly impressed the panel of expert judges, earning the title of ‘Jules Heumann Most Elegant Open Car.’ Commissioned by German-British shipping magnate Robert Ropner, Corsica Coachworks in London crafted a sporting four-seater open tourer body, which was delivered in 1937 with striking black paint and cream leather. While it likely had a racing career at some point, it has since undergone painstaking restoration.
Among the many striking designs perched atop the Type 57 chassis, perhaps the most breathtaking of all was conceived by Jean Bugatti himself – the Atalante. At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, two of these masterpieces gleamed on the golf course lawns, out of a mere 17 ever created. With its streamlined coupé profile and a potent straight-eight, 3.3-liter dual-overhead camshaft engine, the Atalante left an indelible mark as one of the most coveted coupés of any era. One of the two Atalantes at Pebble Beach is believed to be a unique specimen, distinguished by its black and yellow color configuration – Ettore Bugatti’s preferred colors – in contrast to the more customary all-black or black-and-red versions. The judges deemed this Atalante deserving of the ‘J.B & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car Award.’
The second Atalante, a Type 57SC currently owned by an enthusiastic Swiss Bugatti collector, boasts the same graceful lines, recessed radiator, and prominent headlamps as other Atalante coupés. However, this particular version stands out due to its supercharger, which further enhances the engine’s power and performance. Its exceptional condition and originality secured the car’s victory within its class of Type 57 models.
Visitors to the 2023 Concours d’Elegance also had the pleasure of admiring a Bugatti Type 38/49 Figoni Cabriolet Philadelphia, entered into Class E1 ‘Figoni Centennial 1923-1937’ to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the renowned Parisian coachbuilding firm. The origins of the name ‘Cabriolet Philadelphia’ remain shrouded in mystery, but Figoni produced several cars with this distinctive body style.
As the Monterey Car Week celebrated Bugatti’s storied past, it also shone a spotlight on the brand’s incomparable present. The Chiron Super Sport1 ‘Golden Era,’ a unique masterpiece from Bugatti’s Sur Mesure limitless personalization program, took center stage at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Following The Quail, Bugatti welcomed its esteemed customers to Le Domaine Bugatti over the weekend, located at The Lodge. Here, they could get a closer look at the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era,’ the golden W16 Mistral, and a Bolide adorned with unique golden accents. Additionally, guests could explore Bugatti’s latest Lifestyle products, including The Little Car Company’s Baby Bugatti II, inspired by the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era,’ Jacob&Co’s range of handcrafted Bugatti timepieces, and Asprey’s display of some of its Bugatti sculptures.
Furthermore, Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, the first Bugatti luxury living development in Dubai, was on display for those interested. Champagne Carbon added a touch of luxury with its unique blends of Bugatti EB.01, EB.02, and EB.03.
These celebrations of the pioneering achievements of Ettore and Jean Bugatti’s automotive creations at the Concours d’Elegance serve as a fitting tribute to the modern Bugatti brand. It draws inspiration from the founding family’s relentless innovation and unwavering commitment to perfection. With the unveiling of the ‘Golden Era’ at The Quail and an exclusive experience showcasing the many facets of the modern Bugatti brand at Le Domaine, it’s evident that Ettore’s pioneering spirit still resonates deeply within the brand today.