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Topic starter
12/04/2026 5:29 am
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Aravis
From the www:
The 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis is an ultra-rare, high-performance 2/3-seater cabriolet with coachwork by Gangloff (or Letourneur et Marchand), featuring a 3.3L supercharged inline-eight engine. Only a few examples survive, with notable sales exceeding $6 million in 2024, representing one of the most desirable, stylish, and powerful pre-war Bugattis.
Key Details of the 1938/1939 Type 57C Aravis:
- Performance: Equipped with a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-eight engine (indicated by the 'C'), capable of producing over 200 horsepower.
- Coachwork: The "Aravis" designation was restricted to specialized, luxurious cabriolet bodies, primarily by Gangloff (Colmar) and Letourneur et Marchand.
- Rarity: Only four Gangloff-bodied Aravis Special Cabriolets were produced, with only two on the supercharged Type 57C chassis.
- Design & Features: Designed by Jean Bugatti, often featuring a sleek, low-slung, "closed-wing" look. It was known for both touring comfort and racing capability.
- Provenance: Notable examples, such as chassis 57768, were owned and raced by factory driver Maurice Trintignant and later served as centerpieces in premier collections like the Mullin Automotive Museum.
- Legacy: Known for winning top honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, such as the 1938 Gangloff Aravis (chassis 57768) which won first in class in 2005.
Gooding Christie’s +5
One of the most famous examples, the 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Special Cabriolet by Gangloff, was recently sold by Gooding & Company for $6,605,000.
This topic was modified 7 months ago 2 times by John Bono
John Bono
North Jersey
12/04/2026 5:46 am
Outstanding automobile as most Bugattis were. I do not recall a model version of this one.
Tony Perrone and John Bono reacted
12/04/2026 6:19 am
Absolutely beautiful.
Retired in Dunedin, Florida.
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted
12/04/2026 7:12 am
Love that Bugatti. Saw it last night, featured on a show at Mullin Museum on CarsTV. Just beautiful!
John Bono reacted
12/04/2026 7:35 am
No wonder my bid was not accepted. Thanks John for an interesting read.
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
12/04/2026 9:01 pm
It would make for a nice model.Outstanding automobile as most Bugattis were. I do not recall a model version of this one.
John Bono
North Jersey
Tony Perrone and David Green reacted
13/04/2026 12:37 am
Another superb selection John, thanks. I hope we have all been viewing Hobbydragons great post in 1/43 Forum, where Steve W has responded featuring some magnificent Bugatti models.
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted