The Art Deco movement of the 1930s and 40s left an indelible mark on automotive design, exemplified by the Bugatti Type 57C Aravis “Special Cabriolet.” Crafted by Jean Bugatti, this masterpiece epitomizes elegance and speed, boasting a 3.3-liter twin-cam, straight-eight engine producing 160 horsepower with a supercharged variant.
Meticulously designed and refined, only 96 units were produced, making the Aravis one of the most exclusive examples of pre-WWII automotive excellence. Named after a mountain pass in the French Alps, the Aravis features a two-seat “Special Cabriolet” design, with only three Gangloff-bodied examples surviving today.
Chassis 57768, hailed by Jean Bugatti as “the most beautiful Type 57,” epitomizes the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and performance. Under the ownership of Peter Mullin, this Aravis underwent a comprehensive restoration overseen by renowned restoration experts.
Its impeccable condition and historical significance make it a coveted collector’s item, poised to command attention at the upcoming Gooding & Company auction. Expected to fetch a staggering $3.5 million, this Aravis represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, embodying the elegance and innovation of the Art Deco era.
