The $6 million Bugatti you’ll probably never see in person

A rare Bugatti Type 57C was among the most significant cars on display at the 2025 Noosa Concours d’Elegance, drawing steady attention along Hastings Street.

The Noosa Concours brought together a range of notable classic and collector vehicles from Australia and overseas, giving the public a rare opportunity to see historically important automobiles up close.

This vintage Bugatti, one of only four Aravis models ever built and one of just two with a supercharged 57C chassis, stood out even among the event’s high-calibre field.

Its provenance, design, and award-winning restoration made it a centrepiece of the show.

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Rare Bugatti racing roots

The 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Special was designed by Jean Bugatti and bodied by French coachbuilder Gangloff, known for its elegant proportions and detailed craftsmanship.

Named after a mountain pass in the French Alps, the Aravis was intended as a refined touring car capable of both style and speed.

This particular rare Bugatti was delivered new to French racing driver Maurice Trintignant, who drove it in the 1939 Grand Prix du Comminges.

That race, held in the final months before World War II, was among its earliest public appearances.

The conflict brought European racing to a halt, and the Bugatti Type 57C was eventually sold into private ownership.

Over the following decades it passed between enthusiasts in France and the United States, eventually becoming a long-term fixture in an American collection.

The car’s survival through the war years and post-war era is part of what makes it so significant today, as many pre-war sports cars of its type were lost, scrapped, or heavily altered.

By the early 2000s, the Aravis Special underwent a comprehensive restoration under the supervision of marque expert Scott Sargent of Sargent Metal Works.

Working from period photographs and original factory references, the restoration team reinstated distinctive features that had been altered over the years.

These included the correct pattern of hood louvers, original bumper profiles, and precise paint and trim specifications.

Maurice Trintignant himself provided input, ensuring the Bugatti Type 57C matched its 1939 configuration.

From auction record to Noosa debut

In 2005, the restored Bugatti Type 57C earned First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, cementing its reputation among the world’s leading concours vehicles.

It went on to receive accolades at events including the Glenmoor Gathering and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, reinforcing its position as one of the finest surviving examples of the Aravis Special.

Following the passing of prominent collector Peter Mullin in 2023, the rare Bugatti was offered for sale at auction, where it achieved $6 million.

This set a new public sale record for a Bugatti, underscoring the value placed on originality, rarity, and documented history.

Its appearance at the Noosa Concours d’Elegance in 2024 was its first showing in Australia, offering local enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see the vintage Bugatti Type 57C in person.

The car was displayed in immaculate condition, with the original bodywork and open two-seat layout drawing steady crowds throughout the day.

Positioned among other celebrated pre-war and post-war models, it remained a focal point from the opening moments of the event until the final presentations.

The vintage Bugatti’s showing at the Noosa Concours d’Elegance highlighted the event’s ability to attract truly world-class vehicles. Modern Bugatti hypercars focus on extreme speed and advanced engineering.

The Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Special reflects an earlier era defined by design, craftsmanship, and racing pedigree.

With only four Aravis models ever produced and this example representing half of the supercharged chassis built, the rare Bugatti remains one of the most exclusive and historically important examples in the world.

Its visit to the Sunshine Coast offered a rare connection between Australian concours audiences and one of the great surviving icons of pre-war motoring.

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