Cars 1936-37
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars 1930s Mercedes-Benz Bugatti French cars
Chronology : 1936 1937
See also : Cars 1930s Mercedes-Benz Bugatti French cars
Chronology : 1936 1937
Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster
Intro
Mercedes-Benz designed and produced the automotive masterpiece of the 1930s, the 540K Spezial Roadster. It is the biggest, the most powerful, the fastest, the most beautiful and the most expensive.
Its engine 5.4 liter with Kompressor makes the 540K the achievement of a technical evolution that will have no successor. The project of a 580K with an increase to 5.8 liters aborted.
It was offered with a variety of bodyworks according to the custom of the time. Aesthetically, the Spezial Roadster is a marvel due to the skill of the team of Hermann Ahrens and the engineers in Sindelfingen : its tapered shape makes forget its huge size. It has a long tail, which allows to state that it anticipates by eight decades the hypercars of today with the cockpit centered on the chassis.
It is the biggest, 5.10 m long, but its open cabin as a two-seater convertible is light. The weight gain enables a top speed at 185 km/h which is 25 km/h more than a 540K in a closed bodywork.
It is the most expensive : 28,000 Reichsmarks, which is 6,000 Reichsmarks more than any other model. This is an advantage because it appeals the elite as a car for prestige and parade, although nothing prevents pushing the performance of this roadster on an Autobahn.
It is much appreciated by the collectors. As early as October 31, 2007, a 540K Spezial Roadster made in 1937 had been sold for £ 3.9M by RM Auctions, lot 225.
Its engine 5.4 liter with Kompressor makes the 540K the achievement of a technical evolution that will have no successor. The project of a 580K with an increase to 5.8 liters aborted.
It was offered with a variety of bodyworks according to the custom of the time. Aesthetically, the Spezial Roadster is a marvel due to the skill of the team of Hermann Ahrens and the engineers in Sindelfingen : its tapered shape makes forget its huge size. It has a long tail, which allows to state that it anticipates by eight decades the hypercars of today with the cockpit centered on the chassis.
It is the biggest, 5.10 m long, but its open cabin as a two-seater convertible is light. The weight gain enables a top speed at 185 km/h which is 25 km/h more than a 540K in a closed bodywork.
It is the most expensive : 28,000 Reichsmarks, which is 6,000 Reichsmarks more than any other model. This is an advantage because it appeals the elite as a car for prestige and parade, although nothing prevents pushing the performance of this roadster on an Autobahn.
It is much appreciated by the collectors. As early as October 31, 2007, a 540K Spezial Roadster made in 1937 had been sold for £ 3.9M by RM Auctions, lot 225.
1
1936 The Von Krieger Mercedes
2012 SOLD for $ 11.8M by Gooding
In the sale of 18 and 19 August, 2012, Gooding sold a wonder for $ 11.8M : a car from the most beautiful German model and bodywork of the 1930s, owned and driven by one of the most elegant young ladies of the time, retaining its original equipment. The car is illustrated in the article shared by Sports Car Digest.
Known as a lover of beautiful cars, a Prussian aristocrat named von Krieger bought this Spezial Roadster as early as 1936 for his two children, but it was to his daughter Gisela, 23, to monopolize it for supporting her social life.
Then came the war. Baroness Gisela hid her car and then went to a reclusive life. After her death in 1989, her car was retrieved intact, with driving maps, lipstick-stained cigarette butts and silk gloves used by its owner four decades earlier.
Known as a lover of beautiful cars, a Prussian aristocrat named von Krieger bought this Spezial Roadster as early as 1936 for his two children, but it was to his daughter Gisela, 23, to monopolize it for supporting her social life.
Then came the war. Baroness Gisela hid her car and then went to a reclusive life. After her death in 1989, her car was retrieved intact, with driving maps, lipstick-stained cigarette butts and silk gloves used by its owner four decades earlier.
2
1937
2016 SOLD for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's
A 540K Spezial Roadster was sold for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's on January 29, 2016, lot 242. A collector car from its origin, it had rarely been driven. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The political events in Germany did not prevent Mercedes-Benz to maintain an international clientele. This car had been delivered in April 1937 to an American dealer who sold it immediately to a collector, happy heir of one of the largest industrial fortunes.
The political events in Germany did not prevent Mercedes-Benz to maintain an international clientele. This car had been delivered in April 1937 to an American dealer who sold it immediately to a collector, happy heir of one of the largest industrial fortunes.
3
1937 ex Zahir Shah
2022 SOLD for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's
A Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster was made in 1937 at Sindelfingen with the ultimate options : long tail, high door, covered rear spare. It was sold new to the young King Mohammed Zahir Shah of Afghanistan and spent the war in the embassy of that country in Paris.
It was later exhibited for three decades in a museum that managed carriage cavalcades in a model roadside circus in the touristic resort of Silver Springs, Florida.
Refinished in 1953 in two tone maroon with a new upholstery for the purpose of that museum, this mechanically unrestored parade car keeps an excellent originality throughout after a mere five owners and an estimated 20,000 km from new. It was sold for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 108.
It was later exhibited for three decades in a museum that managed carriage cavalcades in a model roadside circus in the touristic resort of Silver Springs, Florida.
Refinished in 1953 in two tone maroon with a new upholstery for the purpose of that museum, this mechanically unrestored parade car keeps an excellent originality throughout after a mere five owners and an estimated 20,000 km from new. It was sold for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 108.
4
1937
2011 SOLD for $ 9.7M by RM Auctions
One of three surviving examples of metallic gray 540K Spezial Roadster, made in 1937 with high doors and a long tail, was sold for $ 9.7M on August 20, 2011 by RM Auctions. It is illustrated on the top of the page in the article shared by Sports Car Digest.
1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Coupe
2022 SOLD for $ 13.4M by Gooding
An Italian-born coachbuilder working in Boulogne-sur-Seine, Giuseppe Figoni associates in 1935 with the businessman Ovidio Falaschi. This co-operation allows Figoni to devote entirely to his art, perhaps with some support from the automotive artist Géo Ham.
In 1935 also, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". The quest for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalogued model will be the Bugatti Atlantic, made in three units in 1936.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by the recently incorporated Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two types a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the inner contour. This rolling work of art with a lowered center of gravity, referred by its carrossier as a faux cabriolet, is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
While a production line is established for the Delahaye long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the Delahaye short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators.
Only 16 Talbot-Lago chassis were assembled with a Figoni et Falaschi teardrop, in two series. The first series referred as Coupé Jeancart was made of three on the four-litre T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale 30 cm longer chassis. C SS refers to the Super Sport Competition short chassis. The model embeds a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.
Only two Talbot-Lago T150-C SS coupes, both from 1937, have been fitted in period with the spectacular variant of the Goutte d'Eau with fully enclosed front fenders, a feature which is less uncommon on the Delahaye teardrops.
Only one is retaining its original body, with which it won the Prix d'Excellence at the 1938 Concours d’Elegance Fémina in Paris where it had been featured by former cabaret dancer Princess Stella de Kapurthala. Its aluminum alloy coachwork belongs to the second series of Talbot-Lago teardrops, also referred as Modèle New York. This example has a sunroof.
This car was sold for $ 13.4M by Gooding on March 4, 2022, lot 54. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
In 1935 also, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". The quest for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalogued model will be the Bugatti Atlantic, made in three units in 1936.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by the recently incorporated Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two types a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the inner contour. This rolling work of art with a lowered center of gravity, referred by its carrossier as a faux cabriolet, is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
While a production line is established for the Delahaye long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the Delahaye short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators.
Only 16 Talbot-Lago chassis were assembled with a Figoni et Falaschi teardrop, in two series. The first series referred as Coupé Jeancart was made of three on the four-litre T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale 30 cm longer chassis. C SS refers to the Super Sport Competition short chassis. The model embeds a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.
Only two Talbot-Lago T150-C SS coupes, both from 1937, have been fitted in period with the spectacular variant of the Goutte d'Eau with fully enclosed front fenders, a feature which is less uncommon on the Delahaye teardrops.
Only one is retaining its original body, with which it won the Prix d'Excellence at the 1938 Concours d’Elegance Fémina in Paris where it had been featured by former cabaret dancer Princess Stella de Kapurthala. Its aluminum alloy coachwork belongs to the second series of Talbot-Lago teardrops, also referred as Modèle New York. This example has a sunroof.
This car was sold for $ 13.4M by Gooding on March 4, 2022, lot 54. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1937 Bugatti Type 57
Intro
Introduced in 1934, the Bugatti Type 57 had a spectacular broadening of its range in October 1936 when the 57 C supercharged and the 57 S are simultaneously unveiled at the Salon de l'Automobile in Paris. The 57 S standing for "surbaissé" (lowered) has a chassis different from the other 57. The similar reference designating all these models claims that the Type 57 offers a complete choice to the most demanding customers for luxury and sport.
In its time the 57 S was only exciting the true connoisseurs. Its production was stopped in May 1938 for focusing onto the other variants whose commercial success was flourishing. Only 42 chassis 57 S have been produced.
Jean Bugatti was one of the great innovators of automobile design. The lowered variant 57 S of the chassis type 57 paves the way for dramatic solutions mingling sport and luxury, including the 57 S Atalante and Atlantic. From the beginning their rarity makes them true works of art, contemporary to the Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster.
The 57 S is offered in the catalog of the brand with a wide range of bodyworks : Galibier berline, Ventoux coach, Stelvio and Aravis cabriolets, Atalante and Atlantic coupes. They are manufactured in Colmar by Gangloff, a subcontractor of Bugatti.
The combined Bugatti 57 variant is the lowered and supercharged SC, a very attractive option for the users because the car can now reach 190 km/h. A high proportion of 57 S were upgraded into 57 SC.
The Atalante originally fitted 33 chassis 57 S including 17 SC. The supply of chassis to independent workshops on specific request from a customer or a retailer is also encouraged.
In its time the 57 S was only exciting the true connoisseurs. Its production was stopped in May 1938 for focusing onto the other variants whose commercial success was flourishing. Only 42 chassis 57 S have been produced.
Jean Bugatti was one of the great innovators of automobile design. The lowered variant 57 S of the chassis type 57 paves the way for dramatic solutions mingling sport and luxury, including the 57 S Atalante and Atlantic. From the beginning their rarity makes them true works of art, contemporary to the Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster.
The 57 S is offered in the catalog of the brand with a wide range of bodyworks : Galibier berline, Ventoux coach, Stelvio and Aravis cabriolets, Atalante and Atlantic coupes. They are manufactured in Colmar by Gangloff, a subcontractor of Bugatti.
The combined Bugatti 57 variant is the lowered and supercharged SC, a very attractive option for the users because the car can now reach 190 km/h. A high proportion of 57 S were upgraded into 57 SC.
The Atalante originally fitted 33 chassis 57 S including 17 SC. The supply of chassis to independent workshops on specific request from a customer or a retailer is also encouraged.
1
57 S / SC Atalante
2022 SOLD for $ 10.3M by Gooding
A Bugatti 57 SC Atalante was sold by Gooding for $ 8.7M on August 18, 2013, lot 123, and for $ 10.3M on August 19, 2022, lot 33. It is illustrated in the 2022 pre sale release.
Made in April 1937 but titled as a 1938, it had been one of the first 57 S to return to the factory for being equipped as an SC with the Roots supercharger. Beyond the catalogue it also has unique characteristics including oversized headlamps and beautiful rear fenders and tail.
This car retains its original chassis plate, its original 3.3 liter alloy inline 8 cylinder engine re-united with the car in 2005 and its original Molsheim Atalante body in an elegant original-like black color scheme. The original gearbox was recently located and re-fitted.
Made in April 1937 but titled as a 1938, it had been one of the first 57 S to return to the factory for being equipped as an SC with the Roots supercharger. Beyond the catalogue it also has unique characteristics including oversized headlamps and beautiful rear fenders and tail.
This car retains its original chassis plate, its original 3.3 liter alloy inline 8 cylinder engine re-united with the car in 2005 and its original Molsheim Atalante body in an elegant original-like black color scheme. The original gearbox was recently located and re-fitted.
2
57 S / SC Atalante
2020 SOLD for £ 7.9M by Gooding
Close to the Bentley Boys, the 5th Earl Howe is a gentleman driver, president from 1929 to 1964 of the British Racing Drivers' Club. He enters his first race at 44 years old, in 1928, with a Bugatti Type 43. Associated with Tim Birkin, he wins the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1931 with an Alfa Romeo.
Also president of the Bugatti Owners' Club, Earl Howe closely follows all the developments of the brand. For the Grands Prix he uses a Type 51 in 1931, a Type 54 in 1932 and a Type 59 in 1935 and 1936. A 57 T specially built for him by Bugatti in 1935 was sold for € 710K by Bonhams on February 8, 2018.
For his personal use, this aristocrat wants the best. In November 1936, he orders to Bugatti a Type 57 with the new 57 S lowered chassis and the new Atalante coupe bodywork developed on behalf of Jean Bugatti. His car is ready in May 1937.
In 1960 a further owner of this Atalante, sick and reclusive, stops taking care of it. After his death in 2007, his heirs found it untouched for 47 years, covered in dust, with only 42,000 km on the odometer.
The car surfaced in the Bonhams sale at Retromobile on February 7, 2009, lot 142. Its cleaning confirmed that it was still in its original configuration, apart from a few secondary elements such as mirrors and bumpers and a supercharger added in 1948.
Bonhams experts estimated that its engine, which had not been running for half a century, could be operated again after disassembly and reconstruction. The car was sold for € 3.4M.
The original engine restarted as predicted. The Atalante was sold for £ 7.9M by Gooding on September 5, 2020, lot 15. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Also president of the Bugatti Owners' Club, Earl Howe closely follows all the developments of the brand. For the Grands Prix he uses a Type 51 in 1931, a Type 54 in 1932 and a Type 59 in 1935 and 1936. A 57 T specially built for him by Bugatti in 1935 was sold for € 710K by Bonhams on February 8, 2018.
For his personal use, this aristocrat wants the best. In November 1936, he orders to Bugatti a Type 57 with the new 57 S lowered chassis and the new Atalante coupe bodywork developed on behalf of Jean Bugatti. His car is ready in May 1937.
In 1960 a further owner of this Atalante, sick and reclusive, stops taking care of it. After his death in 2007, his heirs found it untouched for 47 years, covered in dust, with only 42,000 km on the odometer.
The car surfaced in the Bonhams sale at Retromobile on February 7, 2009, lot 142. Its cleaning confirmed that it was still in its original configuration, apart from a few secondary elements such as mirrors and bumpers and a supercharger added in 1948.
Bonhams experts estimated that its engine, which had not been running for half a century, could be operated again after disassembly and reconstruction. The car was sold for € 3.4M.
The original engine restarted as predicted. The Atalante was sold for £ 7.9M by Gooding on September 5, 2020, lot 15. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
3
57 S / SC Roadster by Vanden Plas
2016 SOLD for $ 9.7M by Bonhams
In the practice of that time, the outsourcing of the coachwork is accepted by Bugatti. In 1937, the new Bugatti agent in New York commissions through London a 57 S four-seat touring roadster which is made by Vanden Plas in the minimalist British style of Bentley fame.
No American customer is interested and the Bugatti - Vanden Plas car returns to London. It is appreciated by Bugatti who pictures it in the 1937-1938 catalog and exhibits it at the 1938 London Motor Show, but it will nevertheless remain unique.
The car resurfaces in 1947 with some modifications including a Type 35B supercharger which will be replaced in the 1980s by a Type 57 in a factory correct 57 SC specification. It was painted in light metallic blue.
This spectacular Franco-British pre-war automobile was sold for $ 9.7M by Bonhams on March 10, 2016, lot 139. Its perfect working condition was demonstrated in the video shared by the auction house.
Its new owner had its restored to the highest possible extant to its original factory condition, including the original gray color. Poor repairs were replaced with period correct materials, techniques and hardware, leaving visible the factory tooling marks so that the car "should be as good but no better than when it left the factory". An example of that extreme refinement was the top material in a specially made cotton-based material in its proper black color, ready to begin to fade like the former original over time.
This car remaining with its original coachwork and in fully matching numbers passed at Bonhams on March 2, 2023, lot 150.
Only one other 57 S had been coachworked by Vanden Plas, as a two seat cabriolet.
No American customer is interested and the Bugatti - Vanden Plas car returns to London. It is appreciated by Bugatti who pictures it in the 1937-1938 catalog and exhibits it at the 1938 London Motor Show, but it will nevertheless remain unique.
The car resurfaces in 1947 with some modifications including a Type 35B supercharger which will be replaced in the 1980s by a Type 57 in a factory correct 57 SC specification. It was painted in light metallic blue.
This spectacular Franco-British pre-war automobile was sold for $ 9.7M by Bonhams on March 10, 2016, lot 139. Its perfect working condition was demonstrated in the video shared by the auction house.
Its new owner had its restored to the highest possible extant to its original factory condition, including the original gray color. Poor repairs were replaced with period correct materials, techniques and hardware, leaving visible the factory tooling marks so that the car "should be as good but no better than when it left the factory". An example of that extreme refinement was the top material in a specially made cotton-based material in its proper black color, ready to begin to fade like the former original over time.
This car remaining with its original coachwork and in fully matching numbers passed at Bonhams on March 2, 2023, lot 150.
Only one other 57 S had been coachworked by Vanden Plas, as a two seat cabriolet.
4
57 SC Atalante
2008 SOLD for $ 7.9M by Gooding
On 16 and 17 August, 2008, Gooding dispersed the Dr Williamson collection of twelve Bugattis in exceptional condition.
The 57 SC Atalante coupe of 1937 was sold for $ 7.9M. A 35 B of 1928 originally owned by Louis Chiron was sold for $ 1.45M. A 55 roadster was sold for $ 1.75M.
This collection from an estate is unique in the range of models and the personality of their former owner, a professor of medicine whose passion for automobiles were raised exclusively for that brand and who was president of the American Bugatti Club. The proceeds from the sale will go to medical organizations.
Dr. Williamson had also owned one of the two surviving Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic. This car was sold for more than $ 30M in a private sale facilitated by Gooding in 2010.
The 57 SC Atalante coupe of 1937 was sold for $ 7.9M. A 35 B of 1928 originally owned by Louis Chiron was sold for $ 1.45M. A 55 roadster was sold for $ 1.75M.
This collection from an estate is unique in the range of models and the personality of their former owner, a professor of medicine whose passion for automobiles were raised exclusively for that brand and who was president of the American Bugatti Club. The proceeds from the sale will go to medical organizations.
Dr. Williamson had also owned one of the two surviving Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic. This car was sold for more than $ 30M in a private sale facilitated by Gooding in 2010.
5
57 S Cabriolet by Vanvooren
2017 SOLD for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's
The Carrosserie Vanvooren in Courbevoie realizes four 57 S cabriolets.
Assembled in 1937, one of them has been carefully preserved by its successive owners and retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox. It was repainted in the early 1960s with elegant primrose yellow sides that reinforce its resemblance with an Atalante coupe.
This car was sold for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on March 11, 2017, lot 232.
Assembled in 1937, one of them has been carefully preserved by its successive owners and retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox. It was repainted in the early 1960s with elegant primrose yellow sides that reinforce its resemblance with an Atalante coupe.
This car was sold for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on March 11, 2017, lot 232.
