We're big fans of the 1936 Bugatti Type 57sc Atlantic, here at Paul Fraser Collectibles. Who isn't - it is, after all, the world's most valuable classic car (estimated value: $30m-40m). Fashion impresario Ralph Lauren owns one. As does Peter Mullin, a collector who loves 1930s French cars.
It's unlikely that the 1936 Bugatti Type 57sc Atlantic will come back onto the market anytime soon. But this weekend, March 10, will see the auctioning of one of its classic automobile siblings: the 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe.
The 1930 Bugatti Type 46 is considered to be one of the most appreciated Bugattis. Collectors nickname it the "Petite Royale" for its resemblance to the Type 41 Bugatti. Although the Type 46 is a trailblazer in its own right, and became one of Bugatti's most influential road-going models.
As is written in the definitive Bugatti tome, 'Bugatti Type 46: La Petite Royale': "No other Bugatti Type motivated so many European bodymakers in '30s, to build such exclusive bodies, as this one did." Indeed, it is understood that some 40 coachbuilders applied their expertise to the Type 46.
 The 1930 Bugatti Type 46 classic car, for sale at Amelia Island |
And then, of course, there is the remarkable Bugatti engineering. Beneath this classic automobile's bonnet is a 140bhp eight-cylinder engine producing 5,359cc, complimented by a three-speed manual gearbox.
In addition, restoration work to this car by its current owner includes replacing the car's previous sedan coachwork with a faithful recreation of the "Superprofile" coupe. Some argue that the "Superprofile" was Jean Bugatti's greatest design, which further adds to this car's desirability.
This luxury extends to the Type 46's interior, in which brown ostrich leather is complemented by a flawlessly finished wood dash and steering wheel trim. On the outside, the car boasts "concours-quality paint" and, indeed, won honours at the 2011 Sydney Concours.
So, how much for a 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe of this calibre? The car is expected to bring $1,250,000-$1,750,000 when it auctions on Saturday. Watch this space for more news on the Amelia Island, US, auction.
