1937 Bugatti Draws $9.7 Million at Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Auction

The recent Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance featured dozens of the world’s most coveted classic and antique rides. And one lucky auto buff took a piece of the show home – for a cool $9.7 million.

Deemed by the Bonham’s auctioneer to be among the most valuable of its kind ever, the 1937 Bugatti 57SC Sports Tourer. Though it lags behind the 57SC Atlantic that sold for more than $30 million in 2010 and the 1931 Bugatti Royale that held the record for its $9.8 million sale by Christies in 1987 (that’s nearly $21 million in today’s money), the going price ain’t exactly pocket change.

This particular ride was built by Belgium’s iconic Vanden Plas coachbuilders and is powered by a 200-horsepower supercharged 8-cylinder engine. Its wealthy original owners raced in the United States and Europe prior to World War II. Though it sports a light blue paint job and black interior today, it originally was finished in gray with dark red accents. And as an added historic bonus, it was featured in some of Bugatti’s period promotional materials.

Did you attend the 2016 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance? Post your pics and stories on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page. And mark your calendars for next year’ event, slated for March 10-12, 2017.