Bugatti Type 37: simpler, lighter and truer - Update

• 

The Bugatti Type 35 is widely considered the ultimate pre-war racing or sports car. It is innovative — developed for racing and notably lightweight — and does genuine justice to the perhaps overused label of ‘thoroughbred’, having won hundreds of motorsport events in the hands of both works drivers and privateers. It is also undeniably beautiful, with its pure, simple form.

So what of an even simpler and lighter version of that much-heralded Type 35? That would be the Bugatti Type 37, with its four-cylinder engine rather than an inline-eight. Around 270 examples were built, of which approximately 130 are believed to survive today — considerably fewer than its sibling, the Type 35. Some 340 Type 35s were produced, and it is estimated that close to a thousand survive today.

Three of these Type 37s were delivered to London concessionaire William Sorel in 1926 — a century ago. This particular car was one of them. A Mr Moore is said to have been its first owner, after which the car appeared in motorsport over the following years. Some believe that Malcolm Campbell drove it as well, though this remains unconfirmed. What is certain is that in 1929 the president of the then newly established Bugatti Owners' Club acquired the car. He is the driver seen enthusiastically at the wheel in the accompanying photograph, taken at a Bugatti Owners’ Club hill climb in Chalfont St Peter. The car changed hands several more times and continued to be campaigned in competition throughout the UK.

It was not until the mid-1990s that the car underwent a major restoration, carried out with careful attention to its provenance. A contemporary report noted: “To this day, the car remains remarkably original in all respects, retaining its original engine, front and rear axles, gearbox and coachwork.” Only the carburettors are said to have been modified since. By 2003, the car had spent 77 years in the UK before finding a new owner on the Continent, moving to the Netherlands. A further 23 years have now passed, and the car is once again offered for sale at auction.

It does not come cheaply. Yet, with the Type 35 having been celebrated — and replicated in countless reinterpretations, evocations, tributes and recreations — this highly original Type 37 feels especially refreshing.

Words: Jeroen Booij
Photography: Broad Arrow Auctioneers

Details:

• Car: 1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix
• Auction: The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction
• Date: 16 May 2026
• Estimate: € 1,000,000 - € 1,300,000
• More info>>

Update: 

During the auction, the Bugatti Type 37 GP reached a highest bid of €780,000. As far as we are aware, however, the car was not sold live at this amount.

In our opinion, this gives a realistic picture of the current market: there is certainly interest in special and well-presented cars, but buyers currently seem more critical and cautious in the highest price categories. We are curious to hear how others view this.

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.