FYI: An unrestored 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports secured the Best of Show accolade at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking a historic first for preservation cars in Monterey Car Week.
An Unrestored Masterpiece Tops Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance closed out Monterey Car Week with a groundbreaking announcement. An unrestored 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports, owned by Fritz Burkard of Switzerland, clinched the Best of Show title. This event signifies a couple of firsts—for the first time, a preservation car and an overseas owner received the coveted award. Burkard’s Pearl Collection, housed in Zug, Switzerland, includes various Bugattis, and the Type 59 Sports (chassis number 57428) stands out as a gem.
A Historic and Untouched Legacy
The Bugatti Type 59 Sports is hailed as the most significant and original Bugatti race car. Renowned for its historical wins and pole positions, it has been praised for its authentic condition. Mirroring its bygone era under King Leopold III of Belgium, the car holds battle scars—scuffed leather, marked steering wheels, and rough paint from years of racing.
A Brief Historical Overview
- Origin: Built in 1934 as a Type 59 Sports using a Type 57 chassis, initially painted blue.
- Racing Heritage: Modified for grand prix races and driven by legendary Bugatti factory drivers like René Dreyfus and Robert Benoist.
- Post-1935 Transformation: Converted into a sports car, the 57428 chassis received several modifications, such as motorcycle mudguards, the removal of the supercharger, and the installation of a new four-speed synchronized transmission.
- Ownership Lineage: King Leopold III kept the car till 1967, followed by various collectors, maintaining its original form. Burkard acquired it in 2020.
Critical Design Elements
The car is not just a relic; it is a testament to engineering excellence and the evolution of motor sports. Some unique modifications include:
- Installation of mudguards initially designed for motorcycles.
- Central-shift four-speed transmission with dry sump lubrication.
- Removal of the original supercharger and incorporation of a new oil tank.
Iconic Retrospect and Modern Recognition
The Bugatti Type 59’s brief transformation into a sports car under Bugatti marked its versatility and engineering prowess. Driven until the end of 1937, it was repainted black upon request by King Leopold III. Its resilient survival during World War II and subsequent transfers among collectors until ending up in The Pearl Collection highlight its storied journey.
Best of Show is not a new accolade for Bugatti; with this win, Bugatti ties with Mercedes-Benz, both holding 10 Best of Show titles at Pebble Beach.
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Steven Hale,
Editor of Automotive.fyi
