Bugatti designed the Type 55 roadster as a world class sports car. Developed by Jean Bugatti, underneath its beautiful body is the same chassis found on Type 45 and Type 47 Grand Prix race cars. The supercharged eight-cylinder engine produced 130 hp, an excellent figure in the pre-war era.

This particular example, chassis number 55201, has an extra layer of sentiment and value as it is the very first built – out of only 38 examples. The car has unique features that are not found on later examples, such as a Grand Prix-style hood. This Bugatti made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1931 and over 80 years later it won the French Cup at The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2012, after a full restoration. Surprisingly, the original chassis and matching-numbers engine are retained on the car, making it even more valuable.

The ultra-rare Bugatti will be available for auction at Gooding & Company’s Scottsdale 2018 sale on 19 and 20 January.