To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Paris event, 4 - 5 February 2025.

• One of approximately only 220 examples of the Type 37 built from 1926 to 1930
• Matching-numbers 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine making 60 horsepower is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox
• Known ownership history from new in France; retained by prominent collector Jean-Michel Cérède for 43 years and bought by the consignor in June 2013
• Attended the 1966 opening of the Bugatti Circuit and 2009 International Bugatti Meeting
• Documented and inspected by renowned marque historian Pierre-Yves Laugier

A more attainable version of the legendary Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix, the Type 37 of 1926 shared its bigger brother’s chassis and beautiful bodywork. Trading a straight-eight engine for a new single overhead camshaft inline four-cylinder motor, it delivered 60 horsepower via a four-speed manual transmission. It is thought that only 220 examples were completed.

Marque historian Pierre-Yves Laugier reports that the engine numbered “252” was built in December 1927 and mated to chassis 37363 the following month. A letter dated December 1956 from the factory (available on file) notes that the completed car left Molsheim in September 1929 before being driven to Limoges to be delivered to its first owner, Bugatti dealer Léon Boucher. A regular hill climb entrant, he is said to have a hit 180 km/h on a stretch of road between Paris and Limoges aboard his Type 43 Grand Sport.

Chassis 37363 was likely spotted in public wearing dealership numberplates, since it was not formally registered until May 1934, when it was acquired by Mr André Fayette of Paris. The Type 37 then returned to Limoges in August 1935, having been bought by 21-year-old Jean-Pierre Labuze. Remaining in the city, the car was purchased by Maurice Jean Gaume in the spring before an August 1936 sale to entrepreneur Jean Benoit.

Come June 1946, the car was residing in Paris and surfaced again in April 1951 under the care of car and motorcycle repair business owner, Jean Renard. He sold the Type 37 to journalist Jacques Levy before, in December 1955, it was purchased by Yves Leriche. The following December, chassis 37363 moved to fellow Saint-Cloud resident, Francis Muel.

Mr Muel also owned a Type 37A, chassis 37374. When the supercharged car was damaged by fire, he swapped the two chassis plates. The example offered here then took part in the 1958 equivalent of the Le Mans Classic, where it was driven by George Delaroche, the runner-up in the 1934 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Muel had the engine rebuilt in time for his wedding before selling at the end of 1961, with the car registered in the December by Jean-Michel Cérède of Vésinet. The collector retained chassis 37363 for the next four decades. Notably, during his custodianship, this Type 37 appeared at the first public event held at the permanent Bugatti Le Mans Circuit in 1966.

The car was sold to an enthusiast in Normandy in February 2004, at which point it was mechanically and cosmetically recommissioned. In May 2009, chassis 37363 was exhibited at the International Bugatti Meeting in Maremma as the manufacturer celebrated its centenary. Meanwhile, the owner of the Type 37A called upon the expertise of Laugier, which ultimately led to both cars being formally paired with their original chassis plates.

Purchased by the Paris-based consignor in June 2013, the car received restoration work from Bugatti specialist Garage Novo in Marolles-en-Hurepoix. This Type 37—complete with its original chassis and plate, plus cam cover numbered “252”—boasts a fascinating known history and is presented with beautiful patina. It would make for a wonderful addition to any discerning collection.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa25/.