The 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Cabriolet par Vanvooren. A masterwork of French engineering and design, and the only surviving example that still wears its original Vanvooren body on its original chassis.
This isn’t just a pre-war Bugatti. It’s a living artifact from Molsheim—one of only six Vanvooren-bodied examples ever made, fully recognized and documented by the Bugatti community.
The Type 55 Back in the Day
What Makes This Car So Special?
In May 1932, from the legendary Molsheim factory, a very special chassis left the gates: a Type 55. Engineered by Jean Bugatti and shaped by Vanvooren’s master coachbuilders, it was destined for Paris, with its sophisticated design.
One of only six made, this is the sole surviving example retaining its original bodywork and chassis combination. And it has not only survived, it has thrived, thanks to documented provenance, careful preservation, and a multi-year restoration by elite Bugatti specialists.
Whether in design, performance, or rarity, the Type 55 Cabriolet is a landmark and an enduring icon from the golden era of French motoring.
1932: Parisian Debut
The Type 55 began life at Molsheim, where Bugatti’s racing and road car lines blurred under Jean Bugatti’s visionary lead. This car was completed in May 1932 and delivered to the prestigious Paris dealership of Dominique Lamberjack on July 29th.
Vanvooren, renowned for their restrained yet flowing style, crafted a two-seater cabriolet body that gave the car its signature silhouette. It sat unsold in the Paris showroom until 1936, a quiet prelude to an extraordinary life.
1936-1950s: Ownership and Wartime History
In 1936, the car was acquired by Eugène Leleux, a brewer from northern France. He documented everything meticulously—from the engine specifications to wartime Bugatti service receipts, all of which still accompany the car today.
Even during World War II, the Type 55 received factory-level service at Levallois, highlighting Bugatti’s commitment to excellence—even in turbulent times.
1950–2000s: Preservation and Rediscovery
Following the war, the car passed into the hands of Eugène Mulnard, noted Bugatti enthusiast and head of the Écurie Flandre racing team. He maintained the car with precision, rebuilding the engine in 1975. In 1980, the car entered the collection of Marc Blanc, where it remained for decades before undergoing an exacting restoration by Ventoux Moteurs and Dijkhof Carrosserie.
Ready for the World’s Finest Collection
The Bugatti Type 55 is more than just being elegant. It’s exhilarating. With its 2.3-liter supercharged straight-eight, derived from the Type 51 Grand Prix racer, it offered gentleman drivers the performance of a race car in a road-going package.
Producing 180 horsepower and capable of 180 km/h (112 mph), this car was lightyears ahead of its time. Dual overhead cams, cable-operated brakes, and a distinctive 4-speed gearbox made it a technological marvel, wrapped in pure Art Deco beauty.
This is your opportunity to acquire a pre-war Bugatti, one that remains authentic, complete, and recognized by leading historians.
With extensive documentation, original factory features, and a restoration by marquee names, the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Cabriolet par Vanvooren is ready for its next chapter.
This car is for sale at Gallery Aaldering
