$40 million Bugatti on exhibit: Mullin museum models its masterpiece

Remember the Bugatti that sold a few months ago for somewhere between $30 million and $40 million? It is still the world's most expensive car. And now you can have a look at it at the fabulous Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, Calif.

The 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was one of only three ever built, and it is regarded as one of the all-time great classic cars. This Atlantic won Best in Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2003.

Like its two siblings, the Mullin Bugatti was derived from Bugatti's prototype “Aerolithe Electron Coupe” unveiled at the 1935 Paris Auto Salon. Jean Bugatti produced the Atlantic's spectacular sculpted appearance using riveted aluminum panels that he mounted on Bugatti's most sophisticated, powerful and revolutionary Type 57S chassis.

While only three Atlantics were built, this car (chassis #57374) is the first in the series, widely believed to be the most original and correct in form, according to the museum. The car was built in 1936, and many suggest that parts from the Aerolithe prototype were used in its production. This car's first owner, Lord Victor Rothschild of London, ordered the car in light blue with dark blue interior.

In 1939, the car was sent back to the Bugatti factory to be fitted with a supercharger. Bob Oliver of Los Angeles was the second owner. Dr. Peter Williamson then purchased the car in 1971, for $59,000, a world-record price at the time. Over many years, he respectfully restored the car to its 1939 specification.

The current owners are thought to be three partners (even these guys don't have $40 million laying around), one of whom is thought to be Peter Mullin. That has never been confirmed, but the car is parked in the Mullin museum.

“This car is an icon, representing the apex of all automotive design and engineering,” said Julius Kruta, head of Bugatti Tradition.

If you want to see the car, you have to hurry. And pay attention to the museum's Web site, www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com. The museum is only intermittently open, usually just two Saturdays a month. The first opportunity to see the car will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. No other times are listed yet. The car will be on display for only two or three months.

The Mullin Automotive Museum opened its art deco doors on April 15. But the museum features more than cars; it includes many examples of the art deco movement, including furniture, photography and fashion. But it's mostly beautiful cars of the period, including Delages, Delahayes and Bugattis. Central to the Mullin Automotive Museum's mission, according to a statement from the museum, is Peter Mullin's belief in the importance of sharing his collection with the public outside of the confines of a closed private collection.

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