Reviving a Legend: The Restoration of the 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux at Classics Museum

In the world of vintage automobiles, few marques stir as much passion and reverence as Bugatti. Their pre‑war creations, combining exquisite craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and timeless design, occupy a rarefied space in automotive history. Among these legends stands the 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux, a car now lovingly restored at Hamilton’s Classics Museum — a project that has captured the imagination of classic car enthusiasts globally.

A Remarkable Barn Find

The story begins in 2014, when the Bugatti Type 57, chassis number 57579‑417, was discovered in a barn in western France, hidden away in what has become known as the Baillon Collection - one of the most significant automotive barn finds in recent memory.

Originally delivered from the Bugatti factory in Molsheim on 8 September 1937, this chassis had been fitted with an early Gangloff‑bodied saloon before being re‑bodied with a Ventoux body sometime after World War II.

In 2015, Classics Museum founder Tom Andrews purchased the Bugatti at auction and brought it to New Zealand, recognising its rarity and historical importance.

The museum unveiled the car in its original, unrestored barn condition, thrilling local enthusiasts. But this was just the beginning of an incredible journey.

A Dual Project: Restoration and Inspiration

What makes the Ventoux project even more extraordinary is that it ran in parallel with another ambitious undertaking: the hand‑built recreation of the missing 1936 Bugatti Type 57S Atlantic Coupe - the famed “La Voiture Noire”. While the Atlantic project sought to recreate a lost automotive icon, the Ventoux restoration focused on bringing an authentic, historic example back to life.

This meant that for several years, the Classics Museum workshop in Hamilton buzzed with activity as the team methodically disassembled, restored, and reassembled both vehicles - drawing on rare parts, painstaking research, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Systematic Restoration: From Disassembly to Rebirth

The restoration process began in 2016 with a careful nut‑and‑bolt disassembly of the Ventoux, assisted by Classics team member Gordon White. Every component was documented, photographed, and catalogued to ensure authenticity during reassembly.

The chassis and drive train, which still bore matching numbers - a crucial element for authenticity - were carefully inspected, revealing the original stamping of “417” on key components.

With the body lifted off, the team confronted the Ventoux’s wooden frame, which required intricate restoration work. Specialists such as Kingwood Furniture were called in to assist with recreating and repairing the timber structure, ensuring structural integrity and historical accuracy.

Engine, Paint and Interior

As updates progressed through 2025, the Ventoux’s engine, gearbox, and radiator underwent a complete rebuild. The engine block and ancillary components were restored to original condition, preserving as much of Bugatti’s engineering as possible.

Meanwhile, the original upholstery served as a pattern for re‑creating interior trim that reflected the car’s period‑correct aesthetic - a blend of elegance and authenticity.

By early 2025, paint preparation was underway on the body panels, syncing with the restoration’s final stages. This meticulous approach ensured that the finished car would not only look stunning but honour the original craftsmanship.

The fully rebuilt Type 57 Bugatti engine, No. 417.

A Triumphant Reveal

The culmination of years of dedicated work came in February 2025, when the fully restored 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux was reintroduced to the public at the Art Deco Festival in Napier, New Zealand.

It was more than just a reveal, it was a celebration of automotive history and the dedication of the Classics Museum team.

Tom Andrews featured the car in the festival’s parade, a fitting tribute to the vehicle and its first owner, Jean Lanez, who originally bought the Bugatti in 1937. Andrews even dedicated the restoration to Lanez’s memory, acknowledging the deep emotional connection that history and craftsmanship can forge.

The Type 57 was parked with other Bugattis from around New Zealand.

Legacy and Public Display

Today, the restored Ventoux takes pride of place at the Classics Museum, where visitors from around the world can marvel at its beauty and engineering.

But perhaps the most important legacy of this project isn’t just the car itself - it’s the story of passion, persistence, and respect for automotive heritage. This restoration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when craftsmanship, historical appreciation, and community support come together around a singular vision.