The Matra MS12 V12, 1970. Photo by Brandes Elitch. To listen to the Matra V12, click on the photo.
What’s in YOUR driveway?
We all know that Ralph Lauren (see below) has one of these in his driveway, and it may even be the one below. Dale La Follette of Vintage Motorphoto sent his our way. Dale says that the photo was taken by Strother McMinn in 1949 in a garage in Los Angeles. I daresay our Bugatti friends out there will firmly nail this one down for us?
Photo Courtesy of Vintage Motorphoto.
Ralph Lauren brings his collection to Paris.
Lauren with his Mercedes SSK. Courtesy DNA.
The only way a mortal might be able to see a great selection of his collection aside from Paul Russell are those who will be lucky enough to attend the incredibly upscale art show beginning on the 28th of April. A selection of seventeen of Ralph Lauren’s most prestigious sports cars from the 1930s to the present day will be on show for the first time in Europe at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs
For a sneak preview video of his private estate and garage, click below. This video provides an exclusive look behind closed doors at Ralph Lauren private estate where the designer takes us on a personal tour of these stunning machines. Ralph Lauren Collection Preview
Toly Arutunoff Updates Himself
First off, I thank God for saving my life and also for not being able to remember anything. Next: the less said about “phantom pain” the better. I once thought “how can something that’s not there hurt?” Anyway I’m doing physical therapy and additional general exercises–when you lie abed for a few weeks boy do your muscles shrink. And when you’re kinda old to start with, well, I’m adjusting to it and improving on it. I’ll get my C (for computer) leg in the not-too-distant future. A friend who has one rides his motorcycle; my doc looks upon my resuming such a practice with disfavor. I have many dreams about running down the street, scrambling up and down stairs,even being at a racetrack–my favorite so far! Finally, I’ve been overwhelmed (overused word but absolutely true in my case) with the love and concern expressed toward me since early February. Several freakin’ hundred emails, cards, photos, flowers, posters…it still brings tears to my eyes as I think of all you guys’ feelings for me. Thank you so very very VERY much! Karen thanks you for your prayers (as do I). She knows they’re helping my recovery, so I’ll be able to have autonomy and every day won’t be, as she sez, like the movie “Groundhog Day.”
There are five new articles this week, so please, scroll down!
Hi Pete:
The Atlantic is the ex-Williamson T57SC, chassis 57374, not long after purchase and importation by then-owner, Bob Oliver.
Ralph Lauren’s “Trossi” Mercedes is not a 540K! It is an SSK.
Cheers,
Sandy
The McMinn photo is of the 1936 Bugatti Atlantic 57374. It was the first one built on the Type 57S chassis. The first owner was a member of the Rothschild banking family. In 1949 it was owned by Robert Oliver and lived in the Los Angeles area. In 1971 the car was puchased at auction by Dr. Peter Williamson for $59,000 (some reports say $60,000/$70,000). Restored to it’s factory configuration, it was Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 2003. In 2010, it was sold by Gooding & Co. in a private sale for a reported $30,000,000/$40,000,000.
Regards,
Randy Reed
La Mesa, CA
Confirming much of the above reporting. This lovely car was put on loan to the Briggs Cunningham Automotive Museum down in Costa Mesa in 1968 where it was well known to the entusiast public. What was particularly nice about the car was it’s “preserved/maintained” condition which enabled many of us to enjoy driving it for what it truly was. It certainly wasn’t a garage/concours queen !
Also, thanks for the photo credit to Strother Macminn who documented this exotic bird during it’s brief stay in SoCal.
Hi Pete,
some more comments to the picture of the Bugatti Atlantic 57374. The photo must have been taken a certain time after Bob Oliver purchased it because it was he who had the body converted in Italy. Bumpers front and rear were fitted, the headlights were built in the fenders and the rear windows enlarged. The whole interior was also changed (modernised). First the car was painted red, later it was blue. When Peter Williamson aquired the car it still carried these changes and it was only many years later that Williamson decided to return the car to its original splendor. This perfect job was carried out by High Mountain Classics and Scott Sargent
Toly, I’m so glad to hear how well you’re doing. and that your “cyberleg” is soon to come. You are blessed to have your faith in God, and also to have Karen to help you through this hard time.
I was just cleaning out a drawer, and came upon a postcard from you that is sooo old the postage was just 10 cents – you had been to Stuttgart, Lake Charles, Chimney Rock, Courtland, and Montgomery in the Morgan – shades of the past! And you were always confident, not that you would win, but that you would have a good time – that was the important part.
Thanks for the news Toly! Was just thinking yesterday we needed to hear from you!
Hope to see you at a race track soon.
James
Toly,
Best wishes….my more or less contact with you was…..WHEN I bought the Deutsch Bonnet Le Mans from you….FYI the car is now in Southern France….restored and enjoying it’s return to France…
Amicalement,
Jim Bandy