THE RAREST BUGATTI - ONLY 1 EVER MADE! | SHAH BUGATTI

Heralded by many as one of the most beautiful and sculpturally dynamic Bugatti Type 57s of all, the 1939 Type 57C by Vanvooren in the collection of the Petersen Automotive Museum would have been bodied in a manner similar to that of most of the other 800 or so Type 57s built between 1934 and 1940 had it not been for good timing and fortunate circumstances. And while the coachwork almost certainly would have been as striking as any other design to grace a Type 57 chassis, it would lack the breathtaking beauty, the documented royal provenance, the unparalleled rarity, and the long-held secret of its existence that has made it as fascinating to learn about as it is enthralling to behold.
First seen at the 1934 Paris Auto Salon, the Type 57 was powered by an advanced 3.3-liter, twin-cam, straight-eight engine, which made it a fast, comfortable touring car. Introduced in 1937 and offered through 1939, the 160-horsepower supercharged version was dubbed the Type 57C, the “C” standing for “compressor” the French word for “supercharger.” It was a suitable platform on which to mount coachwork destined for the world’s most demanding customers. And what Jean Bugatti could not conjure up, others could.
On March 16 that same year, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Prince of Persia and future Shah of Iran, married Princess Fawzia of Egypt, King Farouk’s glamorous sister. In order to congratulate him in a way that would cement their countries’ political ties and remind the Persian leader of the exquisite nature of French design, the French government chose as a wedding gift a bespoke automobile. The decision makers must have reasoned that the Shah already had enough formal vehicles at his disposal and so they chose the most sporting car their country could make upon which to mount the most sublime coachwork their country could create. The chassis was to be a supercharged Bugatti Type 57C and the body was to have fully skirted fenders, a top that concealed beneath a metal panel when lowered, and a windshield that lowered into the cowl.
This Bugatti was also seen in @Manny Khoshbin 's recent tour of the Petersen Vault - that can be seen here: • INSIDE THE PETERSEN MU... and Manny mentioned this particular Bugatti was mentioned as one of his favorites!
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[@stephenhenion8304]

I saw this car at Hershey in 1985!!! Stunning as Ever. It took 30 minutes to get a clean photo. So many people were swarming around!!

[@PetersenMuseum]

Can you blame them?!

[@tagsdm]

Wow. I also saw this car at Hershey in 1985! A bunch of us would drive down from Boston every fall to see the show.

[@BatMan-xr8gg]

Mate, should have just wondered over, dropped a ripe one and when the crowd cleared, you get all the shots you want...lol...

[@DIGITALNETPLEX]

R.I.P King Of Iran, We Love you, We Miss You Greatly ,Sure wish there more kind hearted gentlemen like you around. So Proud To be Iranian because of you

[@n0w3lly90]

Oh my god that car is drop dead gorgeous! Art Deco at its finest

[@gsmith207]

Ya, just wow. Rolling kinetic art. Just a wonder of human ingenuity and imagination. Thank u PAM for doing these for the ones that can’t make it to visit. We appreciate it! Cheers 🍻

[@PetersenMuseum]

Glad you like them!

[@imranzahid3214]

Manny’s future Bugatti!

[@solodolooow]

Had to look up for videos on the history of the car after manny's video

[@OneKoolDude]

Would have been nice to see the interior, a little more history...how did they acquire this car ?

[@EdwardTilley]

Incredible. It's as though we've only moved backward for the last 80-years.

[@Metal0sopher]

Sorry but that's a ludicrous comment. There are far more beautiful cars today than ever. This Bugatti is beautiful, in a bumble bee kind of way, but can not compare with modern Aston Martins, and the hundreds of other beauties out there.

[@Metal0sopher]

@DD PN You got that backwards. Obama simply gave them back their own confiscated money FOR Iran agreeing to STOP nuclear research. Trump canceled the agreement AFTER some of the money was given back which means Iran is now FREE to make nukes. Trump is the idiot who screwed it up.

[@EdwardTilley]

@@Metal0sopher But do the front window shields roll down when you just want your car to look as cool as hell? No. And I disagree entirely, I find 99% of cars today are as ugly as sin. Which one(s) do you think are beauties? I like Astons too, but not since the DBs. Ugly since.

[@Metal0sopher]

@DD PN You are just making things up. Pretty much all conservative talking points are blatant lies, easy to research and prove false. The only person you're fooling is yourself.

[@Metal0sopher]

@@EdwardTilley Exactly, it's personal taste. And most people today spend their money on modern cars for a reason.

[@kai7992]

So glad I got to see this in person at a auto body shop

[@paulpavlou9294]

Thank you for sharing this exquisite masterpiece of art, engineering and design. The Mona Lisa of the automotive world. The Peterson is on my bucket list, if only i can get there before I kick the proverbial bucket.

[@krifferb1980]

There really wasn't enough of the car shown in this video. Basically one angle and a few other shots of few details didn't do this car justice. Look to Jay Leno for inspiration. Not his driving the cars but his presentation and his focus on details, unique features, information and back stories leave you feeling informed not deprived of information. He puts them on a lift and goes over the underside. I don't think that aspect is something you necessarily need to adopt but his presentation and showing as much of the car as possible. More viewers if you show the goods.

[@EdwardTilley]

I don't know if that's fair; this curator does go back into the history. To your point though, I agree the videos for these really "super-incredible" highlight cars need to be reshot or updated to include a Doug Demuro-style format where dashboards, interior, drive-chain, etc. are all consistently filmed with proper lighting, highlighting industry firsts, quirks, trends of the day, and important design points - similar to his explanation of chromed door ends and collapsing windows.

[@boson2916]

The presentation is good, leave the details to your imagination.

[@nicksundby]

As a Brit I can confirm that a Tea Set is the most valuable thing one can own lol

[@mehdieminem]

There are so many of shahs cars left in iran with inches of dust on them right now . Many of them are in a museum in Tehran and many were destroyed .

[@sepehrnaseri7362]

This one escaped successfully

[@sepehrnaseri7362]

And its really sad to see those beautiful cars getting dust

[@barriewright2857]

Did anyone notice the sound of the door as he opened it to show the steel plate on the door face. Sounds like a heavy duty door mechanism you find on a door to a big house. Absolutely beautiful Art on wheels.

[@posapie]

Just wonderful! However - I'd love to see the dash/dials and a little more of the interior.

[@Redswipe]

Beautiful car. Thanks for sharing it!

[@PetersenMuseum]

Our pleasure!

[@russhendrix9674]

Maybe more of the inside

[@dalgguitars]

Gosh. I would have loved to see the inside of the car. I would have seen the top put up. You talked about how nice the car looks with the top up. Why wouldn't you put the top up to show us?

[@PetersenMuseum]

We have to be mindful of how delicate vehicles of this age are. Especially a piece like the convertible top. We will be sure to capture that content when is inspected and detailed again. Thanks for watching!

[@_Tipi]

saw this beautiful thing today in the vault, very nice experience

[@nelsonclub7722]

"maybe 8 figures... "I had to think about that and after I did my jaw dropped - outstanding - what a truly beautiful piece of art

[@PetersenMuseum]

The color contrast is what does it for me!

[@hgsert2733]

This is just a Art Deco beauty.

[@Muya97]

I Think Manny might just have bought it

[@philipwalker3300]

Very beautiful, this era of car design and build is so superior to todays models. A true piece of art thank you for sharing this.

[@PetersenMuseum]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@catalincodreanu4372]

nice, you speak how nice is the interior but you didn,t show. you are the best

[@MsBenlane]

france gave the prince this car england gave him a tea set and the usa an airstream trailer. a tea set. man how cheap

[@Sandhoeflyerhome]

There are tea sets and there are teas sets. A royal tea set for say 12 people might very well be entirely hand made, hand glazed and hand painted. A bit like Faberge Egg, its just an egg right ???

[@steveking4203]

I have yet to see a detailed look inside of any of the cars that I've seen so far. I would appreciate a more detailed shot of the dash

[@lawrencegatt4515]

We love ❤️ your video mate from Oz. 🇦🇺🏁

[@PetersenMuseum]

Thanks 👍

[@huaweimaman7530]

Many Iranian millionaires are looking for this car.. This is not just a car for Iranians.. It's reminder of shah of Iran.. I hope it finds way to an Iranian owner someday.

[@BikeronaTrek]

Incredible car. A Bugatti I need to see. I saw Ralph Lauren's Bugatti in Montreal in the 90's. Also an unforgettable car.

[@modernMO9]

Woooow amazing story behind it you guys so lucky to have this 🚗 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@gybx4094]

That Bugatti is one of the most photographed of all times, so you can find many more detailed photos and videos of it on the Internet. If he went into detail, it would be a very long video.

[@keithmcfarland3819]

That crank-down windshield... OMG.

[@guusmarks6708]

One of the most beautiful cars I ever seen

[@filipposkoliopanos7281]

Thank you for sharing these rare automotive gems with us. The history behind some of these examples makes this not just entertainment but also education. However, like others have pointed out, it is really frustrating that you actually DO NOT show the car. Only a very specific angle, not even a picture of the interior or the rear view and also very limited information on the technical characteristics of the car and its engine. In this particular example you reached the point where you promise us that the car looks as good with the top up as with it down and then you NEVER actually show that! It is very frustrating. I think this channel needs to decide what it is. If you only look at it as teaser for potential visitors of the museum then I get it. I still dont agree with the approach, because personally this treatment puts me off from visiting rather than entices me. But at least I understand the thinking. On the other hand, if you want to make this channel a parallel project to your museum then you need to step up your game. Indeed, I believe that a successful channel would positively affect the museum's attendance numbers rather than take away from them. The way it's done now explains why while you have recent videos with hundreds of thousands of views you still have a low number of subscribers.

[@syntheticskull4284]

The most amazing car I've ever seen

[@sharonortedschempp8759]

Thanks for this great "Mini-Lecture" concerning this extremely rare Bugatti...... However...... I wish you would be like Jay Leno (who was one of my College Classmates) and drive it so we could hear the engine start up...and then see it driving in action!! Bummer that you didn't do that....!! Not enough Insurance to drive it on the road...??!! Ted Schempp, Nashville

[@flamezoidtron]

the irony as to why this is a 1 of 1 stems from the fact that the Shah wanted a Delahaye, but Delahaye refused and so the French government had to outsource a high end copy from Bugatti and the coach builder to make one for the Shah

[@howardmckenna]

He definitely had taste.

[@walterpalmer2749]

It's good to be the Shah !! Meanwhile, back at the Dodge Caravan.........

[@paulhomsy2751]

When the French decide to do something, it is beyond state of the art. No one remotely comes close. In the 1920s they built several very large, extremely powerful and exceptionally elegant cars. Some almost as long as limousines.

[@petersampson5202]

IT IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. WOW! 😊 IT WOULD BE A MIRACLE! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! 🙏🎄🎁🙏🎄🎁🙏🎄

[@solikhoy4457]

Now you didn't mention how this car get to US and Petersen 🤔🤔

[@diamondbuyers]

I bet there is only a small handfull of artisans in the world that could work on this car.

[@frankcolumbo9615]

Yeah, they work at Macco

[@boerebru]

What happened to showing the inside of the car?

[@zora_noamflannery2548]

- It wasn't talented metal workers that made this, it was Tiffany level jewelers.

[@PetersenMuseum]

Only the best!!

[@wadeguidry6675]

Live that windshield. It's like instant chop top. How mean do I want my car to look today.

[@bobcomment8589]

Wonderful car

[@joao-pt]

Why wouldn't you show us the interior!?

[@frankcolumbo9615]

Because it’s as ugly as the exterior 🤣😂😅

[@thet0057]

@@frankcolumbo9615 Shut up.

[@driver8438]

That car is spectacular

[@SuperLuckyCat7]

Beautiful car! However; what about bhp figures/top speed when the straight eight "avec le compresseur" was mentioned? And please, interior, dash, door details... And a true 360° 'round the car 🙏

[@BadBrad61169]

Looks good with the top up, then proceeds to not show us the top up. Can we get someone else to do these videos? You frequently show us like 1/4 of what we want to see...

[@MsBenlane]

hey show us the rear walk around it open the trunk please

[@alexm566]

the license plate (433726) was unexpected. I thought the Shah would have a distinct number instead of something random like this

[@3Times.]

whos here after manny koshbin has it?

[@yungboicontigo9278]

Can’t wait to see Manny Khoshbins video on that car and hopefully he gets one through private sale and not auction. Such a timeless sexy beast for sure!

[@tonyclough9844]

Yes art deco styling

[@noname-dv5py]

If i were rich like Bill or Jeff, i'd buy all classic Bugatti cars for my collection.

[@woobykal68]

The car is the faberge egg of the car world

[@frankcolumbo9615]

Thankfully only one was produced

[@roverwaters3875]

no, they built dozens T57's

[@benhur_9377]

❤️🔥

[@Funkybassplayer]

Looks like a delahaye 165 to me. ❤️❤️❤️

[@davidzoller9617]

One of those cars: even if you can afford to buy it, you may be shy to ever drive it. What a drag....

[@janis7771]

It's almoust copie of 1938 Delahaye 165 on visual perspective

[@malteseowl]

This guy speaks like he learned English out of a book, without hearing it spoken - he certainly has his own (different) pronunciations of so many words.

[@SeaCaptBritRob]

First American I've heard pronounce Iran properly 👍

[@sergioromero2k]

Please show the interior!!

[@gerryswetsky2949]

AFAIC, the rarest Bugattis ever built were the Type 41 Royales. Just my opinion!

[@roverwaters3875]

no, thats the most expensive/valuable cars in the world not the rarest Atlantic was rarer

[@marcyhammerstein3914]

Jewelry on wheels

[@dmitriy.suhanov]

*Didn't know Phil Leotardo owned this*

[@BatMan-xr8gg]

The Shah of Iran gets all those presents and still steals over $2 Billion from his people. Greed knows no bounds. He did not deserve such a beautiful car. Happy to see that it is safe in a Museum being well looked after.

[@diogeneskoolaid8437]

looks a lot like the Delahayes of the 30's and 40's

[@PetersenMuseum]

Now that you mention it, it does a little bit. Nice eye!

[@adi-uy7bn]

how great now its in manny khoshbin's garage

[@neilperry2224]

Engineering has moved forward, but style has hit the buffers, the last great looking car was the Series 1 E-type, the 63 corvette split, karmin ghia from the 60s. But saloon the real beauty was Lincoln clap hand saloon or convertible, long roof would be a 50s Buick Caballero estate. But now they are all a variation of the same design, heavy frontage for the car due to the pc club. Same for the rear, large lights, high shoulders over the rear wheels, and what BMW have done to the front of their vehicles, reminds me of the mask Leia/Carrie Fisher wore to han from jabba the pizza hut.

[@birani123]

Didn’t that car get smashed into a wall, while it was stored at the Petersen 🤔😏

[@khankhaaaan]

It now belongs in Manny khoshbin's garage.

[@DatBoiOrly]

Hold up wasn't there 4 one missing one restored(lost a car show because of it) and 2 originals

[@roverwaters3875]

wtf

[@michelhamam7075]

Rarely can you call a car SEXY I would have this than any other car on the market today

[@zeffreydoolittle2154]

How much horsepower

[@jerryhawk8434]

I lv the car

[@CE11SCAN]

France gives him a bugatti England gives a tease wtf

[@thepunisher5861]

And now manny owned it 🤟🏻

[@howardmckenna]

That must be a $20mil car, surely.

[@roverwaters3875]

no

[@howardmckenna]

@@roverwaters3875... Ok, so what do you think it's worth?

[@tonyclough9844]

Oh forgot they make the same body in Thailand for a kit car version of it

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

How can you not show the interior..?

[@PetersenMuseum]

I think we got carried away with how much goes into the amazing exterior. Send us an email and well share some great interior photos. [e-mail]

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

@@PetersenMuseum I would love that, appreciated.

[@Wintermute0168]

"Ear-ann"? C'mon mann.

[@LarryHatch]

Why all those high pressure pipe over these priceless cars? Insurance company can't like that. I mean, $50,000 in metal plates in a ceiling should take away all that risk. Hot water would fry those priceless masterpieces!

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

Ehhhhhhhhh, i don't know, I wanted something with a tight walnut grain that one is too loose.

[@g.megapacco5565]

this is a 9 figures car it's one of the early bugatti and also there is just one in the universe

[@roverwaters3875]

calm down kid, you are exaggerating

[@dgreenbluet]

Drive the thing or ain't a real car! otherwise it's just a giant hunk of metal art

[@jonathanwheeler9781]

3 ever made actually

[@jf6395]

wow!....but kind of a truncated tour of it. Where were the details of the interior or a view from the rear, a peek inside the trunk? Where is Lou Costabile when you need him? lol trunk candy please

[@19BenZ57]

from PERSIA ArmeniA Israel with Passion

[@neoqueto]

This car in this color looks like ink flowing out of a fountain pen that is writing a heartfelt congratulatory letter in the most beautiful cursive on parchment paper.

[@PetersenMuseum]

Well said!

[@lolololhlo4698]

Now belongs to Manny Koshbin 😁

[@PetersenMuseum]

Nope! We let him borrow it for a video! Still with us :)

[@lolololhlo4698]

@@PetersenMuseum really I didn't know that

[@lolololhlo4698]

@@PetersenMuseum thank you

[@ariyax-zajato4438]

This bugatti type 57c for iran last king his name is (mohamad reza pahlavi) his iranian and this bugatti is a present of france to mohamad reza pahlavi mohamad reza pahlavi don't very use this car but iran asphalt not good. in 1959 this car is broken and some one buy this car 257 dollars and rebuild this car this car fist is dark red in rebuild this car get dark blue and then black and now on plate of this car persian write 433726 i'm iranian 😉

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I take issue that this is a 1 of 1. This is a 57C, of which 96 were made. Yes, it has custom coachwork, but in all other respects it is the same as other 57C's. Rare, sure. But not unique.

[@roverwaters3875]

true

[@MarkACarroll]

Move the camera around. Sheesh. Looks like a still image and audio track. The zooming is only of a still image. How silly.

[@hamzasalem8115]

IS THAT REAL?!

[@frankcolumbo9615]

Only in your nightmares

[@n3307v]

I wish you'd talk less and show more of the car inside and out.

[@M-N00]

"maybe you want to be seen by your subjects" never has a more pretentious sentence been uttered on youtube

[@gwarlow]

1:07 The same Shah that was put in power by the C.I.A.? That Shah?

[@AtheistOrphan]

No, the previous one.

[@writerconsidered]

You can look this up for both of us. I believe Iran threw out the old Shah and wanted a completely different government. The CIA wasn't having that and shoved a pro American Shah in his place who was another dictator in charge, until he wasn't. And I old enough to remember that second revolution. Maybe we should have just given them their own sovereignty? Just a thought.

[@frankcolumbo9615]

@@writerconsidered keep thinking . Sooner or later you’ll get it right or expire 👍

[@Callmedaddy1]

Sounds like the world once loved Iran now most hated