Santa Monica, California. July 16, 2008
The Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson Collection, the world’s finest
collection of Bugattis, will be sold at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach
auction on August 16 and 17 in Monterey, California. This monumentous
sale, expected to raise more than $15 million, marks a rare opportunity for
bidders to compete to buy some of the world’s most valuable
automobiles. The majority of the proceeds from the sale of this incredible
car collection will be donated to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
and Dartmouth Medical School in honor of the late Dr. Peter Williamson.
Dr. Williamson was globally recognized as a leader in the fields of
epilepsy and neurology. His pioneering work granted him the opportunity
to become founder and director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and a professor of medicine at
Dartmouth Medical School. Additionally, he served as Chair of the
Transforming Medicine Campaign for Dartmouth Medical School and
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, which is raising more than $250
million for research initiatives.
Away from the hospital, one of Dr. Williamson’s other passions was the
Bugatti automobile. He amassed the most significant private collection of
Bugattis in the world, twelve of which will be sold at Gooding & Company’s
Pebble Beach auction. Each of these prized Bugattis features a distinct
history and all are in exceptional condition. Several of the highlighted
vehicles include the 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupe, 1928 Bugatti
Type 35B Grand Prix and the 1931 Bugatti Type 55 “Jean Bugatti
Roadster.” Ettore Bugatti and his son, Jean are the only automobile
manufacturers to build the finest sports, racing and luxury automobiles at
the same time. All of the cars in the Williamson Collection uphold the
highest standards of design and performance for which Bugatti is so well
known.
“Bugattis are considered to be some of the world’s most coveted and
collectable cars, and this is the most extraordinary collection ever to come
to auction,” said David Gooding, founder and president of Gooding &
Company. “The sale of these Bugattis will further benefit Dr. Williamson’s
goals for medical advancement.”
The most exceptional Bugatti in the Williamson Collection is the Type
57SC Atalante Coupe. A stunning result of the 1937 collaboration between
Ettore and Jean Bugatti, this automobile is wonderfully original and drives
exceptionally well. Finished in two-tone shades known as London Fog
with tan leather interior, it is sensual, graceful and beautiful. It is one of the
most coveted automobiles of its time with groundbreaking design.
Another distinguished car in the Williamson Collection is the 1928 Bugatti
Type 35B Grand Prix. The Type 35 forever defined the look of Bugatti’s
Grand Prix cars and the Type 35B, powered by the 2.3 liter version of
Bugatti’s overhead camshaft, eight cylinder, supercharged engine, set
new standards of performance. Dr. Williamson’s 1928 Type 35B was
originally owned by the great Louis Chiron in France, used in competitions
around Europe by various drivers, and powered by a factory-prepared
supercharged racing engine. Ultimately acquired by Dr. Williamson from
Bob Hammel who for years drove it in Southern California as his only car,
it was restored with full road equipment some years ago by Don Lefferts to
very high standards and runs extremely well.
Another significant car in the collection is the 1931 Bugatti Type 55 “Jean
Bugatti Roadster.” One of the most important and memorable of Bugatti
sports cars, the Type 55 is the road-going version of the 2.3 liter
supercharged Type 51 Grand Prix car. This particular car, chassis 55201,
was the first Bugatti Type 55 and is a racy two-seat roadster displaying
coachwork styling inspired by Jean Bugatti. This design established the
talents of its designers. Sleek, majestic and reliable, this was Dr.
Williamson’s favorite car for tours and events.
These three cars, along with nine other Bugattis, will be featured on the
auction block at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction. The
majority of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is a nationally ranked academic
medical center located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. It serves northern
New England and is comprised of several hospitals and clinics in the
surrounding areas.
Dartmouth Medical School focuses on educating and preparing leaders to
transform medicine and science. The school aspires to be the best in the
world at expanding medical knowledge and its students are committed to
the challenges of discovery and innovation and their application to health
care.
Gooding & Company’s collection of Pebble Beach auction cars will be on
display and open to the public on Wednesday, August 13 through Sunday,
August 17. The auctions will be held on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday,
August 17, commencing at 6:00PM. Gooding & Company Pebble Beach
auction catalogs are available for $100 and admit two to the viewing and
the auction. General admission to the viewing and the auction can be
purchased at the tent for the price of $40 per person. Bidder registration
forms, press credentials and additional auction information are available
on www.goodingco.com. To consign your classic car to the Gooding &
Company Pebble Beach Auction, please call (310) 899-1960.
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