Only three Type 57C Aravis drophead coupe bodies were built to Jean Bugatti’s design, and Jean himself called it “the most beautiful Bugatti.” The last one, S/N 57768, was built for famed French driver Maurice Trintignant, and is now in Oxnard, CA’s Mullin Collection. It’s also the subject of this gorgeous — and accurate — resin model from Minichamps. 1939 photos show a thin chrome molding between the body and rear fenders, parking lights at the bottom of the grille, and the side molding above the color separation line, while photos from the Mullin website show Minichamps’ model is a precise miniature of 57768 as it looks today. Its two-tone blue/cream paint is excellent, with a very thin photo-etched stripe providing the color separation The hood hinge, louver trim, and stone guards are printed bright chrome, while the trunk hinges, latches, handles, and other details including the flat “horseshoe” grille are all plated parts. Minichamps hasn’t left anything off. Big aluminum-colored drums are visible behind the accurate photo-etched wire wheels, and there’s basic chassis detail cast with the baseplate. The up top has realistic wrinkles, texture, and sheen, with a printed silver molding at the bottom. Inside, the exposed seat supports, body-color dash (with legible gauges, of course), and separate plated handles match Aravis photos too. Jean would agree — this truly is beautiful. — Wayne Moyer
1:43 | $95
