In particular, Mr. Thomassen, who is now 95 years old, purchased 3 Bugattis during his relatively wealthy period in the late 1950s and early 1960s – a time when the cars we have to pay hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars for today were heavily depreciated. The Belgian artist was completely fascinated by Bugatti design at the time and bought back all 3 cars (all used) despite not being overly wealthy.
August started with a 1932 Type 49 Berline and a Type 57 Cabriolet, both with special body modifications, and used them as daily drivers for many years. Later, he acquired a 1929 Type 40 with the intention of personally modifying it, but ultimately gave up due to financial reasons.
The Bugatti Type 49 Berline in August Thomassen’s collection.
However, according to his daughter’s statement in an interview, August’s love for Bugatti is eternal, and a statue of Ettore Bugatti sculpted by him is still on display at the French National Automobile Museum. In the past, despite the financial difficulties his family has faced over the years, he has repeatedly refused numerous collectors’ offers to buy back the 3 Bugattis.
August Thomassen’s partially modified Type 40.
Hiding the cars in his studio warehouse in Belgium was a measure to avoid prying eyes and because he no longer had the means to maintain them. Until last year, they remained hidden in the shadows until the warehouse was burglarized. August, now 95 years old and no longer able to drive, decided that the 3 Bugattis should be entrusted to more professional hands.
The Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet, valued at nearly $700,000, needs to be taken care of by more professional hands.
And so, the 3 vintage Bugattis and a 1925 Citroen Torpedo stored in the warehouse will be auctioned off at the Artcurial Retromobile 2019 event on February 8th in Paris, with a total estimated value of at least $1 million. The Type 57 Cabriolet is expected to fetch at least $690,000 for its new owner.
Reference: Carscoops
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