Of all the prewar Bugattis, this Type 18 is the most distinguished and maybe even the most famous. It is also one of the rare five-liter models first sold to aviator Roland Garros. But it was during the car’s second ownership with Ivy Cummings when the nickname ‘Black Bess’ was bestowed.

In its near 100-year history, this car has garnered a roster of impressive owners and race entries that remains almost unrivaled. The tremendous performance of the 5-liter Bugatti kept it on the circuit and challenging newer cars for nearly two decades.