ex-shah 57SC 57808:confirming low period

Once this thread was started that reminded me to check on the history of the 57C van vooren two seater that the Petersen Museum has. I was wondering who the American was that nabbed it in 1959? A well known car collector? An international wheeler dealer? That was when the Shah was still in power so I was wondering why he would sell it? Or was it in Europe at the time so the Shah didn't worry about it anymore? Also I heard an American V8 was put in, though I am sure that wasn't Bob Petersen (the last owner) even though HOT ROD magazine touted many an engine conversion.
I am a litle surprised how much they copied Figoni et Falaschi's Typ 165 Delahaye even down to the roll down windscreen

PS I thought the museum director said it was 'abandoned in the desert once" Anybody ever hear this?

 

I found out most of the answers, tho I am puzzled
why when it was in Holland
it had no spats front or rear.
I was worried those had been the invention of the restorers in the UK
but I ran into the Museum curator who told me it had the front and rear spats when new and he has pictures of it so equipped.
Now I just want to know if the Bugatti engine was left behind in Iran since it left Iran with a Packard or Cadillac engine