1938 Bugatti Type 57C at the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles

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Great European Sports : Prewar Vehicles

1930 Bugatti Type 50

1934 Morgan Super Sport

1935 MG NB

1937 Peugeot 402 Darl'Mat Pourtout

1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS

1938 BMW 327

1938 Bugatti Type 57C

1939 Jaguar SS 100

Information on the 1938 Bugatti Type 57C

More photographs of the 1938 Bugatti Type 57C

Ettore Bugatti could certainly be considered one of the more colorful characters throughout automotive history. Though born in Italy, Bugatti spent most of his life in France. Nearly 8,000 cars bearing the Bugatti name were produced at the Molsheim factory located in Alsace, France. Fifty-two different models were produced over the years, from the Type 2 of 1900 to the winningest race car of all, the Type 35 Grand Prix racer, to one of the most costly and luxurious automobiles ever built, the Type 41 Bugatti Royale.

The Bugatti Type 57 is considered to be Bugatti's most successful road going creation which debuted in 1934 and remained in production until the start of WWII, with a total of 739 examples being produced. The design was inspired by Jean Bugatti, who had his father's sense of engineering, created several standard body designs which were available through the factory. This included a four-door Gabilier coach, two-door Ventoux, 1939 57C four-door coach, Atalante on the 57C and 57S chassis, and the Atlantic Coupe which was also available on the 57C and S.

The Type 57 was a new design. Little was borrowed from its predecessor, except for the bore and stroke of the Type 49 engine. The Type 57S was offered beginning in 1935. The Series 2 Type 57 soon followed which brought with it rubber engine mounts, cam and engine timing improvements, heavier chassis and revised dashboard. In 1937, the Type 57C became available. This was a supercharged version which added improved horsepower output over its siblings. The 3.3-liter engine with the supercharger was capable of producing over 215 horsepower.

The final iteration of the Type 57 came in 1938 with the Series 3. The Series 3 had hydraulic brakes, which Ettore Bugatti disagreed with after having poor results with the setup during the 1924 Grand Prix season. Ettore reluctantly cooperated with the decision but did insist on having dual master cylinders in the design. The DeRam equipment was replaced in favor of the Allinquint hydraulic shock absorbers. The DeRam setup had been deemed too expensive to continue.

This 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Drophead Coupe is only one of four ever created and one of the few surviving of its kind. the coachwork was handled by Gangloff.

Since new, it has been treated to a complete and professional restoration. At the time of its restoration, it was fitted with a correct-style Bugatti supercharger which brought it up to the 'C' specification.

It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $1,500,000-$1,800,000. It is in concours ready condition with a history that is completely accounted for and known. It is one of only three that has survived in modern times and one of the greatest examples of the Type 57 ever created. At auction, the car did sell, finding a new owner for the price of $1,375,000.

Also photographed at :

Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns >> Pre-War European

Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns >> European (1932-1941)

Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns >> European Custom Coachwork French

Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns >> European Classic 1938-39

Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns >> European Classic 1937-1939

Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns >> 1936-1940

In 1934, Bugatti introduced their Type 57 which would remain in production through 1940. They were initially built for touring, but many of them made their way onto the racing circuit.

The Type 57C project was headed-up by Jean Bugatti, son of company founder Ettore Bugatti. Unfortunately, Jean Bugatti was killed near Molsheim while test driving a 57C that was being prepared for a race. The date was August 11th, 1939 - less than a month before the start of World War II.

This Bugatti Type 57 is one of four with the Gangloff Aravis body. At the 1934 launch Bugatti offered four Type 57 body styles, and then in 1938 the Aravis was introduced. This Type 57 Aravis has the standard 3.3-liter straight-8 supercharged engine developing 160 horsepower, which is basically a detuned version of the Grand Prix Type 59 engine

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