1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio

Over 680 examples of the Bugatti Type 57 and supercharged T57C were estimated to have been built in various body styles during its lifespan. From early 1937 until September 1939, Bugatti focused most of its efforts on building the Type 57 model. The Type 57s were basically offered in four body styles that included the Ventoux (four-place coupe), the Galibier (four-place, four-door saloon), the Atalante (two-seater) and the Stelvio cabriolet. Gangloff was a preferred coachbuilder for Bugatti not only for their nearby location to Bugatti's Molsheim factory but also for their talented and skillful craftsmen. The most popular open car was the Stelvio four-seater cabriolet, which had a design penned by Bugatti. Most of the Stelvio-bodied Type 57s received their coachwork from the French coachbuilder Gangloff. The Stelvio coachwork was offered throughout the production lifespan of the Type 57, from 1934 until 1939. The design evolved over the years; in 1935-36, the Stelvio was given a folding windshield and a top that would fold nearly flat and out-of-sight into a 'cut-out' provided for it at the rear of the body.

This particular Stelvio example was built in April 1936. The Jean Bugatti-designed cabriolet features pontoon fenders and Atalante-like rounded tail. It was sent to the Nantes Fair, an international trade exhibition. On August 8th, 1936, it was sold to its original owner, R. Petit. It was later owned by a Mr. Ferrand, by which time it had been given the later-style headlamps, integrated into the front fenders, as well as spats over the rear wheels. It was also given the front 'moustache' bumpers, as well as Lockheed hydraulic brakes. It is believed that these modifications were performed by the factory or a Bugatti agent.

The next owner was Jacques Dufilho of Paris. In 1974, it was sold to Alec Ulmann, where it would remain for the remainder of Mr. Ulmann's life. He drove the car without the rear fender spats and refinished in light blue and black.

After his passing, the car was retained by his widow, Mary, for two years and then was sold to a collection on the West Coast. It was there that it was given a restoration to its present appearance, updating its Ulmann two-tone royal blue and black 'sweep panel' livery while fitting pale grey leather upholstery and reinstalling the 'spats' on the rear wheels.

This Bugatti has its original engine, transmission, and rear axle. It is believed that the gauges are original, with the exception of a new Jaeger tachometer. The odometer records 1,047 kilometers, believed to be the distance traveled since the restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016