1938 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio Cabriolet

The Type 57 was introduced in 1934 and came equipped with a new, dual-overhead-cam, eight-cylinder engine that offered more power with less noise and reduced vibration. The inline-eight had improved reliability and durability, and was now gear-driven at the rear of the engine. The 3.3-liter unit provided 135 horsepower in normally aspirated tune and was paired with a conventional clutch and four-speed manual gearbox. The mechanical sophistication was complemented by its wide assortment of body styles, with the most popular open model being the four-seat Stelvio Cabriolet, named after an Alpine mountain pass in northern Italy. Designed by Jean Bugatti, bodies for the Type 57 were constructed by several of the finest coachbuilders of the era, including Gangloff.

Between its debut in 1934 and continuing until the outbreak of World War II in Europe, a total of 710 examples of the Type 57 are believed to have been built.

This 1938 Bugatti Type 57 wears Stelvio Cabriolet coachwork by coachbuilder Gangloff. It is a restored example that was delivered new to Düsseldorf, Germany, on March 4, 1938. Its first owner was Josef Schmied, who retained the Bugatti until 1952, when he sold it to Hellfried Klein, a resident of Vienna, Austria. Max Baumann became the car's next caretaker in 1972, and a restoration by Mr. Baumann soon followed. By 1975, the Bugatti passed through Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein to Michel J.H. Oprey of the Netherlands.

While in Mr. Oprey's care, the Bugatti was used on various driving tours around Europe, including the 2nd Rallye Monte-Carlo des Voitures Anciennes in 1976 and the Hyde Park Bugatti Rally in 1979.

Dutch classic car dealer and collector Jack Braam Ruben purchased the Stelvio in November 1998 and repainted it blue and black before selling it to Bert Jaansens in May 1999. Mr. Jaansens restored the car prior to selling it to Charles Morse, who sold it to Charles 'Chuck' Swimmer of San Diego in September 2006. Mr. Swimmer participated in the 2010 International Bugatti Rally with the Bugatti prior to his sale of the car to Bruce Meyer that year. Under Mr. Meyer's care, the Stelvio was refinished in its current black with burgundy accents. The current owner purchased the vehicle from Mr. Meyer in 2013 through restorer Scott Sargent, who fitted the Bugatti with a Laycock overdrive.

In 2017, the Stelvio was exhibited at the Arizona Concours d'Elegance, participating in the special Cars of Ettore and Jean Bugatti class.

At some point in this car's history, it was equipped with a Roots-type supercharger.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2024