Bugatti Type 57

1934 - 1940

The Bugatti Type 57, produced between 1934 and 1940, is one of the most celebrated and iconic models in the storied history of Bugatti. The Type 57 is a true milestone in automotive history, a car that continues to inspire generations of designers and engineers. It's not just a car, it's a symbol of luxury, innovation, and the pursuit of perfection

Overview / Model & Variant List / Models In-Depth / Image Gallery / More Updates

Overview

The Bugatti Type 57, produced between 1934 and 1940, is one of the most celebrated and iconic models in the storied history of Bugatti. Designed by Jean Bugatti, son of the company's founder, Ettore Bugatti, the Type 57 combined engineering excellence with artistic design, making it not only a luxury grand tourer but also a genuine piece of automotive art. The Type 57 is often regarded as one of the greatest pre-war automobiles, embodying the pinnacle of Bugatti's craftsmanship and engineering prowess during its era.

The Type 57's design was a significant departure from earlier Bugatti models, featuring a more modern and streamlined body that reflected the Art Deco movement of the time. Its elegant lines and balanced proportions were matched with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, making each car a bespoke masterpiece.

Several variants of the Type 57 were produced, each with its unique characteristics:

Type 57S: A sportier version with a lower chassis and improved handling.
Type 57SC: Perhaps the most revered variant, the SC (Supercharged) combined the lower chassis of the S model with a supercharger, significantly boosting its performance. The 57SC is among the most valuable and sought-after pre-war classic cars today.
Type 57C: A version equipped with a supercharger but without the lowered chassis of the S and SC variants, offering enhanced performance over the standard Type 57.
Type 57 Atlantic: A special aerolithe-bodied version of the Type 57S, designed by Jean Bugatti. Only four Atlantics were ever made, and they are considered among the most beautiful and exclusive cars in the world.

The Bugatti Type 57 was powered by a 3.3-liter inline-8 engine, producing between 135 to 160 horsepower, depending on the variant and configuration. The supercharged versions, especially the 57SC, offered significantly more power and were capable of top speeds exceeding 120 mph (193 km/h), an impressive figure for the time. The Type 57 was not only a luxury grand tourer but also a capable racing car, with several competition versions achieving success in motorsport events.

The Bugatti Type 57's legacy is defined by its unparalleled blend of performance, luxury, and beauty. It represents the zenith of pre-war automotive design and engineering, with each variant highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The Type 57, especially the Atlantic model, has become a symbol of automotive perfection, celebrated for its aesthetic appeal, technical innovation, and racing pedigree.

Today, the Type 57 is celebrated at classic car shows and concours d'elegance events worldwide, where it continues to captivate and inspire generations of car lovers with its timeless elegance and performance. Its influence can be seen in later Bugatti models, which continue to embody the brand's ethos of combining artistic design with cutting-edge engineering.

Bugatti Type 57 Basics

Manufacturer: Bugatti
Production: 1934 - 1940
Produced: 710 units
Assembly: Molsheim, France
Designer: Jean Bugatti

Did You Know?

The iconic horseshoe grille wasn't just a design statement; it served a purpose. It allowed for better airflow and cooling, crucial for the car's powerful engine. The design was originally inspired by a horseshoe Jean Bugatti found on a radiator cap.

While known for its elegance, the Type 57 wasn't just a pretty face. It dominated the racing circuit in the 1930s, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice and numerous other prestigious races.

Each Type 57 was built to the owner's specifications, offering a variety of body styles, colors, and interior finishes. This made them truly bespoke machines, catering to the discerning tastes of wealthy clientele.

Ettore Bugatti famously hid his signature on several Type 57 models. Look closely near the taillight or on the dashboard of some cars to see his discreetly engraved initials, "EB."

"The Type 57 is not only beautiful, but it's also one of the fastest and most capable cars of its era."

Phil Hill, racing driver and Formula One World Champion

Bugatti Type 57 Variants & Derivatives

Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux
Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Bugatti Type 57S Atalante
Bugatti Type 57S
Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid

Bugatti Type 57 Galibier
Bugatti Type 57C Coupé Aerodynamique
Bugatti Type 57C
Bugatti Type 57 Atalante
Bugatti Type 57 Aravis
Bugatti Type 57

Bugatti Type 57 In-Depth Model Guides

We take a look a detailed look at all the Bugatti Type 57 and later variants in detail.

1934 Bugatti Type 57 Aérolithe

Bugatti Type 57 Aérolithe In 1935 Bugatti showed off their prowess at the 1935 Paris Motor Show with the prototype Aérolithe Compétition Coupé that was used an exhibition car and subsequently destroyed. Bugatti intended to manufacture the Aérolithe and other prototype Type 57S cars from Electron, an alloy of magnesium...

1935 Bugatti Type 57S

1935 Bugatti Type 57S The Type 57S was the most developed and final version of Bugatti’s Type 57. These models are typified by their lower, subaisse, chassis which was developed from Bugattis Compétition chassis. The result was a fined and exceptionally capable supercar able to reach 125 mph. Bugatti’s London...

1935 Bugatti Type 57S Prototype

Bugatti Type 57S Prototype In 1935 Bugatti made as many as four prototype Competition chassis that provided a basis for the stunning Coupé Aerolithe and a Torpédo Competition that appeared at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. These cars had a bespoke Gondola-shaped chassis which curved inward towards the rear of...

1936 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante

1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante With its streamlined styling, low-slung chassis and supercharged engine, the Type 57SC Atalante is one of the most desirable Bugattis. It was personally designed by Jean Bugatti as a two-seater sports coupe and became the rarest of the four different body styles offered by Carrosorie...

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic One of the most bizarre, elusive and expensive of cars is the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. With its low stance, powerful engine, lightweight construction, 123 mph (200 kph) top speed and influential teardrop body, many believe this is the ultimate Bugatti and the first supercar...

1937 Bugatti Type 57SC 4-Seat Tourer by Corsica

The Bugatti 57SC has long been coveted by automotive historians and enthusiasts as one of the ultimate expressions of pre-war automotive design and engineering, with a precious few chassis originally constructed and each example appreciated as exceptional and bespoke. Some versions of the 57SC have achieved stratospheric desirability and value...

Bugatti Type 57

1934 Bugatti Type 57 After decades of building separate various models for sport and luxury Bugatti decided to consolidate their range for in what would be the final wave for the company. The Type 57 was first and foremost a passenger car that kept the excitement of Bugatti’s race cars...

Bugatti Type 57 Aravis

1933-1939 Bugatti Type 57 Aravis The Type 57 Aravis was Bugatti’s factory-designed two-seat Cabriolet named after French mountain range in Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Execution of the Aravis bodystyle was limited to just Gangloff and Letourneur & Marchand. Each bodied around five examples to the Aravis style and another was created...

Bugatti Type 57 Atalante

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante The Atalante was a two-door coupe body style similar to and built after the Atlantic, both built on the 57S chassis, but with a single piece windscreen and no fin. Only 17 Atalante cars were made, four of which reside in the Cité de l’Automobile...

Bugatti Type 57 Galibier

1933-1939 Bugatti Type 57 Galibier Named after the Col du Galibier pass in the Dauphiné Alps, the Type 57 Galibier was Bugatti’s factory designed and produced four-door sports saloon. Originally the Type 57 was a pillarless coupe design with a suicide rear doors and later cars switched this arrangement with...

Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid In 1934 Bugatti prepared a special Type 57 called the Grand Raid roadster for the Paris Motor show that showcased the model’s racing potential. This became the prototype for several more Grand Raid chassis produced in early 1935. On the 1934 Paris Motor Show...

Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio

1933-1939 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio Named after the Passo dello Stelvio pass in the Eastern Alps, the Type 57 Stelvio was Bugatti’s factory-designed four-seat Cabriolet. Most of the Stelvio bodies were manufactured by Gangloff of Colmar who modified the design in detail from car to car. Some of the bodies...

Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux

1939 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux The Type 57 Ventoux was a factory-designed production body sold as a 2-door, 4-seat Coupé. Like the alternative production bodies, the Ventoux was named a mountain, this being the famous Mont Ventoux in the Provence region of France. Jean Bugatti was personally involved with the...

Bugatti Type 57C

1935-1939 Bugatti Type 57C The Shah of Persia’s Bugatti was among the more spectacular designs fit on a Type 57 chassis. Mohammad Pahlavi was born the son of Reza Pahlavi who was the Shah responsible for the modernization of Iran and he took a keen interest in Automobiles. Mohammad took...

Bugatti Type 57C Coupé Aerodynamique

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Coupé Aerodynamique Most Type 57s feature bodywork penned by Jean Bugatti in one of four distinct styles named after Mont Ventoux, the Col du Galibier and the Stelvio Pass, but this custom coupe took the best traits from each. It was built by employees at the...

Bugatti Type 57G Tank

1936 Bugatti Type 57G Tank Even through Ettore and his son Jean built the Type 57 as a road going supercar, they couldn’t resist proving it on the track. In the first year of production, competition versions of the Type 57 with streamlined bodies were raced in Tourist Trophy. The...

Bugatti Type 59/57 ‘Grand-Mère’

1936 Bugatti Type 59/57 ‘Grand-Mère’ After serving duty with Bugatti as a Grand Prix car, this Type 59 was modified and sold to Leopold III of Belgium. By the time it reached the King, the car had already raced at the 1934 SPA GP and was converted by the factory...