Definition
The Bugatti Type 57 is a series of luxury automobiles produced by the French manufacturer Bugatti between 1934 and 1940. It encompasses several variants, including the standard touring model, the high‑performance Type 57S (Super Sport), the 57SC (Super Sport Competition), and the limited‑production Type 57SC Atlantic.
Overview
Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1934, the Type 57 succeeded the successful Type 49 and represented Bugatti’s response to the evolving market for high‑speed grand touring cars. Designed under the technical direction of Ettore Bugatti and the aesthetic guidance of his son Jean Bugatti, the Type 57 combined advanced engineering with elegant, coach‑built bodies supplied by independent coachbuilders such as Figoni et Falaschi, Vanvooren, and Carrosserie Kellner. Production continued until the outbreak of World War II, after which the factory’s focus shifted away from passenger cars.
Etymology/Origin
“Bugatti” derives from the surname of the company’s founder, Italian‑born engineer Ettore Bugatti (1881–1947). The internal designation “Type 57” follows Bugatti’s practice of assigning sequential numerical codes to its models, indicating its place in the lineage after the Type 49 and before later post‑war models.
Characteristics
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Engine and Performance
- Standard Type 57: 3.3 L (3,257 cc) straight‑eight engine with dual overhead camshafts, producing approximately 135 hp at 4,800 rpm. Top speed around 190 km/h (118 mph).
- Type 57S (Super Sport): Enlarged 3.8 L (3,819 cc) straight‑eight, delivering 200–215 hp at 5,500 rpm, enabling a top speed of roughly 210 km/h (130 mph).
- Type 57SC: Further refined 3.8 L engine with improved carburetion and exhaust, producing about 210–225 hp; top speed similar to the 57S but with enhanced handling.
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Chassis and Layout
- Front‑engine, rear‑wheel‑drive (FR) configuration.
- Wheelbase options: standard 3,260 mm for touring models; 3,150 mm for the 57S/SC to improve agility.
- Independent front suspension using torsion bars, rear semi‑elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic brakes on all four wheels.
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Bodywork
- Available as two‑door “coach” bodies ranging from simple sedan‑style to highly aerodynamic “streamline” designs.
- The Type 57SC Atlantic featured a distinctive hull‑shaped, riveted aluminum body with a “teardrop” silhouette and was produced in only four known examples, three of which survive.
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Interior and Amenities
- Luxurious interiors with fine leather upholstery, wood veneer dashboards, and optional instrumentation such as a chronometer and auxiliary gauges.
- Seating for two to four occupants, depending on the body style.
Related Topics
- Bugatti Type 35: Earlier successful racing model influencing Bugatti’s engineering philosophy.
- Bugatti Type 41 “Royale”: Contemporary ultra‑luxury model produced alongside the Type 57.
- Ettore Bugatti: Founder and chief designer of early Bugatti automobiles.
- Jean Bugatti: Designer responsible for the aerodynamic styling of the Type 57 series, especially the Atlantic.
- Classic automotive preservation: The Type 57, particularly the Atlantic, is a cornerstone of classic car collections and auction markets.
- Pre‑World War II grand tourers: Category of high‑performance luxury cars produced in the 1930s, including marques such as Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, and Bentley.