Vehicle Description
Bugatti's brilliant Type 57 made its debut in 1934, marking a
significant milestone for the storied French marque. After years of
building a varied mix of touring, sports, and racing cars, the Type
57 consolidated the lineup, allowing Bugatti to offer a broader
range of motorcars based upon a single platform. Company patriarch
Ettore Bugatti was fully committed to developing his petrol-powered
rail cars ordered by the French government, so the design of the
new high-performance Type 57 touring car was handed over to his
talented son, Jean - who was just 23 years old at the time. Jean
and senior engineers Pichetto and Domboy were wholly responsible
for the car's ground-up specification, including the chassis,
engine, and even most of the factory coachwork designs. To compete
in the market, Bugatti needed a fresh design; one that retained the
performance and style for which Bugatti was known while offering
new levels of comfort and smooth operation. Type 57 would prove to
be the final all-French design in the marque's brief but brilliant
history. Central to the Type 57 was an all-new twin-cam, inline
eight-cylinder engine displacing 3,257 cubic centimeters. Only the
basic layout was shared with earlier models, as the block (with
integrated head) and crankcase were all new designs. A series of
bevel gears drove the camshafts, which offered a level of
refinement superior to the previous straight-cut style. In standard
form, the new engine was capable of a highly respectable 135
horsepower. While the Type 57 did not officially race, the Type 59
Grand Prix cars shared its fundamental engine design. Bugatti's
traditional solid front axle was retained due to cost and
development time, while the ride and handling were dialed to suit
the Type 57s purpose as a fast yet luxurious touring car. While
American companies like Packard and Cadillac had begun to offer
synchronized transmissions, Bugatti retained a non-synchro gearbox,
but with quieter helical cut gears and a smoother change from the
older dog-type gear-change of older models. This fabulous chassis
was four distinct factory body styles; the Galibier Saloon, Ventoux
four-passenger coupe, four-seat Stelvio cabriolet, and the two-seat
Atalante Coupe. Bugatti produced more than 700 Type 57s, yet,
sadly, it would be the final all-French Bugatti as the company
faltered in the face of yet another World War. The Bugatti Type 57
is counted among the most important collector cars of all time,
offering stunning looks, electrifying performance and the sense of
occasion that only comes with these incredible automobiles from the
storied Molsheim Works. It is with great pleasure we offer this
1935 Galibier Saloon, a handsome and usable example that is
wonderfully suited for touring in the grand tradition of the
Bugatti T57. It has been treated to recent mechanical care courtesy
of a West Coast specialist and is presented with a charming patina
that encourages enjoyment on the road. According to the car's
history file and correspondence with American Bugatti specialists,
it is based on an early Series 1 chassis and running gear, while
the body originates from a later Series II car. Such combinations
are not uncommon in the Bugatti world, as many cars were separated
from their original coachwork during WWII, or utilized for parts
over the years. Little is known of this car's earliest history,
though it is understood that this Galibier body came from a later
chassis. In the 1970s, the Bugatti was in France, owned by Adrien
Maeght. Mr. Maeght was part of a famous family of art dealers and
patrons, who maintained a spectacular collection of artworks, held
across galleries in Paris and Barcelona, and Nice. In addition to
priceless works of art, Adrien collected automobiles, with a
particular fondness for Bugattis. He maintained a private motoring
museum, and he published Antoine Raffaelli's fabulous book, Memoirs
of a Bugatti Hunter. A copy of a French registration in Maeght's
name is included in the history file. It was sold from the Maeght
collection in 1994, purchased by A. Arman, also of France, who
preceded two additional short-term owners. By 2013, this Galibier
Saloon was in the hands of the most recent owner on the West Coast
of the USA. There, it received expert sorting and care at a
specialist restoration shop. Recent work has included a brake
adjustment, magneto rebuild, and extensive water pump rebuild. It
is currently in good working order and is quite enjoyable to drive,
although some additional fettling may be necessary as is typical
for a car of this era. With its engine-turned alloy cam covers and
firewall, the presentation of the engine is tidy, appearing well
maintained and consistent with a great, usable road car.
Cosmetically, the classic black and red livery, which has acquired
a moderate patina through the course of time and careful use, is
very appealing. The paint is in fine condition overall, with
admirable body fit and doors that open and shut with satisfying
precision. The coachwork features plenty of period-correct details
including dual trumpet horns, Marchal Aerolux headlamps, and Klaxon
semaphores. Brightwork is consistent and in good order, from the
prominent horse-collar grille to the polished sills and fender
stone guards. The style is understated yet handsome, riding on
silver-painted wire wheels shod with appropriate black-wall
Michelin rubber. The beautifully appointed cabin features natural
tan leather on the seats and door cards. The upholstery remains
supple and appealing, with the feel and character of a favorite
pair of leather gloves. Tan carpets the wool broadcloth headlining
are in good order. Jaeger instruments and switches are fitted to
the wood dash, and the driver is treated to the iconic four-spoke,
wood-rimmed steering wheel. This handsome Galibier Saloon is an
excellent selection for touring with the always-enthusiastic
American Bugatti Club. It is also an approved CCCA Full Classic and
thereby eligible for CARavan events. A practical, comfortable, and
exciting touring car, this Bugatti Type 57 is sure to reward its
next owner with the kind of enjoyment that only the great motorcars
from Molshiem can bring.