By the early 1930s, Ettore Bugatti had firmly established an unmatched reputation for crafting automobiles renowned for their exceptional performance, whether on the road or the race track. The world’s most esteemed racing drivers celebrated numerous triumphs with the Molsheim factory’s creations, often selecting them as their everyday means of transportation. Due to the sustained string of victories, Ettore Bugatti steadfastly adhered to his single-cam engine design. It was only after persistent encouragement from his eldest son, Jean, that he eventually embraced the more advanced double-overhead-camshaft valve actuation method, adopting it for the 1930 Type 50.
From that point forward, Jean Bugatti assumed a greater role in design, debuting with the exquisite Type 55 roadster. His subsequent creation, of equal grandeur, was the Type 57. Unlike the Type 55, the Type 57 was a larger vehicle, equipped with a modern 3.3-liter, double-overhead-camshaft straight-eight engine, all nestled within Bugatti’s familiar Vintage-style chassis. This range bore the distinctive mark of Jean Bugatti and finally provided the Bugatti marque with a refined Grande Routière to rival those of competitors like Delage and Delahaye. The Type 57, in all its variations, attracted discerning owners who demanded nothing less than excellence, including the renowned ‘speed king,’ Sir Malcolm Campbell.
The Type 57 drew the attention of prestigious coachbuilders, resulting in an astonishing array of high-quality body styles. However, it was more than just a luxury toy for the affluent, as evidenced by its two outright victories at Le Mans. This demonstrated that Bugatti had not forsaken its heritage in creating a car that could stand shoulder to shoulder with esteemed names like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The production numbers speak to its success: between 1934 and 1940, approximately 680 examples of all Type 57 models were manufactured, and the post-war Type 101 was based on its chassis.
Source: Bonhams
