The Type 57 is perhaps the most celebrated of all roadgoing Bugatti chassis, with a rare combination of style and performance that made it an instant success and marked the final and most enduring automotive legacy of Jean Bugatti, one of the sons of Le Patron , Ettore Bugatti.

To be successful, Bugatti’s new model of course had to be both powerful and beautiful, and it was expected to appeal to the company’s discerning and elite clientele, skillfully exhibiting the Molsheim firm’s renowned design and engineering prowess.

The development of the Type 57 in many ways reflected both the maturation of the Bugatti marque and that of Jean Bugatti himself, who was allowed to develop the model with minimal influence from his father.

After its introduction in 1934, the Type 57 quickly proved itself everything it was expected to be.

Not only was the chassis clearly Bugatti, but the new engine provided more power with less noise and reduced vibration, as well as improved reliability and durab...