1935 Bugatti Type 57 Galibier, Coachwork by Gangloff

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Galibier
Coachwork by Gangloff
Chassis no. 57245 (see text)
3,257cc DOHC Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Dual Throat Updraft Stromberg Carburetor
135bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Cable Operated Drum Brakes

*A handsome and inviting Type 57 benefitting from recent expert care
*Known history from the 1970s
*Elegant Jean Bugatti designed coachwork with an appealing patina
*Wonderfully suited for Bugatti Club road events

THE BUGATTI TYPE 57

The Type 57 Bugatti, introduced in 1934, marked Jean Bugatti's emergence as Bugatti's leader and creative force. It was the first new model built under his direction and it incorporated many features new to Bugatti. Its dual overhead camshaft eight-cylinder engine had dimensions of 72x100mm, offering 3,257cc displacement. The crankshaft ran in five main bearings. The camshafts were driven by a train of helical-tooth gears at the engine's rear with a further crankshaft bearing behind them. Finger cam followers minimized side thrust on the valve stems.

The Type 57 also marked Bugatti's first use of a transmission fixed to the engine crankcase and a single plate clutch. The top three gears in the four-speed gearbox were constant mesh. Jean created a novel independent front suspension system using transverse leaf springs for the first two examples of the Type 57 before Le Patron spied it and insisted it be replaced by a proper Bugatti hollow tubular live axle. Thenceforth suspension was traditional Bugatti semi-elliptical front and reversed quarter-elliptical rear leaf springs with cable-operated mechanical drum brakes.

Much of the Type 57's commercial success may be attributed to Jean Bugatti's sensitive, flowing coachwork which graced the most famous of the chassis' examples. Atalante two-seat coupé, Ventoux four-seat coupé, Stelvio cabriolet and the Galibier sedan vied with the best of France's and Europe's formidable coachbuilders' creations and comprised the bulk of Type 57 production. Bugatti's clients could have the best, but overwhelmingly they chose Jean Bugatti's designs on the Type 57.

Despite financial travail, development of the Type 57 continued with introduction of a stiffened frame and rubber-mounted engine along with the supercharged 160hp Type 57C in 1936. In 1938 the nearly unthinkable happened in Molsheim when Bugatti finally adopted Lockheed hydraulically actuated brakes and replaced the beautiful and lightweight but expensive aluminum-spoked wheels and brake drums with Rudge-Whitworth center-lock wire wheels and separate brake drums.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1935 Bugatti Galibier Saloon, is 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. 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.