The Bugatti Type 57S represents the absolute zenith of pre-war automotive engineering, a machine where Art Deco aesthetics met raw, unbridled performance. Introduced in 1936 as the sporting variant of the Type 57, it quickly transcended its role as a mere car to become a symbol of French elegance and mechanical prowess. With its lowered chassis, enhanced engine, and bespoke coachwork, the Type 57S captured the imagination of enthusiasts and established a legacy that endures in the modern era of hypercars.
The Engineering Heart: The Supercharged Engine
At the core of the Type 57S lies the legendary 3.3-liter inline-six engine, a design that had already proven its worth in the standard Type 57. The 'S' in 57S stood for "Surbaissé," meaning lowered, but it also signified the significant mechanical upgrades beneath the hood. Bugatti equipped the Type 57S with a Roots-type supercharger, boosting power from a respectable 175 horsepower in the base model to a thrilling 200 horsepower. This enhancement transformed the car's performance, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just over 9 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 120 mph, figures that were extraordinary for the late 1930s.
Forged Internals and Advanced Transmission
Power delivery was handled by a four-speed manual gearbox, a unit renowned for its precision and smooth engagement. The drivetrain was supported by a sophisticated chassis featuring a separate ladder frame, providing the necessary rigidity for the supercharged powerplant. To cope with the increased stresses, the Type 57S came equipped with larger drum brakes and a reinforced suspension system. The use of forged steel components throughout the chassis and suspension was a testament to Ettore Bugatti's obsession with strength and durability, ensuring the car could handle the extra power with grace and confidence.
A Visual Masterpiece: The Design and Coachwork
While the mechanicals were impressive, the Type 57S truly shone in its visual presentation. The car rode on a shortened wheelbase chassis, which gave it a more compact and agile stance compared to its stablemate. The iconic horseshoe grille, a hallmark of Bugatti design, was often finished in a contrasting color, drawing immediate attention. Wire-spoke wheels, initially fitted with massive 18-inch rims, completed the athletic profile, hinting at the performance lurking beneath the curvaceous bodywork.
Lowered chassis for a sleeker profile.
Signature horseshoe grille and integrated headlights.
Available in a range of stunning two-tone color schemes.
Hand-crafted bodywork by legendary coachbuilders like Gangloff and Weymann.
The collaboration between Bugatti and the elite French coachbuilding houses resulted in some of the most desirable automobiles ever created. Designers like Jean Bugatti himself would sketch profiles for bespoke bodies, turning the Type 57S into a rolling sculpture. The interior was a sanctuary of luxury, featuring sumptuous leather, polished wood veneers, and meticulous attention to detail that reflected the car's status as a personal grand tourer.
Racing Pedigree and Historical Significance
The Type 57S was not just a road car; it was a formidable competitor on the race track. Its most famous victory came at the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans, where drivers Jean-Pierre Wimille and Pierre Veyron (yes, the same namesake as the modern Bugatti Veyron) piloted a Type 57S to a class victory. This triumph cemented the model's reputation for reliability and speed under the most demanding conditions. The car's success on the track was a direct result of its advanced engineering, proving that the road car was more than just a luxury tourer.
