1936 - 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atalante Roll-Back Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

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One chassis to replace them all
Up until 1934 there was a separate Bugatti model for almost every body type. To cut costs Ettore Bugatti decided to design one chassis that would be available with various body styles. Most of them were to be designed and constructed in the Bugatti factory. In charge of the new model's design team was Ettore's son, Jean Bugatti. He was just 23 years of age when the 'Type 57' project started in 1932.

Jean's Type 57
Extremely expensive models like the Type 41 Royale and the Type 50 had not been a success. With that in the back of his head Jean Bugatti designed a much smaller engine for the Type 57 than found in the Type 50 it replaced. The prototype engine displaced 2.8 litres, which was almost half that of Type 50's. The new engine was equipped with double overhead camshafts, similar in construction to those found on the Type 50 and Type 59 racer. The production engine displaced just under 3.3 litres and produced 135 bhp in Naturally Aspirated form.

In the first models the engine was directly bolted onto chassis, which added to the rigidity of the ladder frame. In 1936 a second series was introduced which featured a strengthened chassis, because the engine was now mounted on rubber bushings. When Ettore Bugatti saw the prototype's independent front suspension, he immediately ordered the installation of a solid axle, which was used in every other production Bugatti. Friction dampers were fitted on the first batch of cars, later models were fitted with telescopic shock absorbers.

Four factory bodies
At its launch four bodytypes were available for the Type 57. Three of these were named after mountain peaks in the Alps; the four-seater, two-door 'Ventoux', the four-door 'Galibier' and the two-door 'Stelvio' convertible. Unlike the other bodies, the Stelvio body type was designed and built by French coach-builder Gangloff. The fourth body was dubbed Atalante and was the two-seater coupe variant. With a price twice as high as that of the least expensive Type 57, the Atalante was the most exclusive body of the lot. Its characteristic features were the 'kidney shaped' side windows and the split rear window.

Lower, shorter and more powerful
A more sportive variation on the Type 57 chassis was launched in August of 1936, the Type 57 S. That S was not short for 'sport,' but for 'sousbaisse', which is French for lower. The rear axle was now mounted through two holes in the frame, making it the first production Bugatti with an 'underslung chassis.' The axles were mounted above the chassis centre line, effectively lowering the entire car and increasing the handling. The chassis was not only lower, but also had a 32 cm shorter wheelbase compared to the original Type 57.

To add to the sportier character of the Type 57 S chassis a more powerful engine was fitted. A race-car like dry-sump lubrication system was installed, which meant the engine could be mounted lower in the chassis. A higher compression ratio saw the power increase from 135 to 170 bhp. Shortly after the launch a second letter was added; 'C' for compresseur or Supercharger. The Roots-type blower further boosted the power to over 200 bhp. The factory 2-seater bodies of the 'regular' Type 57 like the Atalante and Stelvio were modified to fit the new chassis.

Every aspect of the Type 57 SC just screamed performance with its race-inspired engine and short and low chassis. Like supercars of any era, only a handful were constructed, every single one by hand between 1936 and 1938. 'Most common' was the Atalante bodied version, but most famous up to this day is the Atlantic, of which only two of the three produced have survived. It featured a body made up of a two halves riveted together along the centre line. Today it is surpassed in value only by the Type 41 Royale.

Type 57 SC Atalante '57384'
Featured is s/n 57384, the very first of the fortytwo Type 57 S Bugattis produced. On the shot of the bell-housing the '1 S' stamp can clearly be seen. The Roll Back Coupe variation of the Atalante style body is fitted, which offered both the weather protection of a regular Atalante and the open-top driving experience of the Stelvio convertible. Arguably one of the most important Bugattis produced, 57384 remains in remarkable original condition. Unlike many owners of important cars, this car's owner quite often takes his precious vehicle out for a drive.

The Swiss owner does not only take it out for drives, but he also brings 57384 out for public appearances in many of the most prestigious events in the world. At the 2001 Frankfurt Motorshow it was displayed by the new Bugatti company alongside a Veyron prototype. It is pictured here at the 2003 Louis Vuitton Classic Concours d'Elegance.