1937 Bugatti Type 57 Pillarless Sports Coupe
Jean Bugatti’s emergence as Bugatti’s creative leader brought unprecedented innovation to Molsheim when the Type 57 debuted in 1934. This model marked the young designer’s first complete automobile and represented a departure from traditional Bugatti engineering practices.
The Type 57’s flowing lines and sensitive proportions reflected Jean’s artistic vision, whether clothed in factory coachwork or custom bodies from prestigious European firms. Pillarless configurations emphasized the car’s modern aesthetic while maintaining the marque’s unmistakable presence.
Technical innovations included Bugatti’s first transmission mounted directly to the engine crankcase and a single-plate clutch replacing the traditional multi-plate design. The straight-eight engine used a high-mounted single overhead camshaft with helical-gear drive and finger cam followers to reduce valve wear.
Displacing 3.3 liters (199 cu in), the engine produced about 135 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with dual carburetors, giving the Type 57 a top speed of around 95 mph. Jean initially proposed an independent front suspension, but Ettore Bugatti insisted on retaining the marque’s traditional live axle and semi-elliptical leaf springs.
Development continued through 1938 with the introduction of supercharged “57C” variants and the adoption of Lockheed hydraulic brakes, reflecting Bugatti’s gradual acceptance of modern technology while preserving the marque’s distinctive character.
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