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Details
1937 BUGATTI TYPE 57 GALIBIER PILLARLESS SALOON PARTS CAR
COACHWORK BY GANGLOFF
Chassis No. 57595
Unrestored without any interior
Engine: very incomplete - see text below; Gearbox: cotal type mated to proper Bugatti bellhousing; Suspension: leaf springs front and rear with hydraulic shock absorbers; Brakes: hydraulic drums all round. Right hand drive.
The Type 57 may be seen as the considered response of Ettore Bugatti and his capable son Jean to the rapidly changing circumstances they faced in the 1930s. With a powerplant giving 125bhp at 4,500rmp, it was powerful enough to offer traditional Bugatti levels of performance even when the chassis was equipped with a luxurious four-door saloon body. The type 57 also had superlative mechanical brakes that were commensurate with its capabilities. Its engine had plain bearings throughout, offering greatly extended engine life between overhauls. With a range of glamourous body styles built in the Bugatti factory's own body shop at Colmar and given names invoking Alpine adventures, the car sold briskly through the 1930s, with 750 of all varieties built before production ceased in 1940.
Very little is known about the history of this Bugatti. According to the authoritative book, Bugatti Magnum, by Hugh Conway, Chassis 57595 was originally delivered in December 1937 with Galibier coachwork to a customer named Beny. No record is indicated as to the original engine number or the country of delivery. According to the American Bugatti register this vehicle found its way to the New Jersey area and passed through the hands of Juli Sano and Allen Henderson. Apparently the car was apart and stored for many years in a warehouse and at some stage the engine and many other parts went missing.
With a delivery date of late 1937 this Bugatti was probably built as a series II vehicle which incorporated improvements such as a heavier back axle similar to the Type 46 and a stiffer chassis frame with cross bracing and rubber "Silentbloc" engine mountings. It is interesting to note, however, that this car may have been delivered much later than suggested, as this car also has the much improved Lockheed hydaulic brakes and telescopic shock absorbers. These features were introduced on the series III cars from late 1938 and may have been retro-fitted to many earlier cars.
Clearly this vehicle is very much a major restoration project and, perhaps, should be viewed only as a parts vehicle or as the basis for making a special, such as a Type 57S. The car is being sold as seen only. The original bodywork extant is quite rough, yet the woodwork seems quite sound and the doors open and close nicely. The hood is missing, as is the radiator shell. The seat frames are present and the only upholstery is on the door panels, rear seat back and headlining. The engine is missing, as are the instruments, ring & pinion, wiring, front headlights and rear backing plates. All the glass is original, intact and etched 'safety' in French. An original Cotal gearbox is present and mated to a Bugatti bellhousing. The chassis frame seems very sound and original. Spare parts that accompany this vehicle include an original cast aluminium oil sump, oil pump, intake and exhaust manifold, flywheel, drive shaft, brakeshoes and parts for a carburetor. The steering wheel and box are also intact. This is a project car with much potential for a Bugatti enthusiast or restorer.
WITHOUT RESERVE
COACHWORK BY GANGLOFF
Chassis No. 57595
Unrestored without any interior
Engine: very incomplete - see text below; Gearbox: cotal type mated to proper Bugatti bellhousing; Suspension: leaf springs front and rear with hydraulic shock absorbers; Brakes: hydraulic drums all round. Right hand drive.
The Type 57 may be seen as the considered response of Ettore Bugatti and his capable son Jean to the rapidly changing circumstances they faced in the 1930s. With a powerplant giving 125bhp at 4,500rmp, it was powerful enough to offer traditional Bugatti levels of performance even when the chassis was equipped with a luxurious four-door saloon body. The type 57 also had superlative mechanical brakes that were commensurate with its capabilities. Its engine had plain bearings throughout, offering greatly extended engine life between overhauls. With a range of glamourous body styles built in the Bugatti factory's own body shop at Colmar and given names invoking Alpine adventures, the car sold briskly through the 1930s, with 750 of all varieties built before production ceased in 1940.
Very little is known about the history of this Bugatti. According to the authoritative book, Bugatti Magnum, by Hugh Conway, Chassis 57595 was originally delivered in December 1937 with Galibier coachwork to a customer named Beny. No record is indicated as to the original engine number or the country of delivery. According to the American Bugatti register this vehicle found its way to the New Jersey area and passed through the hands of Juli Sano and Allen Henderson. Apparently the car was apart and stored for many years in a warehouse and at some stage the engine and many other parts went missing.
With a delivery date of late 1937 this Bugatti was probably built as a series II vehicle which incorporated improvements such as a heavier back axle similar to the Type 46 and a stiffer chassis frame with cross bracing and rubber "Silentbloc" engine mountings. It is interesting to note, however, that this car may have been delivered much later than suggested, as this car also has the much improved Lockheed hydaulic brakes and telescopic shock absorbers. These features were introduced on the series III cars from late 1938 and may have been retro-fitted to many earlier cars.
Clearly this vehicle is very much a major restoration project and, perhaps, should be viewed only as a parts vehicle or as the basis for making a special, such as a Type 57S. The car is being sold as seen only. The original bodywork extant is quite rough, yet the woodwork seems quite sound and the doors open and close nicely. The hood is missing, as is the radiator shell. The seat frames are present and the only upholstery is on the door panels, rear seat back and headlining. The engine is missing, as are the instruments, ring & pinion, wiring, front headlights and rear backing plates. All the glass is original, intact and etched 'safety' in French. An original Cotal gearbox is present and mated to a Bugatti bellhousing. The chassis frame seems very sound and original. Spare parts that accompany this vehicle include an original cast aluminium oil sump, oil pump, intake and exhaust manifold, flywheel, drive shaft, brakeshoes and parts for a carburetor. The steering wheel and box are also intact. This is a project car with much potential for a Bugatti enthusiast or restorer.
WITHOUT RESERVE