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Bugatti

Type 57

1934 - 1936

The Bugatti Type 57, produced between 1934 and 1940, is an iconic model from the French brand, renowned for its elegance and exceptional performance. Designed by Jean Bugatti, son of founder Ettore Bugatti, this grand tourer was available in several variants, including the famous Atalante and Atlantic. Equipped with a 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine, the Type 57 combined power and refinement, embodying the pinnacle of luxury automobiles of its era. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

Variants by year

2 versions

1936

Type 57 SC Atlantic 1936L
1936
Type 57 SC Atlantic

1934

Type 57 1934L
1934
Type 57

Model summary

Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.

2referenced versions
1934 - 1936covered years
5published scans
4contributing members
September 2026latest photo
Legendarydominant rarity

Model introduction

The Bugatti Type 57, produced between 1934 and 1940, is an iconic model from the French brand, renowned for its elegance and exceptional performance. Designed by Jean Bugatti, son of founder Ettore Bugatti, this grand tourer was available in several variants, including the famous Atalante and Atlantic. Equipped with a 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine, the Type 57 combined power and refinement, embodying the pinnacle of luxury automobiles of its era. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

History

The Bugatti Type 57 was introduced in 1934, marking a new era for the brand with technical and aesthetic innovations. Jean Bugatti, then artistic director, designed this model to combine sports performance with grand tourer comfort. Production lasted until 1940, with approximately 710 units produced, some of which were equipped with supercharged engines for enhanced performance. The Type 57 was available in several body styles, including the Ventoux, Atalante, and Atlantic, each featuring distinct characteristics. Production was halted in 1940 due to World War II, but the Type 57 remains a symbol of French automotive excellence. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

Generations

The Bugatti Type 57 was available in several variants, each offering unique characteristics. The Ventoux version, produced in 1936, is a sporty saloon equipped with a 3.3-liter eight-cylinder engine developing between 135 and 200 horsepower, reaching a top speed of 180 km/h. The Atalante, also launched in 1936, is a two-door coupé characterized by an elegant and aerodynamic body, with only 17 units produced. The Atlantic, produced between 1936 and 1938, is the most iconic model, featuring a distinctive body and a supercharged engine offering exceptional performance. These variants illustrate the diversity and innovation of the Type 57, catering to the varied needs of luxury automobile enthusiasts of the time. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

Key differences

The main differences between the Bugatti Type 57 variants lie in the body design and engine performance. The Ventoux is a sporty saloon with a closed body, offering increased comfort for daily use. The Atalante, on the other hand, is a two-door coupé with a more aerodynamic body, emphasizing elegance and performance. The Atlantic stands out with its unique body featuring a teardrop-shaped roofline and exposed rivets, as well as a supercharged engine providing superior performance. These differences reflect the design priorities of each model, ranging from comfort to sporty performance. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

Photo recognition

To identify a Bugatti Type 57, look for an elegant body with flowing lines and a distinctive horseshoe-shaped grille. The Atalante and Atlantic models have distinct features, such as the teardrop-shaped roofline for the Atlantic and the closed body for the Ventoux. Exposed rivets on the bodywork are also an indicator for the Atlantic. The presence of a 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine is a common feature across all variants. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

Important versions

Among the important versions of the Bugatti Type 57, the Atlantic is the most iconic, with only four units produced between 1936 and 1938. The Atalante is also notable, with 17 units produced, offering timeless elegance. The Ventoux, produced in larger numbers, is appreciated for its comfort and balanced performance. These models illustrate the diversity and innovation of the Type 57, catering to the varied needs of luxury automobile enthusiasts of the time. (newsroom.bugatti.com)

References

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Bugatti Type 57 produced?
ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1934 - 1936.
How many Bugatti Type 57 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
5 published scans from 4 members, with the latest photo added in September 2026.