The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is not merely a car; it’s a piece of automotive art, a symbol of luxury, engineering brilliance, and design sophistication. This car represents the golden age of Bugatti’s craftsmanship, blending stunning aesthetics with high-performance engineering. Manufactured by one of the most prestigious car brands in history, this vehicle embodies the creativity and innovation that define the Bugatti marque.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins, technical specifications, cultural significance, and value of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775.
History of the Bugatti Type 57 Series
The Bugatti Type 57 series, introduced in the early 1930s, stands as a hallmark of pre-World War II automotive excellence. Designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of company founder Ettore Bugatti, this series was a departure from the more utilitarian models that had been the focus of the brand during the early 1920s. The Type 57 was crafted with a singular vision: to create luxurious, high-performance cars that could dominate the road and stand as status symbols for their elite owners.
Origins of the Type 57C
The “C” in the Type 57C designation stands for “compressor,” indicating that this model was supercharged, a step up in terms of performance from its naturally aspirated predecessors. The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 featured a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine with a Roots-type supercharger, capable of producing approximately 160 horsepower—a significant output for the time. This allowed the car to reach speeds of over 120 mph, making it one of the fastest luxury cars of its era.
The Atlante Coupe by Gangloff
One of the standout features of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is its coachwork by Gangloff, a Swiss coachbuilder renowned for producing custom bodies for luxury cars. Gangloff’s relationship with Bugatti began in the 1920s and continued through the 1930s. The Atlante body style was one of the most elegant and sought-after designs of its time, combining flowing lines with an aerodynamic silhouette that emphasized speed and sophistication.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 represents the peak of pre-war automotive design. The long, sweeping curves of the bodywork, punctuated by the teardrop-shaped fenders and the pronounced grille, give the car a sense of motion even when standing still. Gangloff’s craftsmanship ensured that every detail, from the door handles to the chrome accents, was perfectly executed.
Exterior Details
The exterior of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is a masterpiece of Art Deco design. The two-tone paint scheme, typically a combination of deep blues, blacks, or reds with contrasting lighter tones, accentuates the car’s fluid shape. The chrome grille, which frames the signature Bugatti horseshoe radiator, is both a functional and aesthetic feature. The car’s headlights, integrated seamlessly into the fenders, reflect Bugatti’s commitment to both form and function.
Interior Luxury
Inside, the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is as luxurious as its exterior. The cabin is lined with rich leather upholstery and accented with fine wood trim. The dashboard, adorned with polished instruments, gives the driver full control over the car’s impressive capabilities. Every element of the interior is designed to provide maximum comfort and style, making it a pleasure for both driver and passengers.
Engineering Brilliance
What truly sets the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 apart is its engineering. Bugatti’s obsession with precision is evident in every aspect of the car’s construction, from the engine to the suspension.
The Supercharged Engine
At the heart of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is its 3.3-liter supercharged engine. The inclusion of the Roots-type supercharger gave the car a significant boost in power over the standard Type 57. Producing approximately 160 horsepower, this engine was a marvel of engineering at the time, allowing the car to reach speeds that few other luxury vehicles could match.
Advanced Suspension and Handling
The car’s handling was equally advanced. The Type 57C featured a solid front axle and a rear live axle, paired with semi-elliptic leaf springs. This suspension setup allowed for a smooth ride, even at high speeds, and ensured that the car handled with precision and grace.
Cultural Significance of Chassis No 57775
The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is not just a car; it’s a symbol of an era. During the late 1930s, owning a Bugatti was a statement of wealth, taste, and exclusivity. Chassis No 57775 is particularly significant because it was built just before World War II, a time when automotive production was about to come to a halt. This car represents the last of the great pre-war Bugattis, a testament to a time when craftsmanship and luxury were at the forefront of automotive design.
The Legacy of Jean Bugatti
Jean Bugatti, the visionary behind the Type 57 series, tragically died in 1939 at the age of 30, shortly after completing the design of the Type 57C. His death marked the end of an era for Bugatti, as the company struggled to recapture the same level of innovation and design brilliance in the years that followed. The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 stands as one of Jean Bugatti’s final masterpieces, a tribute to his genius and passion for automotive excellence.
The Value of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775
As one of the few remaining examples of its kind, the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is incredibly valuable, both in monetary terms and as a piece of automotive history. Vintage Bugattis are highly sought after by collectors, and this particular model, with its unique Gangloff coachwork and supercharged engine, is one of the most desirable.
Auction Records and Sales
In recent years, Type 57 Bugattis have fetched prices in the millions at auction. The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is no exception. It has been sold at prestigious auctions around the world, with prices consistently exceeding $5 million. The car’s rarity, combined with its impeccable provenance and condition, ensures that it will continue to appreciate in value.
Preservation and Restoration
Preserving a car like the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is both a responsibility and a privilege. Over the years, this car has undergone meticulous restoration to ensure that it remains in pristine condition. Restorers have taken great care to maintain the car’s originality, using period-correct materials and techniques to preserve its historical authenticity.
FAQs About the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775
Q: How many Bugatti Type 57C Atlante Coupes were made?
A: The exact number is difficult to pinpoint, but it’s believed that fewer than 100 Type 57C Atlante Coupes were produced, making each surviving example extremely rare.
Q: Why is the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 so valuable?
A: This car is valuable due to its rarity, advanced engineering, elegant design, and historical significance as one of the last pre-war Bugattis. Its association with Jean Bugatti, who died shortly after its creation, adds to its cultural and collectible value.
Q: Can the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 still be driven?
A: Yes, although this car is typically preserved in museums or private collections, it is fully operational and can be driven. However, due to its age and value, it is often reserved for special occasions.
Q: How does the supercharger work in the Bugatti Type 57C?
A: The Roots-type supercharger compresses the air entering the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and increasing the engine’s power output, resulting in greater speed and performance.
Conclusion
The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Atlante Coupe Chassis No 57775 is more than just a car—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of pre-war elegance, and a marvel of engineering. Its blend of design sophistication and high performance makes it a standout in the world of classic automobiles. As one of the few surviving examples of the Type 57C Atlante Coupe, it remains a prized possession for collectors and an enduring symbol of the Bugatti brand’s legacy of luxury and innovation.
