1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC: A Detailed Look at the Sporting Classic

1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC Browse the article 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC

1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC

The 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC was even better than the Type 57; this was the more sporting short-chassis version. Sold with the same normally aspirated (S) or supercharged (SC) engines, it had dry-sump lubrication and a higher state of tune for more power. Mechanically, it was the same otherwise.

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1937-1939 Type 57SC Atlantic coupe.  See more pictures of Bugatti cars.

The 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC possessed quite startling coachwork, still with the unmistakable "horseshoe" radiator. They are just as irresistible to the very rich now as they were then. The best 57SCs could top 135 mph -- unbelievable by late-1930s standards. Today, very few are ever bought or sold.

Pluses of the 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC:

• Very high performance
• Styling, especially coupes
• Mechanical elegance
• Sexy charisma
• Classic status

Minuses of the 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC:

• Archaic chassis
• Noisy to drive fast
• Enormously costly to buy, run, and restore

Production of the 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC:
Approximately 40

Specifications of the 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC:
Wheelbase, inches: 118.0
Length, inches: 159.0
Weight, pounds: Approximately 2,700
Price, new: NA

Engine for the 1936-1938 Bugatti Type 57S/SC:

TypeSize
Horsepower
Years
dohc I-83,257 cc (199 cid)
175/200* 1935-1938

*Net; supercharged (1937-1938)

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