The Type 57 was introduced in 1934 and quickly proved itself everything it was expected to be. Not only was the chassis clearly Bugatti in design and construction, the new, dual-overhead-cam, eight-cylinder engine provided more power with less noise and reduced vibration, plus improved reliability and durability. Bugatti’s signature inline-eight was now gear-driven at the rear of the engine. Rated at 135 bhp in normally aspirated tune, the 3.3-liter engine was mated to a conventional clutch and four-speed manual gearbox.

Several body styles were available for the Type 57, with the most popular open model being the dashing four-seat Stelvio Cabriolet, named after a legendarily challenging Alpine mountain pass in northern Italy. Penned by Jean Bugatti, bodies for the Type 57 were constructed by several of the finest coachbuilders of the era, including Gangloff, with slight variations throughout production. Today, the Type 57 is recognized as the most modern and usable of all grand touring Bugatti models, and between its debut in 1934 and the outbreak of WWII in Europe, 710 examples are believed to have been built. Notably, the sophisticated Stelvio Cabriolet was offered throughout the entire production run of the Type 57.

This 1938 Bugatti Type 57, chassis 57639, was clothed in Stelvio Cabriolet coachwork by coachbuilder Gangloff in Colmar in eastern France when new. Established in 1903 by Georges Gangloff and headquartered in Bern, Switzerland since 1928, the firm continues to operate successfully along several business lines today. The company operated several branches during the prewar era, including locations in Geneva, Zurich, and Bern, as well as Colmar, and it was a major supplier of bodies for Bugatti in period.

This wonderfully restored and presented example was delivered to Düsseldorf, Germany, on March 4, 1938. Its first owner was Josef Schmied, who retained the Bugatti until 1952, when he sold it to Hellfried Klein, a resident of Vienna, Austria. Mr. Klein retained the car until 1972 when it was sold to Max Baumann. The car was restored by Mr. Baumann and by 1975, the Bugatti passed through Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein to Michel J.H. Oprey of the Netherlands. A photo album accompanies the Stelvio, containing a wealth of images of the car on various driving tours around Europe during Mr. Oprey’s ownership. Of particular note, events included the 2nd Rallye Monte-Carlo des Voitures Anciennes in 1976 and the Hyde Park Bugatti Rally in 1979, part of The Amazing Bugattis exhibition held at the Royal College of Art.

The Stelvio was acquired in November 1998 by Dutch classic car dealer and collector Jack Braam Ruben, who repainted the car blue and black before selling it to Bert Jaansens in May 1999. Mr. Jaansens restored the car prior to selling it to Charles Morse, who sold it to Charles “Chuck” Swimmer of San Diego in September 2006. With the Stelvio, Mr. Swimmer participated in the 2010 International Bugatti Rally along the California coastline, prior to his sale of the car that year to noted collector Bruce Meyer. Under Mr. Meyer’s care, the Stelvio was refinished in its current black with burgundy accents.

The current owner purchased the vehicle from Mr. Meyer in 2013 through restorer Scott Sargent, who fitted the Bugatti with a desirable Laycock overdrive, considerably enhancing the driving experience. In 2017, the Stelvio was exhibited at the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, participating in the special Cars of Ettore and Jean Bugatti class.

At some point in this car’s history, it was equipped with a Roots-type supercharger. This, coupled with the Laylock overdrive, makes the Stelvio an ideal candidate for enjoyment on Bugatti club rallies and other classic car tours around the world.