R.M. CLARKE
The Type 57 and later variants (including the famous Atlantic and Atalante models) were of an entirely new design by Jean Bugatti, son of founder Ettore. A total of 710 were built between 1934 and 1940. Most Type 57s used a twin-cam 3257cc engine based on that of the Type 49 but heavily modified by Jean Bugatti. Unlike the chain-drive twin-cam engines of the Type 50 and 51, the 57's engine used gears to transmit power from the crankshaft. The original Type 57 was a touring car model produced from 1934 to 1940. It used the 3.3L (3257cc; 198cu in) engine from the Type 59 Grand Prix cars, producing 135hp (100kW). Top speed was 95 miles per hour (153km/h). It rode on a 130-inch (3,302mm) wheelbase and had a 53.1-inch (1,349mm) wide track. Road-going versions weighed about 2,100 pounds (950kg). Hydraulic brakes replaced the cable-operated units in 1938, a modification Ettore Bugatti hotly contested. Some 630 examples were produced. The original road-going Type 57 included a smaller version of the Royale's square-bottom horseshoe grille. The sides of the engine compartment were covered with thermostatically-controlled shutters. It was a tall car, contrary to the tastes of the time. Included are new model introductions and updates, road tests, full specifications and performance data plus historical features and classic salons. A total of 160 fully illustrated pages.
