Description

The Bugatti Type 57 C Berline is a refined and luxurious four-door saloon that showcases the elegant side of Bugatti’s engineering and design. Introduced in the late 1930s, this variant of the Type 57 combined the comfort of a full-sized touring car with the performance advantages of a supercharged engine, making it an ideal choice for discerning drivers who valued both power and prestige.

Under the bonnet, the Type 57 C featured Bugatti’s renowned 3.3-liter straight-eight engine, equipped with a Roots-type supercharger. This setup produced around 160 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and smooth, confident cruising. The “C” in the name stands for “compresseur,” reflecting the added performance offered by the supercharged configuration—a key difference from the standard Type 57 models.

The Berline body style emphasized practicality without sacrificing style. Typically coachbuilt by firms such as Vanvooren, Gangloff, or built in-house at Molsheim, these saloons featured four doors, a formal roofline, and elegantly proportioned fenders. The design remained true to Bugatti’s aesthetic language, with graceful curves and subtle details that elevated the Berline beyond an ordinary sedan.

Inside, the Type 57 C Berline was lavishly appointed. The interior featured high-quality leather seats, finely finished wood trim, and a dashboard equipped with precision instruments. Passenger comfort was a priority, with ample legroom and a serene cabin environment, ideal for long-distance touring in style.

Today, the Bugatti Type 57 C Berline is admired for its combination of understated luxury and advanced engineering. While it may not be as flamboyant as the Atalante or Atlantic variants, it stands out as a beautifully executed grand tourer with everyday usability and timeless elegance. For collectors, it represents a more formal and sophisticated expression of Bugatti’s pre-war excellence.