Description
The Bugatti Type 57 Galibier was the four-door saloon variant of the iconic Type 57 series, introduced in the mid-1930s. Named after the Col du Galibier, one of the highest mountain passes in the French Alps, this model represented a blend of performance, refinement, and practicality—aimed at owners who desired a luxury car with true touring capabilities and everyday usability.
Built on the same advanced chassis as its coupé and roadster siblings, the Galibier featured Bugatti’s smooth and powerful 3.3-liter straight-eight engine. Producing around 135 horsepower, it offered strong acceleration and refined cruising capabilities. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain delivered an engaging yet comfortable driving experience—ideal for long journeys or city motoring alike.
The Galibier’s bodywork was often styled in-house by Bugatti or by renowned coachbuilders such as Gangloff or Vanvooren. Its design was elegant and balanced, with a flowing roofline, pronounced fenders, and the marque’s signature horseshoe grille. Despite being a four-door saloon, it retained the graceful proportions and design cues that defined the Type 57 family. The additional rear doors allowed for easier passenger access while maintaining the car’s sleek silhouette.
Inside, the Galibier offered a spacious and luxurious cabin trimmed with the finest materials of the time. Rich leathers, polished wood panels, and finely crafted instruments were laid out in a manner that reflected both comfort and sophistication. It comfortably seated four passengers, making it a practical choice for those who wished to combine high-speed touring with everyday convenience.
Today, the Bugatti Type 57 Galibier is admired for its understated elegance and engineering excellence. While perhaps less flamboyant than its coachbuilt coupé and cabriolet counterparts, it is valued by collectors for its rarity, craftsmanship, and its unique position as a grand touring saloon with the heart of a thoroughbred. It stands as a reminder of an era when performance and luxury could be seamlessly integrated into a single, beautiful machine.