Description

The Bugatti Type 57 Gangloff Cabriolet is a stunning example of pre-war automotive elegance, showcasing the combination of Jean Bugatti’s engineering vision and the refined artistry of the Swiss coachbuilder Gangloff. Produced during the mid- to late-1930s, the Type 57 was the backbone of Bugatti’s grand touring range, and the Gangloff-bodied cabriolet variant remains one of the most graceful interpretations of this celebrated chassis.

Beneath its elegant exterior, the Type 57 featured a 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine, capable of producing up to 135 horsepower in standard trim. This engine offered smooth and effortless performance, well-suited to long-distance touring and relaxed yet spirited driving. It was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and was housed in a rigid chassis that offered impressive handling for a car of its size and class.

What set the Gangloff Cabriolet apart was its exquisite coachwork. Gangloff, based in Colmar near the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, crafted a limited number of open-top bodies for the Type 57, each tailored to the customer’s desires. The cabriolet typically featured long, sweeping fenders, a gracefully sloping tail, and a clean, uncluttered profile that emphasized both movement and poise. The folding soft-top roof was elegantly integrated, allowing the car to transition seamlessly between an open and closed configuration.

Inside, the cabin was appointed with the finest materials available at the time. Rich leather, polished wood, and finely crafted instrumentation created an atmosphere of understated luxury. The interior layout was focused on comfort and style, making the car as enjoyable to sit in as it was to drive.

Today, the Bugatti Type 57 Gangloff Cabriolet is considered a masterpiece of Art Deco-era automotive design. Its rarity, coachbuilt uniqueness, and mechanical pedigree place it among the most desirable pre-war classics. Whether seen on a concours lawn or gliding through scenic roads, it remains a timeless symbol of elegance, craftsmanship, and the golden age of motoring.