Description

The Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Gangloff is one of the rarest and most visually arresting interpretations of the iconic Type 57 chassis. Introduced in the mid-1930s as a special sports variant, the “Grand Raid” was built for long-distance endurance and elegance. When combined with custom coachwork by Gangloff of Colmar, the result was an automotive masterpiece that balanced performance with avant-garde design.

Mechanically, the Grand Raid retained the standard Type 57’s smooth and potent 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine, producing around 135 horsepower. Designed for both agility and comfort, it featured a four-speed manual gearbox and Bugatti’s signature lightweight chassis, refined to offer excellent handling at high speed. While most Type 57s leaned toward luxurious touring, the Grand Raid versions had a sportier focus—intended for spirited drives over extended routes.

The Gangloff-built roadster body was a dramatic departure from the more traditional cabriolet styles. It featured a low, raked windshield, sweeping fenders, and a sharply tapered tail that emphasized motion and speed even while standing still. The design was aerodynamic, minimal, and forward-looking—capturing the spirit of pre-war racing and styling innovation. Its twin rear headrest fairings and integrated rear wheel covers gave it a look that echoed competition cars of the period.

Inside, the car was stripped of excessive ornamentation, focusing instead on the essentials of driving. The cockpit was tight and purposeful, with leather-trimmed seats, a simple dashboard layout, and a driver-focused atmosphere. Despite this pared-down interior, every element was executed with Bugatti’s characteristic attention to craftsmanship and finish.

Only a handful of Type 57 Grand Raid Roadsters were ever produced, and those with Gangloff coachwork are considered especially rare and desirable. Today, this model represents the pinnacle of Bugatti’s sporting road cars of the 1930s—combining technical sophistication, unique styling, and an unmistakable presence that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the world.