Description

The Bugatti Type 57 TT Competition is a rare and fascinating chapter in the history of Bugatti’s grand touring lineage, representing a bridge between elegant road cars and high-performance motorsport machines. Built specifically for competition use in the mid-1930s, the “TT” designation refers to the Tourist Trophy races—grueling endurance events that demanded both speed and mechanical durability.

Based on the standard Type 57 platform, the TT Competition variant was extensively modified for racing purposes. It retained the same 3.3-liter straight-eight engine but tuned for greater performance, often with modifications to improve power output, cooling, and reliability under extreme conditions. The lightweight chassis was further refined to enhance handling, with attention to braking and suspension systems that could endure the rigors of long-distance events on challenging roads.

The bodywork of the Type 57 TT was minimalist and purposeful. Unlike the elegant coachbuilt versions of the road-going Type 57, the competition car featured stripped-down, aerodynamic body panels with exposed wheels, a low-cut windscreen, and minimal ornamentation. Weight savings were prioritized over luxury, resulting in a lean, aggressive appearance. Some examples even bore cycle fenders and open cockpits to reduce drag and improve airflow.

One of the most notable appearances of the Type 57 TT was at the Ulster Tourist Trophy in 1935, where Bugatti entered several cars to compete against strong British and Italian rivals. Though the competition was fierce and reliability challenges persisted, the Type 57 TT demonstrated that Bugatti’s road car platform had serious racing potential—even before the development of the more focused Type 57G “Tank” racer.

Today, the Bugatti Type 57 TT Competition is extremely rare and highly coveted. It represents an early step in the evolution of Bugatti’s race-bred road cars, blending the elegance of the Type 57 with the raw focus of motorsport. For collectors and historians, it offers a glimpse into a time when even the most luxurious marques took on the challenge of endurance racing with style and ambition.