The Type 57, arguably Jean Bugatti’s masterpiece, both in styling and engineering, was Bugatti’s most successful road-going model, with over 700 examples built between 1934 and 1940. The example offered here, chassis 57338, was completed in late 1935, and bodied by Gangloff as a Conduite Intérieure, which would later be known as the Galibier. This particular example is constructed with its rear doors hinged to the rear with a latching system, which allowed for an elegant, pillarless design.

According to its entry in the American Bugatti Club registry, 57338 was first delivered via Paris Bugatti dealer Lamberjack to Mr. Burns on November 30, 1935. In 1960, it was owned by artist François Dallegret who purchased it from a Parisian shoemaker. A true Bugattiste, M. Dallegret is remembered in Bugatti circles for his series of fantastical technical-style drawings based on the Type 41 Royale.

In early 1963, 57338 was purchased by Fritz Schlumpf and stored for decades in a barn in Malmerspach, France. Acquired as part of the Schlumpf Reserve Collection, the Bugatti has resided in the Mullin Collection since 2008, where it was displayed at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California.

Presenting much as it did over half a century ago, 57338 retains its original engine, no. 237, per the copy of the American Bugatti Club registry entry on file which reproduces the Bugatti factory production record. With so few Type 57s remaining in an unrestored state, this significant Bugatti unquestionably presents an extraordinary opportunity.