1936 Bugatti Type 57 Graber Sports Saloon

Registration Number: JT-80-50 (Dutch Registered)
Chassis Number: 57443

Part of the Bugatti Type 57 launch range the ‘Galibier’ was a four-door, four-seater touring saloon. Named after a peak in the French Alps and notable for its pillarless doors, the model was otherwise a somewhat conservative design with formal lines and an upright stance. However, customers wishing for a sportier variation on the Galibier theme could always have their Type 57 chassis clothed by an outside coachbuilder.

Entrusted to Carrosserie Graber, chassis 57443 retained the comfortable four-seater accommodation and pillarless doors of the factory offering but added a number of decidedly rakish touches. For instance, the absence of external rear door handles made the car look more like a coupe than a saloon. An impression reinforced by the sloping tail complete with ‘sunken’ spare wheel and pontoon wings. A particularly nice feature is the moulded swage line that begins at the radiator’s shoulders, runs along the bonnet sides and then flows down towards the rear wings taking the window ledges with it.

A much treasured possession, this Bugatti has been in the current family ownership since 1962. Pleasingly retaining its original tan leather upholstery, the Type 57 is running and driving but would benefit from recommissioning. Known to the Dutch Bugatti Register and something of a timewarp, chassis 57443 will accompany us to the Vintage Sports Car Club’s April 26th Silverstone meeting and the Bugatti Owners Club’s May 24th – May 25th La Vie en Bleu weekend.

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