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1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid

Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid

In 1934 Bugatti prepared a special Type 57 called the Grand Raid roadster for the Paris Motor show that showcased the model’s racing potential. This became the prototype for several more Grand Raid chassis produced in early 1935.

On the 1934 Paris Motor Show stand, Bugatti had prepared a stunning showpiece with a bright yellow accent flash that flowed from the hood to the side of the car.

Emphasizing the Grand Raid’s sporting potential, was a sleek two-piece front windshield and a flashback rear end with over-emphasized head fairings.

To move the driver further backward on the chassis, Bugatti modified the steering column angle and this became the distinct feature of nine more production models to follow. Naturally, the gear lever, handbrake, pedals and dashboard mounts were also extended.

Of the 10 Grand Raid cars, three were made into the first Coupé Atalantes and were initially called Faux Cabriolets due to their large roll-back roofs. Later production Atalantes dropped the Grand Raid name even though they all had the modified the steering column and subsequent modifications.

While the Type 57 Production was well underway, the Grand Raid Roadster was used in several races such as the Paris-Nice Rally.

See full 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid Gallery here

Specs & Performance

   
type Limited Production Car
built at France
production 10
engine Iron Alloy Inline-8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Supercharger
valvetrain DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Stromberg UUR2 Carburetor
displacement 3257 cc / 198.8 in³
bore 72 mm / 2.83 in
stroke 100 mm / 3.94 in
power 119.3 kw / 160 bhp
specific output 49.12 bhp per litre
body / frame Steel & Wooden body over Steel Ladder-Type Frame
front brakes Hydraulic Drums
rear brakes Hydraulic Drums
f suspension Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
r suspension Live Axle w/Quarter-Elliptic Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
wheelbase 3300 mm / 129.9 in
front track 1350 mm / 53.1 in
rear track 1350 mm / 53.1 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual

Auction Sales History

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid Worblaufen Roadster 57260 – sold for $990,000 One of only two Bugatti Type 57 roadsters bodied by Worblaufen in Switzerland. A unique design with extensive Swiss history. Discovered in France in 2000 and fully restored to exacting specifications. Fully documented, 18-month rebuild capped by 2005 Pebble Beach award. Extensive research conducted by owner in conjunction with Paul Ramseier, grandson of Fritz Ramseier and founder of Swiss Car Register. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM