1939 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis

Type 57C Aravis image

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The Bugatti Type 57C Aravis 1939 was one of the finest creations by the legendary French automobile manufacturer, Bugatti. Known for their unmatched engineering finesse, Bugatti introduced the Type 57C Aravis as a grand touring car with power and performance like never before. This beauty was designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of the company’s founder, Ettore Bugatti, and was named after the Aravis mountain range in the French Alps.

The Bugatti Type 57C Aravis 1939 was powered by an impressive engine that was designed and developed in-house by Bugatti. This engine was a 3.3-liter inline-eight-cylinder unit with twin overhead camshafts and two valves per cylinder. The engine produced an impressive 160 horsepower, which was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.

The car's engineering excellence was not only limited to the engine, but it also extended to the chassis and suspension systems. The Type 57C Aravis was built on a ladder-frame chassis, which was reinforced with cross-members to provide maximum strength and stability. The suspension system was a double-wishbone setup with hydraulic dampers that provided a smooth ride even on rough and bumpy terrain.

One of the most outstanding features of the Bugatti Type 57C Aravis 1939 was its aerodynamic design. The car's curvaceous body was a work of art with sleek lines and sharp edges that cut through the air efficiently. The body was designed to reduce drag and improve the car's overall performance. The front of the car featured a distinctive chrome grille with the Bugatti emblem mounted on top. The headlights were elegantly integrated into the front fenders, and the rear was rounded with a subtle fin on top.

The Bugatti Type 57C Aravis 1939 was equipped with hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, which provided excellent stopping power. The car also had a top speed of around 105 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. The interior of the car was also a work of art with luxurious leather seats and a wooden dashboard, complete with exquisite gauges.

In summary, the Bugatti Type 57C Aravis 1939 was an engineering marvel that combined power, performance, and style. Its impressive engine, chassis, and suspension systems guaranteed a smooth ride, while its aerodynamic design ensured high-speed stability. The car's luxurious interior was the perfect finishing touch on this masterpiece of automotive engineering.

Milestones

- Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 1937 - Improved with a more powerful engine, the Type 57C, in 1938 - Named after the mountain pass in the French Alps - Features a unique body design by Gangloff - One of only 38 Type 57C Aravis models ever produced - Auctioned off for $9.7 million in 2019, making it one of the most expensive Bugatti cars ever sold


Technical

• Production years: 1934-1940 • Engine: 3.3 L Straight-8 • Horsepower: 135 to 175 hp • Top speed: 85 mph to 100 mph • Transmission: 4-speed manual • Wheelbase: 3,302 mm • Weight: 1,200 kg to 1,400 kg • Suspension: Double wishbones front, live axle rear • Brakes: Hydraulic drums • Chassis: Riveted steel ladder frame • Body style: Coupe or Cabriolet • Fuel capacity: 100L • Production numbers: approximately 710 in all configurations • Named after the Aravis mountain range in France