Bugatti 57

The 57S

The version “S” of the 57 chassis was presented in 1936. The “S” stands almost certainly for “Surbassè” (“reduced”) and not, as it is generally thought, for “Sport”.
The 57S are easy to distinguish from the “normal” 57. They have a different, V-shape, radiator cowling and a paricular design that joins the profile to the bonnet and the shoulder-line. Apart from that, the bonnet is at the same level with the mudguards, which makes the car look more flattened and broad. In some versions, the mass of headlights is connected with the mudguards and it makes the car look even lower and more aggressive.

The chassis of 57S bears a very particular characteristic: the two main longitudinal frame members are in the rear part perforated, matching the axle shafts. This lets axle shafts pass and swing through the two frame members and allows a remarkable reduction of the car’s height.
In some models of the version “S”, the engine is “flexibly” connected to the chassis using a simple and ingenious system. In this solution, a plate with protrusions was “sandwitched” between the engine block and clutch bell. The protrusions then fastened everything to a crossing component of the chassis equipped with the silent blocks.

In the “S” version, the engine of the 57 has usually a higher compression ratio which helps to raise the horsepower to aproximently 180 Hp.