A beautiful early example of Jean Bugatti’s masterfully engineered touring model, this unique Type 57 is numerically just the 56th example built and among the first 30 cars invoiced. According to the research of Bugatti historian Pierre-Yves Laugier, chassis number 57156 completed assembly in late June 1934, equipped with engine number 48. The chassis was clothed with Bugatti’s four-door pillarless saloon Galibier coachwork and was delivered through Parisian agents Bucar to the Belgian rally driver Ginet Trasenster on behalf of its first owner, a Belgian mill owner and sportsman named Frederic Deflandre. As a loyal Bugatti client, Mr. Deflandre had already owned a Type 38, Type 38A, and Type 43.

In 1936, Mr. Deflandre returned the Bugatti to the factory for upgrades, and the body was transferred to a new, updated second-series chassis (equipped with engine number 280), which was restamped with the original component numbers 57156/48. The Galibier remained in Mr. Deflandre’s possession until April 1938, at which point he traded the car to the Belgian coachbuilder D’Ieteren toward fresh coachwork for yet another Bugatti Type 57.

A local Belgian concern then built a new two-passenger cabriolet body for 57156, featuring front pontoon fenders with large unintegrated headlamps and an extended sweeping tail with a brightwork longitudinal character line down the rear decklid. While the identity of the coachbuilder has never been conclusively established, Kees Jansen’s Bugatti Registry claims the body was produced by the Levallois-Perret coachbuilder Paul Nèe in a style that may have drawn some inspiration from the rare Aravis design by Gangloff.

A later owner was so convinced of this contention that he mounted a period Paul Nèe plaque to the exterior, despite the fact that Mr. Laugier maintains the connection is merely supposition. The open body may have even been built by D’Ieteren themselves, as the design is reminiscent of the Aravis-influenced drophead coupe that D’Ieteren crafted for chassis 57589. It is important to note that at this time the Type 57’s chassis was upgraded with the latest mechanical advancements, including hydraulic brakes.

The Bugatti remained in Antwerp for many years before being acquired in 1955 by the famed marque dealer Jean de Dobbeleer, still registered with period Belgian tags reading 154486. Mr. de Dobbeleer claimed that the car had been traded in by a priest, Abbé Dubois de Sévry, to whom it had been donated by a Mr. Cadans. In his inspection of the car’s mechanical stampings, Mr. Laugier concludes that the rear axle and gearbox are both period-original, correct replacements sourced from other Type 57s that likely date to de Dobbeleer’s ownership.

Subsequently exported to the United States in 1955 by Gene Cesari for Porsche dealer Jack Fritsche, the Bugatti next passed to Al Wall, and then in 1958 to Silver Spring, Maryland, resident Joseph Fine, a physicist employed at the National Bureau of Standards. Mr. Fine began restoring the Type 57 but eventually shelved the project during the 1960s, and the dismantled car remained stored on his property until his passing in 2003. The cabriolet was then sold by his widow to the respected collector Charles Bronson, who in turn sold the car to the well-known Southern California-based collector Paul Emple.

Mr. Emple commissioned a comprehensive restoration by esteemed marque specialist Alan Taylor in Escondido, California, which addressed every mechanical and cosmetic concern. As the extended period of storage had resulted in some degree of dilapidation, the refurbishment included a skilled fabrication of new fenders, door skins, dashboard trim, and hood with elegantly shaped and plated engine vents. New styling details, including bold brightwork character lines on the sides, skirted rear fenders, and a raised spine on the rear decklid complete the bodywork.

This dramatically restyled coachwork was finished in a beautiful shade of orange brown, while the interior was retrimmed in matching leather and fitted with complementary leather luggage, including a charming champagne bottle holder. These ornate period-consistent details lend the luxurious cabriolet a remarkable panache, even among coach-built Type 57 examples.

Mr. Emple then proudly exhibited the Bugatti at several major shows to warm accolades, winning the Meguiar’s Award at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Best in Show Pre-War at the 2013 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Keels & Wheels, and Best in Class and the Director’s Award at the 2015 Santa Fe Concorso. Furthermore, the car was awarded a First Prize in Classic Car Club of America National judging.

With its stunningly restyled open coachwork, which has been completed to a fabulous state of presentation, this well-documented Type 57 is a striking example that beautifully epitomizes Molsheim’s legendary Pur Sang—that essence of engineering excellence and high style for which vintage Bugattis are justifiably renowned.