Bugatti Type 57 Bamford

The Type 57S specification includes a 3.3-litre, straight-eight engine mounted in an innovatively low chassis, hence the model designation ‘S’ for surbaissé, meaning ‘lowered.’ The design was developed into the legendary Bugatti Grand Prix Type 57G ‘Tanks’ that dominated the 1936 racing season.

The original owner of this car, chassis 57503, was Brooklands regular Sir Robert Ropner, and he commissioned the Type 57S bespoke coachwork by Corsica Coachworks here in London. He specified black bodywork with his shipping line ensigns on the bonnet and a silver bear — a gift from his wife — mounted on the radiator cap. The Type 57S was registered DUL 351 and so became known to Ropner as ‘Dulcie.’

In 1969 talented engineer William Turnbull became the fifth owner. During the dismantling process he discovered that the chassis was not actually a standard 57S’s, but the drilled, lighter specification of the Grand Prix ‘Tank’ cars, of which only one was known to exist. Turnbull could never discover whether Ropner had requested the unique specification to create the ultimate 57S, or if Bugatti had recycled a redundant unit without Ropner’s knowledge. Incredibly, ‘Dulcie’ remained locked in Turnbull’s Derbyshire workshop for 52 years, out of sight and disassembled, destined never to be completed in his lifetime.

Lord Bamford recognised the importance of ‘Dulcie’ and was intrigued by its still unanswered conundrum. He purchased the Type 57S in 2021, and has subsequently had it restored to the marvellous condition in which it was originally presented to Sir Robert Ropner at Jack Barclay’s showrooms in 1937.

The coachwork, paintwork, trim and final assembly were entrusted to world-class restorers Clark & Carter, while the chassis and engine and mechanical components were restored to an extraordinary standard by Tim Dutton of Ivan Dutton Ltd. Upon completion, this Type 57S was presented with the ‘Restoration’ award at the 2023 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards, as well as Best of Show at the 2023 Salon Privé, and Most Elegant Pre-War sportscar at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours.

On loan courtesy of Lord Bamford, from Tuesday 6 – Tuesday 20 February 2024.