Bugatti Type 57

vs

Bugatti Type 55

France vs France — 1936 vs 1932

Bugatti Type 57 (1936)
Bugatti Type 55 (1932)
Specifications
Type 57 SC AtlanticType 55 Super Sport
Horsepower200 hp135 hp
Torque229 lb-ft
Engine Size3,257 cc2,262 cc
0-60 mph10.0 sec
Top Speed124 mph112 mph
¼ Mile17.0 sec
Weight2,094 lbs
Wheelbase2,980 mm2,750 mm
Length4,440 mm3,900 mm
Units Produced438
Value (Excellent)$40,000,000$10,000,000
Collectibility5/1010/10
Rarity10/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic brings more power, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Bugatti has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic with the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic holds a clear advantage in raw power with 200 hp compared to 135 hp, a 65-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bugatti Type 57 uses a Inline-8 DOHC 16V Supercharged displacing 3,257 cc, while the Bugatti Type 55 relies on a Straight-8 DOHC Supercharged with 2,262 cc. The 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic claims a higher top speed at 124 mph compared to 112 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 4 units built, the 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic is considerably scarcer than the Bugatti Type 55's 38 examples. On the collector market, the 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic commands a significant premium over the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.