1936 Bugatti t57 Atalante

One of our most recent projects was a 1936 Bugatti t57 (57428) "Roll Top" for Fritz Burkhard apart of 'The Pearl Collection'. We finished restoration on July 26th, 2025 for Fritz to then drive it 3,600 +/- miles across country to the Concours d'Elegance show at Pebble Beach. 

The Trip to Pebble Beach:

After putting about 80 miles on this t57 Bugatti once the restoration was finished, we made some minor adjustments to the suspension and brakes. On July 31st, Simon Jau (Fritz's mechanic) got in the t57 Bugatti and left here at Sargent Metal Works in Bradford. We sent oil, water, and basic tools for the trip. Simon drove the car 200+/- miles to Newport, RI, where Fritz received it. Fritz and Simon left the next day on their trip to Pebble Beach. 

Fritz reported that he drove about 300 miles a day with speeds ranging from 65 and 72 miles per hour. This car was driven through the summer heat, with temperatures going above 95 degrees Fahrenheit; through hours of blinding rain; and traveling 8000' over the Rocky Mountains. 

The biggest issue that Fritz reported to us is a pressure oil line that developed a crack and lost oil until discovered by the crew on day 4 of the journey. Other issues include a throttle shaft end that pops off and a radiator shutter assembly that needed adjustment. 

Restoration History:

Fritz had purchased this car a few years ago and sent it to Classic Skills in the Netherlands for a complete restoration. The crew at Classic Skills need to be credited for doing a major amount of metalwork to reconstruct the body back to its original form; A Rolltop Bugatti. They also rebuilt the engine, rearend, and transmission. Fantastic work!

Fritz then decided to have the car sent here to us at Sargent Metal Works. We had about 9 months to finish the car and prepare it for Pebble Beach 2025. We restored the wiring harness, all plating, new exhaust, complete chassis rebuild, complete folding top construction, complete interior, plumbing, etc. 

We worked a lot of overtime to complete this car. Contrary to what was written in a few online articles, The Audrain Museum did not have anything to do with the restoration other than the documentation and support of the cars trip across the country. We, at Sargent Metalworks, are grateful for the support. However, we never received a phone call or even a visit from The Audrain Museum during this car's restoration. 

Acknowledgements:

 At this time, we would like to thank Ben and Paul of Tilted Hat Restoration, here in Bradford, VT for their excellent work on smoothing and painting the body, fenders, hood, decklid, and door. Excellent work and done on our tight schedule. Thanks guys!

Another thank you to Mike at Richmond Upholstery in Richmond, VT for the complete interior and retractable top. Mike had many challenges with the top; he overcame to make it all work and to be weatherproof too. Fritz exclaimed that it did NOT leak a drop during the rainstorm he got caught in for hours. Richmond Upholstery does all of our work exclusively. Thanks again Mike!

We would also like the thank Jimmy at D&S Custom Plating in Holyoke, MA for doing all the plating for this car and making it Pebble Beach quality work. Great job Jimmy!

Thank you to Doug Fraser of Doug Fraser Racing Engines of Fairlee, VT for finishing the engine and ran it in this dyno for 8 hours. Doug, a former Dartmouth professor, has been building race engines now for 60 odd years. Thank you, Doug, for your exacting work!

In closing, it takes a great crew in the shop, as well as the above subcontractors listed. Matt, the number one man, is steady, competent and exacting in his work. Lynn and Craig do a great job in prepping and assisting whenever needed. Thank you to all of you guys for your great work!

                                                           -Scott