Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

The Pinnacle of Automotive Art

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic from 1938 is not merely a car; it’s a cultural artifact, a design masterpiece, and one of the rarest and most valuable automobiles ever made. Combining avant-garde styling with cutting-edge engineering, the Atlantic is revered as one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century.

1. A Visionary Design Ahead of Its Time

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was the brainchild of Jean Bugatti, the son of Bugatti founder Ettore Bugatti. Jean envisioned a car that would merge form and function into a single work of art.

Revolutionary Aerodynamics

• Aviation-Inspired Lines: The Atlantic’s teardrop shape was influenced by aviation and featured flowing curves that reduced drag and created a futuristic silhouette.

• Riveted Seam: The Atlantic’s distinctive central seam running along the length of the car was born out of its early prototype, which used lightweight magnesium alloy (Elektron). The material couldn’t be welded, so the riveted spine remained even when production models switched to aluminum.

• Sweeping Fenders and Sculpted Roofline: These elements give the Atlantic an unmistakable presence, blending elegance with aggression.

Engineering Marvel

Under the hood, the Atlantic featured a 3.3-liter straight-eight engine producing 200 horsepower. With a top speed of 125 mph, it was one of the fastest cars of its time. The “SC” designation (Surbaissé Compresseur) indicated its supercharged engine and lowered chassis, delivering exceptional performance for the pre-war era.

2. A Legacy of Racing Pedigree

Although the Type 57SC Atlantic wasn’t designed for competition, its lineage stems from Bugatti’s dominance in motorsport. The Type 57 platform, including models like the 57G “Tank,” won prestigious races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 and 1939.

The Atlantic carried this legacy, combining track-ready performance with breathtaking luxury and style.

3. Rarity and Exclusivity

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is one of the rarest cars in the world. Only four examples were ever built between 1936 and 1938, and just two original models remain intact today.

The Four Atlantics:

1. Jean Bugatti’s Personal Car (Chassis 57374): Tragically lost after Jean Bugatti’s death in 1939, its whereabouts remain a mystery, fueling endless speculation among collectors.

2. Ralph Lauren’s Atlantic (Chassis 57591): Fully restored and showcased in Ralph Lauren’s world-famous collection, this Atlantic is considered one of the finest surviving examples.

3. Peter Williamson’s Atlantic (Chassis 57373): Sold at auction for over $40 million in 2010, this car now resides in the Mullin Automotive Museum in California.

4. Chassis 57473: The fourth Atlantic was modified and subsequently damaged in a collision, making its restoration efforts challenging.

4. Record-Breaking Auction Sales and Famous Owners

The Atlantic’s extreme rarity and historical significance have made it one of the most valuable cars in the world.

• 2010: Chassis 57373 reportedly sold for a record-breaking $40 million in a private transaction.

• 2021: Another Atlantic model was valued at over $100 million, a testament to its unmatched desirability among collectors.

Celebrity and Collector Enthusiasts:

• Ralph Lauren: The fashion icon’s Atlantic is often exhibited at prestigious automotive events, including the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

• Mullin Automotive Museum: The Atlantic in this collection is displayed as both a piece of automotive history and a work of art.

5. A Design and Cultural Masterpiece

The Type 57SC Atlantic is widely regarded as the epitome of automotive design. It embodies both Art Deco elegance and technological innovation, standing as a symbol of pre-war luxury.

Unique Features:

• Riveted Spine: A signature design feature that remains instantly recognizable.

• Handcrafted Details: Every inch of the Atlantic was painstakingly built by hand, reflecting Bugatti’s commitment to craftsmanship.

• Artistic Legacy: The Atlantic is considered a rolling sculpture, celebrated in museums and art galleries worldwide.

6. Expert Opinions: The Holy Grail of Collectors

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is often described as the pinnacle of classic car collecting, combining rarity, beauty, and history.

• Simon Kidston (Classic car historian): “The Atlantic is more than a car; it’s a masterpiece. Its value goes beyond monetary terms—it’s an icon of 20th-century design.”

• Hagerty Valuation Tools: Consistently ranks the Type 57SC Atlantic as one of the most valuable collector cars, with estimated appreciation rates higher than almost any other classic vehicle.

• Pierre Chareau (Automotive expert): “The Atlantic’s rarity and mystique make it the most coveted car in the world. It’s the ultimate symbol of exclusivity.”

7. Why the Atlantic Is a Collector’s Dream

For collectors, the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is the ultimate prize. Its unmatched rarity, breathtaking design, and historical significance make it a centerpiece in any collection. With only two surviving originals, owning an Atlantic isn’t just a status symbol—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

Final Thought: The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is a car that transcends time. It’s not merely a vehicle—it’s an enduring masterpiece of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. For those fortunate enough to witness one in person, let alone own one, the Atlantic represents the pinnacle of luxury, artistry, and exclusivity. A true legend, it stands as a testament to what the automotive world can achieve when form and function are perfectly united.