View source for The Bugatti Atlantic

One of the most bizarre, elusive and expensive of cars is the Type 57SC Atlantic. With its low stance, 200 bhp engine, lightweight construction, 123 mph (200 kph) top speed and influential teardrop body, many believe this is the ultimate Bugatti.

Ettore's son, [[Jean Bugatti]], who played a large role in the development of the Type 57 series, personally styled the Atlantic. Jean's lines draw an interesting mix of aircraft styling together with the avant-garde tear-drop that is so reminiscent of the thirties. Design highlights include a heavily raked windscreen, riveted fins, and oval doors with kidney-shaped side windows. 

Momentum behind the style was structured by a design concept of incorporating Electron, an alloy of magnesium and aluminum from IG Farben of Germany, in the design. Though it is strong, and up to one third the weight of aluminum, it is also highly flammable thus welding was not possible. This meant that each panel had to be riveted into place which posed a particular problem for traditional design. Therefore, Jean incorporated the rivet's aesthetic into the wings of the car and created a telling combination of function and form.

As the first car to bear fins, the silver Electron [[Aerolithe]] Prototype debuted as a possible sport model of the Type 57 series at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. As much of a sensation as the car must have been, it only drew three orders. By the time production commenced in 1936, standard aluminum was chosen over the flammable electron and the specially lowered Type 57S chassis, with its smaller, V-shaped radiator was used.

The engineering on these Atlantics was similar to the other Type 57s which formed a basis for Bugatti competition and grand touring. Chassis arrangements included Rudge Witworth wire wheels, complex De Rams shocks absorbers, fifteen inch drum brakes and a strong, uncluttered chassis. As with most Bugattis, the Type 57 was of complicated craftsmanship, but the result of relatively simple design. The Type 57SC chassis combined the supercharged 57C engine with the low and short 57S chassis used for racing.


Chassis

The 75 year history of each Bugatti Atlantic is entertaining conjecture for any Bugatti enthusiast. The first prototype is gone and only two of three aluminum bodied production versions remain largely original. Trying to match up historic photos to each chassis and fit the prototype's disappearance into the fray still leaves many mysteries.


The Aerolithe Prototype
- Called the Aerolithe after the greek word for meteorite, the prototype Atlantic debuted on the Bugatti stand at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. The car appears to have taller proportions when compared to the other Atlantics due to the much larger front radiator. It is the only Atlantic which may have had a body made entirely of magnesium as the production cars used aluminum for safety and simplicity.


Chassis #[[57374]]

- Here is the first production Atlantic which is identified by its low set headlights that only slightly protrude. It was built in 1936 and possibly with parts and panels from original Aerolithe prototype. The first owner of #57374, Lord Philippe de Rothschild of London, ordered the car in light blue with dark blue interior. A subsequent owner sent the car back to Bugatti in 1939 to receive a supercharger and make the car a true 57SC. After the war, Bob Oliver of Los Angeles owned #57374 and modified it in drastic ways. Bob resized the rear windows and painted the car several different colors including red. The current owner, Peter D. Williamson picked up the modified car at auction in 1971 for $59 000 USD and spent years restoring the car to its 1936 specification. He debuted it at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours were it won best in show. It has since toured across America


Chassis #[[57473]]

- Easily the most controversial Atlantic, this car stayed in France and was sold in to an older couple who promptly sold it back to the factory in 1937. In 1939 the factory again had the car and added additional louvers and an extension of the rear fenders. Its history from that point is uncertain, but the car supposedly suffered a horrible train collision which killed both passengers. The twisted chassis was discovered over 10 years later a recreated body and interior were formed around it. Nicolas Seydoux currently owns #[[57473]]. It was last publically seen at the 2000 Villa d'Este Concours.


Chassis #[[57591]]

- The last Atlantic is the most published of the three and can probably claim to be the most original. It is instantly recognizable from its external headlights which many people feel make it the most desirable of the three. Ralph Lauren has owned this car since 1988. With a strong inclination towards important and authentic cars, Ralph includes #57591 as a highlight in his collection which has Type 57SC Gangloff Cabriolet #57563.

#[[57591]] was initially purchased by R.B. Pope of London in Dark Sapphire Blue. The car still bears its EXK6 plate from its original registration in the UK. It was supercharged in 1939, before being sold to notable author Barry Price in the sixties. Eventually New York designer Ralph Lauren picked up the car and commissioned Paul Russel to comprehensively restore #[[57591]] using as many original parts as possible. During the lengthy two-year procedure, Paul and his team discovered details such as original tan goatskin upholstery and seats filled with horsehair bags wrapped in muslin. After the project was complete it was shown at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance where it won best of show. Like many of Ralph's Bugattis the car is finished in black.