1938 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic: The Holy Grail of Automotive Collectibles
Introduction
The 1938 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and exclusive cars in the world. With only four examples ever produced, it's no wonder that this masterpiece of French engineering is considered the Holy Grail of automotive collectibles.
Design and History
The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic was designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of founder Ettore Bugatti, in the late 1930s. The car was meant to be a high-performance, luxury vehicle that would showcase the company's innovative engineering and design prowess. The 57SC Atlantic was based on the Bugatti 57 chassis, but it featured a number of significant upgrades, including a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-eight engine that produced an impressive 200 horsepower.
The Atlantic's stunning bodywork was designed by Bugatti's in-house designer, Joseph Walter. The car's sleek, art deco-inspired lines were characterized by a long, curved hood, a distinctive oval grille, and a dramatic, swooping tail section. The Atlantic's body was crafted from lightweight aluminum, which helped to reduce the car's overall weight and enhance its performance.
The Four Examples
Only four Bugatti 57SC Atlantics were ever produced, and each one has a unique story to tell.
- Chassis 57374: This is the most famous of the four Atlantics, and it's often referred to as the "Pope's Atlantic." It was originally owned by British politician and collector, Lord Rothschild, and it was later sold to American collector, Peter Williamson. In 2010, it was sold to an anonymous buyer for a staggering $30 million, making it one of the most valuable cars in the world.
- Chassis 57391: This Atlantic was originally owned by French collector, Jacques Augarde, and it's considered to be one of the most original examples of the four. It was sold at auction in 2009 for $18 million.
- Chassis 57473: This Atlantic was originally owned by American collector, Richard Pope, and it's considered to be one of the most well-documented examples of the four. It was sold at auction in 2007 for $15 million.
- Chassis 57453: This is the least well-known of the four Atlantics, and its whereabouts are currently unknown. It was originally owned by a French collector, and it was last seen in public in the 1960s.
The Legacy of the Atlantic
The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic is an automotive icon that continues to inspire car enthusiasts around the world. Its sleek, art deco design and its remarkable performance make it a true masterpiece of French engineering. Today, the Atlantic is considered to be one of the most valuable and exclusive cars in the world, and its legend continues to grow with each passing year.
In 2019, Bugatti paid homage to the Atlantic with a modern tribute car called the Bugatti La Voiture Noire. This stunning vehicle was designed to celebrate Bugatti's 110th anniversary, and it features a sleek, black carbon fiber body that's reminiscent of the Atlantic's timeless design.
Conclusion
The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic is a truly unique and exclusive car that continues to captivate car enthusiasts around the world. Its stunning design, remarkable performance, and rich history make it a true automotive treasure that will be cherished for generations to come.
