Bugatti Type 64: The Gullwing That Never Was
The Bugatti Type 64, also known as the Bugatti 57S Atlantic, is a legendary car that never saw production. It is one of the most famous and sought-after classic cars in the world, but its story is a story of tragedy and unfulfilled potential.
The Story of the Bugatti Type 64
The Type 64 was designed by Jean Bugatti, son of the company's founder Ettore Bugatti, in the late 1930s. It was intended to be a successor to the Type 57 and was to be powered by a 16-cylinder engine.
The design was revolutionary for its time, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic body with a distinctive gullwing door design, similar to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
Tragic Circumstances
However, the Type 64 was never completed. Jean Bugatti, who was also the company's chief designer, tragically died in a car accident in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II.
With the outbreak of the war, the development of the Type 64 was halted. Only one prototype was ever built, and it was destroyed in a fire during the war.
The Legacy of the Bugatti Type 64
Despite never being produced, the Bugatti Type 64 has become an enduring symbol of automotive innovation and design. Its legacy is carried on through the Bugatti Atlantic, which is based on the Type 64.
The Atlantic was built after the war, and only four were ever produced. The Atlantic is one of the most expensive cars in the world, and its distinctive design has inspired generations of automotive designers.
Conclusion
The Bugatti Type 64 may never have seen the road, but it remains a legend in the world of automobiles. Its story is a reminder of the tragic circumstances that can sometimes derail even the most ambitious projects, and its design continues to inspire even today.
