The 1937 Type 57S Bugatti Atlantic isn't just a car; it's a rolling sculpture, a testament to the artistry and engineering prowess of its creator, Jean Bugatti. This vehicle is the epitome of pre-war automotive design, blending elegant aesthetics with thrilling performance. For car enthusiasts and collectors, owning or even glimpsing a Bugatti Atlantic is akin to experiencing a mythical creature. It represents a golden age of automotive innovation, a period when designers dared to dream beyond the practical and create machines that were both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.

The Legacy of Bugatti

Before diving into the specifics of the Type 57S Atlantic, it's essential to understand the legacy of the Bugatti brand. Founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909 in Molsheim, Alsace (then part of Germany), Bugatti quickly established itself as a manufacturer of high-performance, luxurious automobiles. Ettore Bugatti was a genius, an artist, and an engineer all rolled into one. He instilled a philosophy of uncompromising quality and innovative design into every vehicle that bore his name. This commitment to excellence led to numerous racing victories and cemented Bugatti's reputation as one of the world's premier automotive marques.

Bugatti's early cars were known for their intricate engineering, lightweight construction, and distinctive styling. The Type 35, for example, is one of the most successful racing cars of all time, winning over 1,000 races in its career. These early successes laid the foundation for the more sophisticated and luxurious models that would follow, including the Type 57 series.

The Type 57 was first introduced in 1934 and was designed by Ettore Bugatti's son, Jean Bugatti. Jean brought a fresh, modern perspective to the company, and his designs were characterized by their flowing lines and elegant proportions. The Type 57 was available in several different body styles, including the Galibier sedan, the Stelvio convertible, and the Atalante coupe. However, it was the Atlantic that would become the most iconic and sought-after of all the Type 57 variants.

The Birth of the Atlantic

The Type 57S Atlantic was Jean Bugatti's masterpiece. Inspired by the Aérolithe concept car, which was showcased at the 1935 Paris Motor Show, the Atlantic took the Aérolithe's design language and refined it into a production-ready vehicle. Only four Atlantics were ever produced, making them incredibly rare and valuable. The "S" in the name stands for "Surbaissé," which means lowered in French, indicating its lower chassis for enhanced performance.

Jean Bugatti's vision for the Atlantic was to create a car that was both beautiful and fast. He achieved this by combining a lightweight aluminum body with a powerful engine and a meticulously engineered chassis. The Atlantic's most distinctive feature is its riveted dorsal seam, which runs from the front of the car to the rear. This seam was initially necessary because the Elektron alloy used in the Aérolithe's body was difficult to weld. However, Jean Bugatti decided to retain the seam on the production Atlantics, even though aluminum was used instead of Elektron. This design element became a defining characteristic of the car and added to its unique visual appeal.

Each of the four Atlantics was unique, with slight variations in details and features. The first Atlantic, chassis number 57374, was Jean Bugatti's personal car and was later destroyed in an accident. The second, chassis number 57453, was sold to Victor Rothschild and is now part of the Mullin Automotive Museum collection. The third, chassis number 57473, was owned by Jacques Holzschuh and is currently part of the Ralph Lauren collection. The fourth, chassis number 57591, was originally owned by R.B. Pope and its current whereabouts are unknown, making it the "lost" Atlantic and the holy grail for Bugatti collectors.

Design and Features

The 1937 Type 57S Bugatti Atlantic is celebrated for its groundbreaking design. The flowing lines, low-slung profile, and distinctive riveted spine create a visually arresting appearance that is both elegant and aggressive. The car's long hood, short rear deck, and teardrop-shaped bodywork contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency and give it a sense of speed and motion, even when standing still.

The interior of the Atlantic is equally impressive, featuring luxurious materials and meticulous attention to detail. The seats are upholstered in supple leather, and the dashboard is adorned with elegant gauges and controls. The overall effect is one of refined luxury and sophisticated style. The car's low roofline and narrow windows create a cozy and intimate atmosphere inside the cabin, enhancing the driving experience.

Under the hood, the Atlantic is powered by a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, which produces around 200 horsepower. This engine is a masterpiece of engineering, featuring dual overhead camshafts, dry-sump lubrication, and a complex array of carburetors. The engine's power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, providing the Atlantic with impressive acceleration and top speed. The car's lightweight construction and advanced suspension system contribute to its excellent handling and roadholding capabilities.

The Rarity and Value

As mentioned earlier, only four Atlantics were ever produced, making them among the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. Of these four, only three are known to exist today. The "lost" Atlantic, chassis number 57591, has been missing since the 1960s and is the subject of much speculation and intrigue among Bugatti enthusiasts. Its discovery would undoubtedly make headlines and set a new record for the most valuable car ever sold.

The three surviving Atlantics are all part of prestigious collections and are rarely seen in public. When they do appear at concours events or auctions, they attract enormous attention and generate intense bidding wars. In 2010, the Ralph Lauren Atlantic, chassis number 57473, was rumored to have been sold for over $40 million, making it one of the most expensive cars ever sold. While the exact price was never officially disclosed, it is clear that the Atlantic commands a premium due to its rarity, beauty, and historical significance.

The value of a 1937 Type 57S Bugatti Atlantic is not solely based on its rarity. It is also a reflection of its artistic and engineering merit. The Atlantic represents the pinnacle of pre-war automotive design and is a testament to the vision and skill of Jean Bugatti. Owning an Atlantic is like owning a piece of art, a tangible link to a bygone era of elegance and innovation.

The Lasting Impact

The Type 57S Bugatti Atlantic has had a lasting impact on the automotive world. Its design has inspired countless other cars, and its legacy continues to influence designers and engineers today. The Atlantic is a symbol of automotive excellence, a reminder that cars can be more than just transportation; they can be works of art.

The Atlantic's influence can be seen in many modern sports cars and grand tourers. Its sleek lines, elegant proportions, and attention to detail have been emulated by designers around the world. The car's emphasis on lightweight construction and high performance has also inspired engineers to push the boundaries of automotive technology.

Beyond its design and engineering, the Atlantic has also captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors. Its rarity and mystique have made it a legendary vehicle, a symbol of wealth, taste, and exclusivity. The Atlantic is a car that transcends its practical purpose and becomes a cultural icon, a symbol of the golden age of motoring.

In conclusion, the 1937 Type 57S Bugatti Atlantic is more than just a car; it's a masterpiece of art and engineering. Its rarity, beauty, and historical significance make it one of the most sought-after and valuable cars in the world. The Atlantic's legacy continues to inspire and influence the automotive world, reminding us of the power of vision, innovation, and uncompromising quality.