1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atlantic

The Bugatti Atlantic
One of the most elegant and attractive vehicles ever created is the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic. Bugatti gave the Atlantic its race-inspired engine, short and low chassis, and a body of two halves riveted together. Four examples were created and only two survive in their original condition.

Chassis number 57374 was the first example created and delivered new to Lord Rotschild in London. The car was later upgraded to Type 57 SC specification by adding a supercharger to the engine.

In 1971, the car was purchased at Sotheby's Auction in Los Angeles by Bugatti collector and President of the American Bugatti Club, Dr. Peter Williamson. Dr. Williamson treated the car to a restoration and would remain in his care until his passing in the late 2000s. All of the cars in the collection were entrusted to Gooding & Company for sale. The Atlantic was brokered through a private deal in April 2010. The car was sold for an undisclosed amount, believed to be between $30 - $40 million.

In 2003, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded 'Best of Show.'

Chassis number 57453 was the second of the four Atlantic bodies built by Bugatti. The car was put on display at the 1937 Auto Salon in Nice and its subsequent history is not fully known. It is believed that it was offered to the privateer racer William Grover who had a history of winning prestigious races in Bugattis. The trail ends there and one theory is that the car was dismantled before the start of the War.

Chassis number 57473, the third of the four Atlantics, was completed in October 1936. The car was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Jacques Holzschuch of Paris, and in 1937 it won the Grand Prix d'Honneur at Juan-les-Pins. A short time later, the car was modified (the work believed to have been tasked to Figoni) with the addition of louvers in the door. The car's next caretaker was Bugatti collector Rene Chatard.

Sadly, Chatard and a friend, Janine Vacheron, were killed and the car was seriously damaged when hit by a train in 1955. The car was sequestered by the railway company and only several years later released to a scrap dealer.

A Bugatti collector named Paul-Andre Berson discovered the remains in 1965 and set about a rebuild, using the damaged chassis and right-hand side of the coachwork. Many of the body parts from the left-hand side were distorted and were not able to be used. The original engine was also too badly damaged and difficult to repair. After many years of reconstruction, the 'new' Atlantic was returned to its original glory. The car was owned for many years by Nicolas Seydoux, selling it in 2004 to its current owner.

The current owner had restoration expert Paul Russell rebuild the car using all available remaining original parts. The body panels revealed the car's original grey color, and the leather wrapped around the aluminum dashboard was an indication of the interior trim.

In 2010, the rebuilt car was on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was certainly the most elegant car and a serious contender for Best in Show honors. Since this car was viewed as a 'replica,' it was not judged. Some entrants felt that its presence on the lawn at Pebble should not have been allowed. All agreed, however, that it is a magnificent work of art and its two-year restoration performed by Russell was exquisite.

Chassis number 57591 was the final Atlantic created, and was completed in 1938. The car is similar to its siblings, with subtle distinguishable details throughout. Since these cars were hand built and there was two years difference between the first and the fourth car, differences are expected. Chassis 57591 has separate headlights; its predecessors are mounted flush with the fenders.

The car's original owner cared for the car for nearly three decades. For the past two decades, Ralph Lauren has owned the car. The car was given a restoration by Paul Russell and in 1990, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won 'Best of Show.'

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010