1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante

Bugatti built 42 of the 57S chassis, but only 17 were delivered with 'Atalante' coachwork. The Atalante was designed by Jean Bugatti himself, and was lauded for its streamlined profile and power, emanating from its straight-8, 3.3-liter dual overhead-camshaft engine. A unique feature of the Type 57S was its solid-appearing front axle which actually split in the center, allowing independent operation. 1937 was also the final year that Bugatti used cable-operated brakes. The engine was a 3.3-liter 16-valve dual overhead cam straight-eight engine featuring a 'V' radiator. The engine produced 170 horsepower. Vehicles fitted with the optional supercharger were called the Type 57SC. The DeRam frictional/hydraulic shock absorbers adjusted to varied road conditions.

This example was delivered in September of 1937 and was one of the last of 17 to be fitted with factory-built black Atalante coupe coachwork. It is possibly the only example finished in this color configuration, as most were either all black or black and red.

This Type 57S Atalante was delivered in September 1937 to the Belgian pilot Gabriel Duhoux. It was sequestered during the war, and then toggled back and forth between Europe and the United States. It passed through the hands of several British owners until it was added to the Seydoux Collection in Paris in 1986. After returning to England, it was exported to the United States in 1993. In 1996, it received a restoration to its original color scheme of black and yellow accents. The car has been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours where it placed second in its class (it was shown again in 2023). In 2005, it was acquired by its current owner.

Many people consider the Type 57S as the ultimate road-going Bugatti.