The Astonishing History of the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

The Astonishing History of the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

If you are a car enthusiast, you have probably heard of the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the most beautiful and iconic cars of all time. But did you know that its history is as fascinating as its design? In this article, we will take a journey through time to discover the story behind this masterpiece of engineering and art.

The Birth of a Legend

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of Ettore Bugatti, founder of the Bugatti car company. Jean was only 25 years old when he created this car, which was meant to be the ultimate expression of his father’s vision of a perfect car. The Type 57SC Atlantic was first presented at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, and it immediately caught the attention of the public and the press.

The Design

The design of the Type 57SC Atlantic is simply breathtaking. Its long, sleek body is made of hand-formed aluminum, and its distinctive dorsal seam gives it the appearance of a shark. The car’s most striking feature is its windscreen, which is made of two pieces of curved glass that extend over the roof. The windscreen was a technical challenge at the time, and it is still considered a masterpiece of engineering.

The Production

Only four Type 57SC Atlantics were ever made, and each one was unique. The first one was sold to a Frenchman named Victor Rothschild, who later sold it to a British doctor named Peter Williamson. The second one was sold to a Frenchman named Jacques Holzschuch, who later sold it to a Swiss collector named Fritz Schlumpf. The third one was sold to a British racing driver named Earl Howe, who later sold it to a French collector named Jean de Dobbeleer. The fourth one was never sold, and its whereabouts are still unknown.

The Mystery

The Type 57SC Atlantic is not only a masterpiece of design and engineering, but also a mystery. The car’s history is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and many legends and rumors have been created around it. Some say that the car was built as a secret project for the French government, and that it was used by spies during World War II. Others say that the car was cursed, and that it brought bad luck to all its owners. Whatever the truth may be, the Type 57SC Atlantic remains one of the most fascinating cars in history.

Conclusion

The 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is a true masterpiece of engineering and art. Its design is simply breathtaking, and its history is as fascinating as its appearance. Although only four were ever made, the Type 57SC Atlantic has become an icon of automotive history, and it continues to inspire car enthusiasts and designers around the world. Whether you are a fan of cars or not, the Type 57SC Atlantic is a true work of art that deserves to be admired and celebrated.