The Ultimate Bugatti: The Iconic 1936 Type 57SC Atlantic

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Bugatti made four of these extraordinary coupés between 1936 and 1938. Three are still in existence, and the prototype no longer exists. Two of the three aluminium-bodied production versions remain primarily in their original condition.

Many believe the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is the ultimate Bugatti and the first supercar ever made.

The lightweight teardrop body, low stance, and powerful engine make it considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Photo byBugatti newsroom

Ettore’s son, Jean Bugatti, styled the Atlantic. The lines mix aircraft style with avant-garde flair. The car features a teardrop shape, raked windscreen, riveted fins, and kidney-shaped doors with matching side windows.

The design uses an alloy of magnesium and aluminium known as Electron from IG Farben of Germany. The material is one-third the weight of aluminium. Rivets were used in place of welding as the material was highly flammable. Jean worked the rivet’s aesthetic into the wings of the car. The unique look combines form and function.

The silver Electron Aerolithe Prototype debuted at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. It was considered a possible sports model of the Type 57 series.

Photo byBonhams

The car was undoubtedly a sensation at the Paris Auto Show, but only three orders were placed. Production of the vehicle began in 1936, and standard aluminium was used instead of the flammable Electron as the body panel material. A small, V-shaped radiator appeared on the lowered Type 57S chassis.

Chassis arrangements included Rudge Whitworth wire wheels, complex De Rams shock absorbers, and fifteen-inch drum brakes. The Type 57SC chassis combined the supercharged 57C engine with the low and short 57S chassis used for racing.

As Bugatti cars go, the Type 57S/SC is one of the best-known. The “S” stands for “surbaissé” or lowered.

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The bottom of the radiator has a V-shaped dip. Mesh grilles adorn either side of the engine compartment.

The rear axle passed through the frame rather than riding under it, making lowering the car challenging. Under the new low hood, the engine was fitted with a dry-sump lubrication system. The 57S had a nearly independent suspension in front, but Ettore despised that idea.

Two supercharged Type 57SC cars were built because 57S owners wanted the additional power. Most original Type 57S cars were sent back to Molsheim for superchargers. With the supercharger, output increased from 175 hp to 200 hp, pushing 120 mph.

Photo byBugatti newsroom

Ralph Lauren unveiled its unique $40 million version of this classic in 2014.

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