Between 1936 and 1938, Bugatti made only four Type-57 Atlantic coupes, three of which are accounted for, and the fourth has been missing for years. The car’s limited production, individually handcrafted construction, and timeless beauty make it one of the most iconic and valuable automobiles ever built. Distinguished by its extended hood and riveted aluminum seam running over the roof, the 12-foot-long Atlantic coupé has a distinct teardrop body design with smooth, flowing lines.
Parisian businessman Jacques Holzschuh purchased Chassis No. 57473, known as the “Holzschuh Atlantic,” new from the Bugatti’s factory. The car changed hands and, in 1955, was damaged in an accident with a train. Subsequently, it was completely restored and later displayed at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Chassis No. 57374, originally purchased by British banker Victor Rothschild, is completely restored and currently resides at Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California.
Atlantic chassis 57591, ordered by British barrister and tennis star Richard Pope in 1938 and owned by several subsequent buyers, was purchased in 1988 by collector Ralph Lauren. After a restoration by Paul Russell, the car won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours in 1990 and at Villa d’Este, Italy in 2013. The missing Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, No. 57453, known as “La Voiture Noire,” was built for Jean Bugatti, son of company founder Ettore. The car disappeared in 1941, and some believe it was stored out of sight as Germany invaded France during WWII. If found, some experts estimate its worth to be over $113 million.
