Bugatti Type-57 SC Aerolithe
Starting in 1934, Bugatti managed to build around 800 Type 57s in various configurations. The chassis was rather successful by high-end pre-war standards. Yet its most famous evolutions, the Aérolithe prototype and the following Atlantic Coupés just couldn't find customers.
Supposedly made of an aviation-grade alloy of magnesium and aluminum called Elektron, the 1935 Aérolithe was designed by Ettore's son Jean, with a body that had to be riveted due to the difficulty of welding magnesium. After being on tour in England, the show car disappeared, while Bugatti went on to build just four production Type 57 Atlantics, out of plain aluminum.
Three of these luxury coupes went to customers, while "La Voiture Noire," the first black Atlantic was created for Jean Bugatti himself. Unfortunately, there has been no trace of this car since 1938.
The second Atlantic, chassis #57374, built in 1936, went to British banker Victor Rothschild. Today, this light blue car is part of the Mullin Automotive Museum's amazing collection. The third Atlantic, also black, chassis #57473 got destroyed when hit by a train in 1955, while the only 1938 Atlantic, the originally blue #57591, is now part of the Ralph Lauren collection.
Bugatti Type-57 SC Aerolithe
Starting in 1934, Bugatti managed to build around 800 Type 57s in various configurations. The chassis was rather successful by high-end pre-war standards. Yet its most famous evolutions, the Aérolithe prototype and the following Atlantic Coupés just couldn't find customers.
Supposedly made of an aviation-grade alloy of magnesium and aluminum called Elektron, the 1935 Aérolithe was designed by Ettore's son Jean, with a body that had to be riveted due to the difficulty of welding magnesium. After being on tour in England, the show car disappeared, while Bugatti went on to build just four production Type 57 Atlantics, out of plain aluminum.
Three of these luxury coupes went to customers, while "La Voiture Noire," the first black Atlantic was created for Jean Bugatti himself. Unfortunately, there has been no trace of this car since 1938.
The second Atlantic, chassis #57374, built in 1936, went to British banker Victor Rothschild. Today, this light blue car is part of the Mullin Automotive Museum's amazing collection. The third Atlantic, also black, chassis #57473 got destroyed when hit by a train in 1955, while the only 1938 Atlantic, the originally blue #57591, is now part of the Ralph Lauren collection.