1938 Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic

Europe's most flamboyant coach-builders loved to dress the Bugatti chassis, and type 57 received some outrageous and some very beautiful bodies. Type 57 was sensously streamlined, featuring unique external riveted flanges on the roof and wings. This car figures in Ralph Lauren's impressive stable and is a dream to drive, but only in cool weather because it has no ventilation and the heat from the underfloor exhaust makes it stifling. Three Atlantics were built, and though they have only changed hands privately, rumours suggest that the most recent buyers paid more than seven million dollars.

1938 Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic was designed by Ettore Bugatti’s 29-year old son Jean Bugatti. The Bugatti Type 57 'Atlantic', is well known as one of the most famous automobile masterpieces in history. Among many distinctive design features is the wind split which begins on the hood, continues through the roof and ends at the rear.

Tragedy struck the Bugatti family the very next year. In 1939, Jean (aged 30), died in an accident test driving a Le Mans racing car. The grief of the loss of his son was unbearable for Ettore. World War 2 broke out and the Bugatti factory was used to produce bombs and torpedoes. Ettore struggled in vain designing new cars to sell after the war. But sales did not get off the ground. Ettore died, grieving, in Paris in 1947.

Chrysler paid rich tribute to the classic Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic by designing a modern day Chrysler Atlantic concept car. The Chrysler Atlantic design is bold, classically proportioned and packed with romance.