One of the most bizarre, elusive and expensive of cars is the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. With its low stance, powerful engine, lightweight construction, 123 mph (200 kph) top speed and influential teardrop body, many believe this is the ultimate Bugatti and the first supercar ever made.
Ettore’s son, Jean Bugatti, who played a large role in the development of the Type 57 series, personally styled the Atlantic. Jean’s lines draw an interesting mix of aircraft style together with the avant-garde tear-drop shape. Design highlights include a heavily raked windscreen, riveted fins and kidney-shaped doors with matching side windows.
Momentum behind the style was structured by a design concept of incorporating Electron, an alloy of magnesium and aluminum from IG Farben of Germany, in the design. Though it is strong, and up to one third the weight of aluminum, it is also highly flammable thus welding was not possible. This meant that each panel had to be riveted into place which posed a particular problem for traditional design. Therefore, Jean incorporated the rivet’s aesthetic into the wings of the car and created a telling combination of function and form.
As the first car to bear fins, the silver Electron Aerolithe Prototype debuted as a possible sport model of the Type 57 series at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. As much of a sensation as the car must have been, it only drew three orders. By the time production commenced in 1936, standard aluminum was chosen over the flammable electron and the specially lowered Type 57S chassis, with its smaller, V-shaped radiator was used.
The engineering on these Atlantics was similar to the other Type 57s which formed a basis for Bugatti competition and grand touring. Chassis arrangements included Rudge Witworth wire wheels, complex De Rams shocks absorbers, fifteen inch drum brakes and a strong, uncluttered chassis. The Type 57SC chassis was the combination of the supercharged 57C engine with the low and short 57S chassis used for racing.
The 75 year history of each Bugatti Atlantic is entertaining conjecture for any Bugatti enthusiast. The first prototype is gone and only two of three aluminum bodied production versions remain largely original.
| type | Limited Production Car |
| built at | Molsheim, Alsace, France |
| production | 3 |
| predecessor | 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Aérolithe |
| engine | Inline-8 w/Cast Iron Block, Dry Sump Lubrication |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Supercharged |
| valvetrain | 2 Valves per Cyl, DOHC |
| fuel feed | Stromberg UUR-2 Carburetor |
| displacement | 3257 cc / 198.8 in³ |
| bore | 72 mm / 2.83 in |
| stroke | 100 mm / 3.94 in |
| compression | 8.5:1 |
| power | 156.6 kw / 210 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 64.48 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 220.36 bhp per tonne |
| redline | 5500 |
| body / frame | Aluminum over Ash Wooden Supports over Steel Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | Dunlop |
| rear tires | Dunlop |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| front wheels | F 45.7 x 14.0 cm / 18 x 5.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 45.7 x 16.5 cm / 18 x 6.5 in |
| steering | Worm & Roller |
| f suspension | Semi-Indpenedant Centrally Collared Axles w/de Ram Shock Absorbers, Leaf Springs |
| r suspension | Solid Axle w/de Ram Shock Absorbers, Quarter-EllipticLeaf Springs |
| curb weight | 953 kg / 2101 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2979 mm / 117.3 in |
| front track | 1349 mm / 53.1 in |
| rear track | 1349 mm / 53.1 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~200 kph / 124.3 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~10 seconds |
| designers | Jean Bugatti, Joseph Walter |
