The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao’s “Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture” exhibition, curated by Norman Foster, showcases the breathtaking Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, highlighting its significance in both automotive and art history. This article delves into the history and unique features of this iconic car, particularly the model owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren.
The Atlantic: A Legend on Display
Among the 40 meticulously selected vehicles, the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic stands out as a testament to automotive artistry. Its presence in the “Sculptures” gallery, positioned near Rembrandt Bugatti’s “Walking Panther,” underscores the car’s sculptural beauty and engineering prowess. The Atlantic’s flowing lines, crafted by Bugatti’s artisans, exemplify the seamless blend of form and function.
A Rare Survivor: Ralph Lauren’s Atlantic
Of the four original Type 57 SC Atlantics ever produced, only two survive in their original form. One, on loan from the Mullin Automotive Museum, is featured in the exhibition. The other, the last ever built, belongs to Ralph Lauren. A third Atlantic, severely damaged in a 1955 collision, underwent extensive restoration, though not entirely with original components. The second, Jean Bugatti’s personal car nicknamed “La Voiture Noire,” vanished in 1938, its disappearance remaining an unsolved mystery in automotive history. Its potential value today is estimated to exceed €100 million.
Jean Bugatti’s Vision: From Concept to Reality
Jean Bugatti, inheriting his father’s company in 1936, revolutionized Bugatti with his innovative designs. The Type 57, conceived as both a production and racing model, encompassed various body styles, including the Atlantic. By 1940, around 800 Type 57s were produced, but only four Atlantics were ever created between 1936 and 1938, further enhancing their rarity and mystique.
Design Excellence: A Timeless Masterpiece
The Atlantic’s design remains remarkably striking even today. Its long hood, distinct wheels, and oval-shaped rear end culminating in six thin tailpipes create a unique profile. The most distinctive feature is the raised seam running vertically from the split bonnet to the tail, dividing the body like a dorsal fin, with rivets securing the metal sheets.
Power and Performance: Ahead of its Time
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Atlantic boasted impressive performance capabilities. Its near-silent 3.3-liter straight-eight engine generated up to 200 PS, enabling speeds exceeding 200 km/h, a remarkable feat in an era when horse-drawn carriages were still commonplace. This combination of power, innovative design, and exclusivity solidified the Bugatti Atlantic’s legacy as an automotive icon. The Bugatti Atlantic Ralph Lauren exemplifies the pinnacle of automotive design and craftsmanship, a testament to Jean Bugatti’s genius and a fitting centerpiece of the “Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture” exhibition.
