Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is an exclusive 1930s grand touring car, designed by Jean Bugatti as a high-performance variant of the Type 57. It is known as one of the most iconic and valuable vehicles in automotive history due to its distinctive design and extreme rarity. Key Facts Production: 1936–1938 Number built: 4 (only 2 exist today) Engine: 3.3 L supercharged straight-six Top speed: approx. 200 km/h (early 1930s) Designer: Jean Bugatti Design and Construction The Atlantic was built from aluminum and had a unique "seam-welded" body line running from the hood to the tip of the tail, a result of experimentation with the magnesium alloy Elektron. The car's long hood, teardrop-shaped roof and low profile gave it a futuristic feel, inspired by Bugatti's Bugatti Type 57 Aerolithe concept car. Performance and Technology The letter S stood for "Surbaissé" (lowered chassis) and C for "Compresseur" (compressor). The combination gave the car exceptional speed and handling for its time. The engine delivered around 200 hp, and the chassis was refined for both comfort and high performance, typical of a grand tourer. Historical significance Only four Atlantics were produced, and each car was hand-built with individual details. The most famous is owned by collector Ralph Lauren, while another belongs to a private collection in California. A third example – Jean Bugatti's own car – is lost and presumed lost during World War II. Legacy and Value The Type 57SC Atlantic is considered a pinnacle of automotive art and design, combining aesthetics, engineering and craftsmanship in a way few other cars have achieved. When it rarely changes ownership, its value is estimated at over $100 million, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world.