Classic Supercar: The 1939 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

You think that supercars are all about modernity and fast-paced drives that only emerged a decade ago? The answer is of course no, since the 1920’s our grandfathers have been salivating on their own version of “supercars” which, during that time were the finest cars available with exceptional design and power. Of course, the supercars of today would be far too advanced but when it comes to aesthetics, the supercars of old can surely compete with the best this generation has to offer.

 For a change, I’ll be writing about different supercars that caught the attention of people over the years. They may be “forgotten supercars, modern supercars and classic supercars” but overall these cars had been the toast of the automotive world during their time and some of them can still draw awe from a lot of people. Meanwhile, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of my favorite cars called the 1939 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic when I accompanied my buddy from the Autopartswarehouse club during one motor show. The experience was amazing because that has to be the oldest supercar that I’ve laid my eyes on.

 Arguably the very first “true” supercar that was ever constructed, the 1939 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic boasts of a 200 bhp engine while at the same time reaching 123 mph as its top speed. The first look at this car tells you that it’s so thirties but its style is so excellent it can compete with the best supercars of today. In short, it’s utterly beautiful despite of the age that it has accumulated over the years and needless to say even the average person can appreciate how much toil was needed to create this car especially during its time. The highlights of its design are the windscreen, riveted fins, oval doors and windows that are shaped like kidneys.

 On the other hand, the Atlantic had extremely complicated craftsmanship involved which resulted into a design that cannot be matched during its time. In fact, Jean Bugatti was even the one who selected the materials and the design needed for this car making this car a special one in the Bugatti world. One peculiar trait of the Atlantic is its riveted panel because initially the chosen material for the panel cannot be welded so the designers needed to use rivets to put things in place. Eventually, standard aluminum was chosen over the flammable electron when orders started to pour in after its exhibition because the latter was a lot more practical than the former.

 Over 75 years, the Atlantic’s chassis had been replaced by the Aerolithe Prototype, Chassis 57374, 57473 and 57391. The Aerolithe Prototype looked bigger because of its more massive radiator and aside from that it is the only one which used magnesium for its body. The 57374 on the other hand is the first production Atlantic that had a characteristic low-set headlight that is slightly protruding. Chassis 57473 didn’t have much difference from its predecessor while 57491 is arguably the most produced version. The 57491 had headlights that made it completely distinct from other cars.  

 1939 might have been a forgotten year even to our parents but the Bugatti Atlantic certainly made it a memorable one. It would be very tough and very expensive for anyone to get his or her hands on the Atlantic Bugatti but if you’re a fan of classic cars such as me get this one if you have the opportunity. The Bugatti Atlantic might have been around for 75 years but it paved the way for the how a “supercar” has too be made and the level of craftsmanship needed to make one.  If there’s one trait that every supercar has to possess is its timelessness which the Bugatti Atlantic certainly exhibited.