A beautiful 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic has taken the third yearly Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, coming out on top of seven other magnificent vehicles to the famous title.
The occasion, which this year occurred at the Peninsula Hotel Paris amid Rétromobile week, sees the victors of eight lofty concours contend with each other to be delegated the over-arching champion. The Bugatti, which already won the Chantilly Arts and Elégance Richard Mille, was crowned Best of the Best on top of a 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider by Touring, a 1957 Ferrari 250GT Cabriolet by Pinin Farina and a 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Roadster by Barker, amongst other spectacular makes.
Co-possessed by the Mullin Automotive Museum (MAM) in California and Rob and Melani Walton, the Type 57 Atlantic is considered by numerous fans to be the world’s first ever supercar, because of its supercharged motor equipped for hitting 200kmph, and hand-made, craftsmanship deco-inspired bodywork.
Peter Mullin, CEO and Founder of the MAM stated:
“The Atlantic represents the pinnacle of everything I adore about French automotive styling and is widely described as the Mona Lisa of the automobile collector world…from its signature curves to its aviation-inspired rivets, to the Jean Bugatti-designed sleek all-aluminium body, the car is truly a remarkable piece of art.”
Robert Walton, the cars co-proprietor, included, “I second Peter’s thoughts – the other seven nominees were simply stunning, which makes winning the award feel even more special.”
The triumphant Bugatti, CN 57374, is definitely a rare and spectacular feat, it’s one of just four Type 57SC Atlantic models created, and one of just three remaining.
Additionally, it is the only ‘Aéro Coupé’ left – a name ascribed to the initial two vehicles off the creation line, which were mechanically like Bugatti’s Aérolithe idea, however not to the last two; the other Aéro Coupé is rumoured to have been decimated by the Nazis.
Bugatti Head of Tradition Julius Kruta stated,“The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is the crown jewel of the automotive circuit…This car was Jean Bugatti’s masterpiece with its beautiful and breath-taking lines, plus its unmatched performance for the time. Today, it remains the ultimate expression of the Bugatti legacy: unparalleled power and beautiful design.”
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