The tragic thing about classic cars
is that so many of them were lost to time. This is especially common for vintage luxury cars, which were only produced in limited quantities. Many older racing models have been destroyed on the track, and the ones that do remain fetch millions of dollars at auctions. One of the most infamous long-lost cars is the missing Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe. How did this vehicle disappear from the public eye, and is there any chance of recovery?
The history of this missing Bugatti
According to MotorBiscuit
, this special Bugatti was based on the Bugatti Type 57 platform. It was built as both a production car and a racing variant, with several body styles available. This model was only in production from 1930 to 1940, and Bugatti estimates that around 800 examples were made. However, the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe is obviously different from any other Type 57.
It's based on the Aerolithe Concept, a prototype created by Bugatti
midway through the Type 57's production run. With a straight-eight capable of 170 horsepower, its speed was unmatched during the ‘30s. Instead of aluminum, its body was produced with durable magnesium alloy. This material was comparable to our modern-day carbon fiber, but it was also very expensive to purchase.
It was also difficult for welders to shape, which is why the Aerolith has a unique dorsal seam. Even though the production variant's body was made from aluminum, the automaker thoughtfully recreated the dorsal seam for authenticity.
How many of these missing Bugattis were made?
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We only know the whereabouts of three of these special Bugattis, thanks to Bugatti
itself. The first was a blue example sold to Victor Rothschild, a British banker. The second one was demolished beyond repair in an accident. The third Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe was made for Briton R.B. Pope in 1938. This model was eventually purchased secondhand by Ralph Lauren, who still owns it today.
Will we ever locate this missing Bugatti?
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The missing Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe was custom-made in all-black paint for Jean Bugatti. Only his close friends and family had access to the car, known as La Voiture Noire. It was also the one featured on every piece of promotional material.
The Aerolithe Concept is also unaccounted for, though it probably met a similar fate of many early concept cars. Many suspect it was taken apart to provide parts for the Atlantic Coupes. A very accurate replica, produced by Canada's Guild of Automotive Restorers, occasionally makes the rounds at auto shows.
The Bugatti's last known service records were from 1938. When WWII began in the ‘40s, Jean scrambled to get all his belongings on a train leaving the country. According to HotCars
, that included all of his personal vehicles. The rare Bugatti never arrived at its destination. Sadly, it was probably either stolen or lost in transit. If it were located, some experts say the missing Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe would be worth $114 million.
The rarest cars usually have the most expensive insurance plans
It's true that some classic cars might have lower insurance premiums than their newer, modern counterparts. However, a car as rare as this Bugatti would be near impossible to repair completely if involved in an accident. Many of the replacement parts are long since extinct, and secondhand parts can be pricey.
That's why many people keep their classic cars as display pieces only, with the occasional short drive around town. The fewer miles you drive, the cheaper your classic car coverage will be! For easy access to the best classic car insurance in your area, all you need is the Jerry
app.