Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (1938)

• Each model hand-built and assembled by a small team of craftsmen
• 1:18 scale model, over 25 cms/9 inches long
• Made using the finest quality materials
• Over 800 hours to develop the model
• Precisely engineered parts: castings, photo-etchings and CNC machined metal components
• Built using our own CAD data developed after scanning original car chassis 57374

Please note the above image is a composite. Images of the 1:18 scale model will displayed as soon as they are available. 

We are hugely excited to bring you news that we are developing our widely recognised Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic at 1:18 scale. The first prototype is scheduled for completion in early Q3, with the first batch of models programmed shortly afterwards. Register your interest to be the first to hear about the availability of these models.

One of the most iconic Bugatti cars from the original Bugatti era, the Type 57SC Atlantic featured flowing coupé lines with a pronounced dorsal seam running from the front to the back end of the vehicle. The 1935 Aérolithe concept, on which the 57SC was based, used Elektron composite for its body panels. This meant the engineers needed to rivet the panels together externally as, although a durable and lightweight material, the alloy was extremely flammable when exposed to high temperatures. The production run of 57SC Atlantics possessed plain aluminium bodies though the dorsal seams were retained for style.

The Atlantic name was termed in honour of Jean Bugatti’s pilot friend, Jean Mermoz, who never returned from a South Atlantic aviation journey. The ‘S’ stood for ‘Surbaissé’ (‘Lowered’), which was a major undertaking in itself, and the ‘C’ for ‘Compresseur’, a supercharger that Bugatti introduced in response to customers seeking more horsepower. The iconic long bonnet hid a 197-horsepower 3.3-litre inline-8, which allowed the coupe to clock a top speed in excess of 125 mph.

Only four Type 57SCs were ever made, three of which were sold to customers. The first was sold to British banker Victor Rothschild, the third to Parisian businessman Jacques Holzschuh and the fourth car was sold to R.B. Pope of Britain. Tragically, Holzschuh’s Atlantic was involved in a fatal accident which completely destroyed the car. Decades later, the car underwent a painstaking restoration though the engine was unsalvageable.

Note: This is a 'Kerbside' model and does not feature any moving parts.