Historical Overview
Only four Atlantics were ever built. Fewer than three survive — each priceless.
Jean Bugatti's magnum opus, born of the Aérolithe show car. The riveted dorsal seam was a design necessity of magnesium construction — and became one of automotive design's most recognisable signatures.
Design
Form as intent.
Streamlined art-deco coachwork with kidney-shaped doors and teardrop fenders. Each of the four Atlantics was subtly different.
Historical Significance
Why it endures.
In 2010, an Atlantic sold privately for a reputed US$40 million. Regarded by many as the most valuable car in existence.
Restoration Notes
Preservation over perfection.
Any originality is priceless. Recreations exist; provenance-verified chassis are the province of the Mullin, Ralph Lauren and Pebble Beach circles.
Collector Notes
The state of the market.
Not a car one buys — a car one is invited to steward. Every surviving example is museum-catalogued.
