The Car Bugatti Should Have Built: 2015 Bugatti Atlantic

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic has had plenty of modern renders before, but Bugatti was agonizing close to building their own homage to the most beautiful car ever made – insert the 2015 Bugatti Atlantic.  Designed as a two-seater coach-built car with a carbon fiber monocoque and parts sourced from other Volkswagen-owned brands when appropriate, the Atlantic would have a V8 engine that spins the rear wheels via a transaxle for better weight distribution.  The power-operated doors swing upwards, and the interior is partially upholstered with thick, two-dimensional leather.

The Atlantic was tentatively scheduled to make its public debut at the 2015 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but the launch was pushed back and ultimately canceled due to the Dieselgate scandal. Bugatti worried about its future and needed to avoid costing the group money, so the project was abandoned.

The Bugatti Atlantic Concept was a modern interpretation of the classic Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, which was a highly sought-after and exclusive car produced by Bugatti in the 1930s.  Only four Type 57SC Atlantics were ever built, and they are considered to be among the most valuable and iconic cars in automotive history.  For reference, a 1937 Type57SC Alante sold last summer for over $10mil, and just 43 of these examples were built.

Oh, what could have been….