The 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic is one of the most mysterious and valuable lost cars in automotive history. Designed by Jean Bugatti, son of the legendary Ettore Bugatti, this car was built as an ultra-exclusive, high-performance model with only four units ever produced. Distinguished by its flowing, aerodynamic body, riveted dorsal seam, and supercharged straight-eight engine, the Type 57 SC Atlantic was intended to combine both luxury and speed in a uniquely French design. Today, three of the four original cars are known to exist, but the fourth has been missing since World War II, making it one of the most sought-after and legendary missing vehicles.
The story of the lost Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic starts in the late 1930s, a tumultuous period as Europe edged closer to war. Bugatti was an influential and innovative marque, and Jean Bugatti’s new creation, the Type 57 SC Atlantic, was a rare treasure meant for select clients. Known as the “La Voiture Noire” (“The Black Car”), this missing Atlantic was Jean Bugatti’s personal car. It was last seen in the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France, around 1938. As Germany advanced into France in 1940, it's believed that Bugatti or one of its workers may have hidden or relocated the car to protect it from being seized by the Nazis. From there, the trail went cold.
(image credit: Bugattiatlantic)
Since its disappearance, rumors and speculations have swirled around the fate of the “La Voiture Noire.” Some believe it may have been hidden by Bugatti’s staff, concealed in a remote barn or abandoned in a hidden location to avoid Nazi confiscation. Others suggest it was shipped abroad, either destroyed en route or lost during transit. There have also been occasional claims of sightings, but none have proven credible. The story of this car’s disappearance has only added to its allure and value, as collectors and historians remain captivated by the mystery of where it might be hidden, waiting to be rediscovered.
If found, the missing Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic would be a historic discovery, likely the most valuable car in the world, with estimates suggesting it could be worth over $100 million. Despite intensive searches by collectors and automotive historians, its location remains unknown. For the classic car community, the Bugatti’s enduring mystery is a reminder of both the fragility and value of automotive history. The lost Type 57 Atlantic is not only a masterpiece of design and engineering but also an elusive treasure that represents a time when automobiles were crafted with unparalleled artistry and ingenuity.
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Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.c
