"Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe ( 50 HD pictures + Video )

One of the most bizarre, elusive and expensive of cars is the "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe. With its low stance, powerful engine, lightweight construction, 123 mph (200 kph) top speed and influential teardrop body, many believe this is the ultimate Bugatti and the first super car ever made.

"Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe

Ettore's son, Jean Bugatti, who played a large role in the development of the "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe , personally styled the Atlantic. Jean's lines draw an interesting mix of aircraft style together with the avant-garde tear-drop shape. Design highlights include a heavily raked windscreen, riveted fins and kidney-shaped doors with matching side windows.

"Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe

Momentum behind the style was structured by a design concept of incorporating Electron, an alloy of magnesium and aluminum from IG Farben of Germany, in the design. Though it is strong, and up to one third the weight of aluminum, it is also highly flammable thus welding was not possible. This meant that each panel had to be riveted into place which posed a particular problem for traditional design. Therefore, Jean incorporated the rivet's aesthetic into the wings of the car and created a telling combination of function and form.

"Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe

As the first car to bear fins, the silver Electron Aerolithe Prototype debuted as a possible sport model of the "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. As much of a sensation as the car must have been, it only drew three orders. By the time production commenced in 1936, standard aluminum was chosen over the flammable electron and the specially lowered "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe chassis, with its smaller, V-shaped radiator was used.

"Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe

The engineering on these Atlantics was similar to the other "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe which formed a basis for Bugatti competition and grand touring. Chassis arrangements included Rudge Witworth wire wheels, complex De Rams shocks absorbers, fifteen inch drum brakes and a strong, uncluttered chassis. "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe chassis was the combination of the supercharged "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe with the low and short "Bugatti" - 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe chassis used for racing.

Modern day "Bugattis"