Watch Jay Leno Drive A Rebodied Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic (2024)

FAQs

How much is a Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic worth? ›

There is no question that the three surviving Bugatti Atlantic examples (chassis 57374, 57473, and 57591) would transact for individual sums in excess of $40 million.

Jay Leno explains what the fuss is all about in the latest episode of “Jay Leno's Garage.” The featured car is a Type 57SC Atlantic replica Leno has owned for 30 years.

In late 1936, legendary French car maker Bugatti began work on a fighter plane-inspired sports coupe for the wealthiest of Europe's exclusive elite, officially named the Type 57SC Atlantic. Just four were built, and three – all of which were sold to customers – are accounted for today.

Fashion designer Ralph Lauren is the owner of the last Atlantic produced, with chassis number 57 591, the “Pope Atlantic” was completed in May 1938 – its first owner was the Briton R.B. Pope. Jean Bugatti had the second Atlantic made for himself.

Riders' Corner - This is a $40 million Bugatti 57SC owned by Ralph Lauren.

Not surprisingly, the most expensive is also one of the rarest Bugatti models ever made. As is often the case, scarcity equals value. The model in question is the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic which sold for a rumoured US$35 million in 2010.

Jay Leno's quirky US$50 million car collection: from a 1906 Stanley Steamer to a Ford GT, the talk show host's 140,000 sq ft garage holds more than 180 cars, including a US$12 million McLaren F1. Jay Leno's car collection isn't like anyone else's on the planet … quite literally. Why?

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.

It was purchased by well-known car collector Dr. Peter Williamson and remained in the Williamson family until 2010 when it was privately sold to Walmart Chairman Rob Walton for a reported $40 million. The winning car on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum's "The Art of Bugatti" exhibit in 2016.

Type 57s used a straight-8 twin-cam engine of 3.3 L (3257 cc/198 in³) displacement. Bore and stroke were 72 mm by 100 mm based on that of the Type 49 but heavily modified by Jean Bugatti, unlike the single cam engines of the Type 49 and earlier models.

How much is Ralph Lauren's Bugatti worth? ›

This car, one of only three survivors of its kind, epitomizes the zenith of Art Deco automotive design and now carries an estimated value exceeding $100 million.

The Bugatti Type 57 is not only exceedingly rare, but is also widely regarded by collectors as one of the most beautiful cars in the world. HJow rare? There are just 17, to be exact. It was believed there were only 16 surviving examples left before this 1937 version was found in a garage.

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