In 1934 Jean Bugatti - son of Ettore Bugatti - unveiled his latest creation: the Type 57. Built from 1934 to 1940, the model was offered in two different versions: the original Type 57 and the lowered Type 57S/SC. Limited to only 17 units, the Type 57S Atalante was named after a heroine of Greek mythology, Atalanta. Out of these 17 units, chassis number 57384 is one of the most significant and now it's heading RM Sotheby’s future auction set to take place in St. Moritz on September 9, 2022. The model is expected to go under the hammer for at least $10 million.

What's special about this specific 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante?

The Type 57S chassis 57384 was built on Marcel-Louis Bertrand's request as a replacement for a crashed Type 57. The model left the factory on August 27, 1936 as one of the first Type 57S models fitted with the first "S" specification engine. Six months later he loaned his car to Claire Descollas who presented the car in the 9th Concours International de Tourisme Automobile Fémenin Paris-Vichy-St Raphaël. Since she was the only international rally for female participants, the event was widely reported and the 57S ended featured in "Le Figaro." From there the car entered a few competition and, since War World II started, it spent the conflict buried beneath piles of wood in a barn belonging to the owner’s uncle.

In August 1947, the car was bought by Antoine Tripier - a guy that owned many other Bugattis. Under his ownership, the car won the 1947 Beaune Concours d’Elegance. In 1951, the car was sold again, this time across the Atlantic to Dr Samuel Scher. During its time in North America, the car made an appearance in the August 1954 edition of Road & Track. From there the car made a return to Europe and finally, in 1971, it was sold to Mike Sparken. During this time, the Type 57S also went through a complete mechanical restoration. In the next few years, the car had several other owners, and in the mid-1990s, it received another full restoration that took it back to its original specifications. After that, the car attended many events and won many prizes, including Prix du Design trophy at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

What powers the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante?

The Type 57S is powered by an improved version of Type 57’s 3.3-liter dual overhead cam straight-eight engine. The engine received a revised dry-sump lubrication system influenced by the racing Type 59 and a Roots supercharger. These changes increased the 57S' output up to 200 horsepower - Up 65 ponies from the 135 horsepower in the base model. Top speed was also increased from 95 mph to 120 mph. The model is also has a four-speed manual gearbox.

How much does the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante cost?

This specific 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante unit will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s future St. Moritz auction set to take place on September 9, 2022. The model is expected to sell for anywhere between $10 to $12 million.