1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
A pinnacle of the Mullin Automotive Museum’s collection, the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, has been nominated for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award following its Best of Show Concours d’Etat win at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance.
The iconic car has been on loan to L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum since October 2016 for the Art of Bugatti exhibit. Petersen guests have less than a month to observe the prized vehicle before it leaves the Mullin Grand Family Salon on Jan. 13.
The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award has recognized the world’s finest automobile since its first year in 2015. Eight best in show winners from prestigious Concours events around the world compete and are judged by a panel of 24 experts, including Henry Ford III and The Duke of Richmond, to determine which car ultimately deserves the impressive title. Winner of the 2018 award will be announced at a private dinner at The Peninsula Paris on Feb. 8 during Retromobile.
Considered the Mona Lisa of the automotive world, the Mullin Museum’s Atlantic represents the first of only three models ever produced. Marked by riveted flanges on a blue, all-aluminum body, this particular Bugatti is the only surviving Aéro Coupé, a designation given to the first two cars that were mechanically very similar to the aérolithe.
Delivered new in 1936 to Britain’s Nathaniel Mayer Victor Rothschild, third Baron Rothschild, the Atlantic has had only a handful of owners in its 80-year history. Under the care of the Mullin Museum, the car has been shared with the public at numerous events and venues internationally.
“I’m beyond thrilled that the Atlantic is being considered for this extraordinary distinction amongst the world’s finest vehicles,” said Peter Mullin, founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum. “I’ve revered French artistry and design for nearly thirty years, seeking to share the extreme beauty and architectural curves of the genre with enthusiasts from around the globe. When my wife and I purchased the Atlantic with Rob and Melani Walton, we were enamored with the French signature styling. We’re honored to see it evaluated on this prestigious platform.”
Competing with the Atlantic are a 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider by Touring, Concours de Sport winner at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance; a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet by Vignale, The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup winner at Cavallino Classic; a 1957 Alfa Romero Giulietta Sprint Speciale Prototipo by Bertone, Best of Show by Jury winner at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este; a 1933/35 Lancia Astura Aerodinamica Coupe by Castagna, Best of Show winner at the Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace; a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet, Overall Winner at the Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance; a 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer, Best of Show winner at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; and a 1964 ATS 2500 GTS Coupe by Allemano, Rolex Circle of Champions Best of Show winner at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
