Two decades ago, a devoted car enthusiast’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of a Type 57 SC Atlantic at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard.
Fast forward to her 70th birthday, and her automotive dreams materialized when her husband, sharing the same fervour for Bugatti, surprised her with a chance to configure her own Chiron Super Sport at Bugatti’s home in Molsheim, France.
This article unveils the captivating journey of crafting the bespoke ’57 One Of One,’ a homage to the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic.
A Nostalgic Vision: Reimagining the Iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic
The seed of inspiration was planted during a visit to the Mullin Automotive Museum, where the customer first laid eyes on the Type 57 SC Atlantic. Jascha Straub, Lead Designer of Sur Mesure at Bugatti, recalls the pivotal moment when they decided to pay homage to this automotive masterpiece.
The customer’s vivid memory of the striking silver-tinted blue hue became the guiding force in reinterpreting this icon.
Immersed in Detail: Recreating the Original Colour
Achieving the exact colour was no small feat. Straub, meticulous in the Sur Mesure process, journeyed to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, where the original Atlantic was showcased.
The goal was clear – replicate the emotion felt two decades ago. Straub, armed with a colour swatch, meticulously observed the original paintwork under various lighting conditions to ensure authenticity.
Form Follows Performance: Engineering a Modern Masterpiece
The Bugatti ‘Form Follows Performance’ design philosophy guided the Sur Mesure team in creating a faithful homage to the Type 57 SC Atlantic. Collaborating with Bugatti engineers, they carefully considered each inlet, line, and vent to meet the extreme cooling and aerodynamic needs of the Chiron Super Sport.
The resulting design, including a new grille with polished vertical lines, remains a modern interpretation true to the Atlantic’s iconic silhouette.
A Symphony of Design: Interior Elegance
The customer’s active engagement extended to the interior, where the choice of ‘Gaucho’ leather complemented the exterior’s timeless design. Notable highlights include the hand-stitched silhouette of the Atlantic on door panels and a centre console proudly proclaiming ’57 One of One.’
Embracing Bugatti’s broader history, the iconic ‘Dancing Elephant’ sculpture of Rembrandt Bugatti adorns the headrests, a testament to the customer’s passion for animals.
The homage extends beyond design, with signatures of Jean Bugatti and Rembrandt delicately applied to the door sills. Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti, emphasises the significance of embracing their rich heritage.
The ’57 One Of One’ becomes a proud addition to Bugatti’s Sur Mesure offer, blending the customer’s bold ideas with the creative prowess of Bugatti’s design and engineering teams.
Driving the Dream: Bugatti’s Future Concours Star
While destined for a place among automotive legends at the Concours d’Élegance, the ’57 One Of One’ is currently relishing the open roads of the American West.
Bugatti’s commitment to crafting bespoke cars that pay tribute to their lineage is exemplified in this breathtaking creation, a chapter in the legend of the Type 57 SC Atlantic that authentically bridges the past and the future.
Conclusion: A Timeless Legacy in Motion
As the ’57 One Of One’ gracefully traverses scenic routes on the US Grand Tour, it not only embodies the spirit of Bugatti’s rich heritage but also stands as a testament to the harmonious collaboration between passionate customers and the artistic ingenuity of Bugatti’s Sur Mesure team.
In the ever-evolving narrative of automotive excellence, this bespoke masterpiece ensures that the legacy of the Type 57 SC Atlantic continues to captivate hearts and minds for generations to come.
