Description

The Bugatti Type 57 S Atalante Cabriolet is an exceptionally rare and captivating variation of the iconic Atalante body style, designed by Jean Bugatti. While the Atalante is most often seen as a fixed-roof coupé, a small number were produced as cabriolets, offering the same sweeping Art Deco lines with the added freedom of open-top motoring. Built on the Surbaissé (lowered) Type 57 S chassis, the cabriolet version combined cutting-edge performance with luxurious style.

At the heart of the car was Bugatti’s 3.3-liter straight-eight engine, mounted in a chassis lowered for improved handling and aesthetics. The 57 S models were capable of impressive performance for their time, with around 175 horsepower in naturally aspirated form, and even more in supercharged SC variants. The low-slung chassis not only enhanced road holding but also allowed for a sleeker, more dramatic body design.

The Atalante Cabriolet featured the same flowing fenders, tapered tail, and elegant proportions that made the coupé famous, but with a folding fabric roof that added a sense of versatility and lightness to the car’s character. The design remained cohesive and sculptural whether the top was up or down, a testament to Jean Bugatti’s skill in creating harmonious automotive forms.

Inside, the car offered a refined and beautifully crafted cabin, with leather upholstery, wood trim, and finely machined metal details. Seating was typically for two, emphasizing its sporting and personal nature. The dashboard was adorned with a full complement of gauges and controls, all arranged with a focus on both function and aesthetic balance.

Today, the Bugatti Type 57 S Atalante Cabriolet stands as one of the most exclusive and desirable examples of pre-war Bugatti craftsmanship. With its combination of performance, beauty, and rarity, it captures the essence of the golden age of grand touring cars and remains a treasured gem among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.