Description
The Bugatti Type 57 S Atalante is one of the most iconic and sought-after models ever produced by the marque. Introduced in the late 1930s, the “S” stood for Surbaissé, or lowered, indicating a specially modified chassis that offered a lower ride height, more aggressive stance, and improved handling. The Atalante body style, designed in-house by Jean Bugatti, was a dramatic two-seater coupé that perfectly matched the sporting intentions of the lowered chassis.
Powering the 57 S Atalante was a specially tuned version of Bugatti’s 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine. Without a supercharger in standard form, it still produced impressive power thanks to its lightweight construction and superior engineering. However, some examples were later fitted with superchargers (designated 57 SC), boosting performance even further and placing them among the fastest road cars of their time.
The Atalante’s styling was both elegant and assertive. With flowing lines, pronounced fenders, and a gently sloping roofline, the design conveyed motion even at rest. Many featured a two-tone paint scheme that emphasized the car’s curves and proportions. Distinctive details such as the split rear window, sweeping side panels, and spatted rear wheels made the Atalante unmistakably Bugatti, yet unique among its peers.
Inside, the cabin was intimate and finely crafted. High-quality leather, polished wood, and precision instruments adorned the interior, offering both driver and passenger a luxurious yet purposeful environment. The lowered chassis made ingress a bit more involved, but once seated, the driver was treated to a perfectly balanced driving position and excellent road feel.
Today, the Bugatti Type 57 S Atalante is regarded as one of the most valuable and admired pre-war automobiles. With only a handful ever built, each example is a rare masterpiece of design and engineering. It represents a high point in Bugatti’s legacy, combining Jean Bugatti’s aesthetic vision with performance and craftsmanship that remain impressive even by modern standards.