Discover the $40M Automotive Masterpiece Protected by Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, the legendary fashion icon, safeguards a treasure far beyond the realm of haute couture: a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, a jewel in the realm of classic automobiles. This piece of rolling art stands as a testament to Lauren's passion for preserving automotive history.
The Tale of a Timeless Classic
Among the pantheon of classic cars, the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic occupies a sacred altar, akin to the Mona Lisa within the Louvre. Conceived between 1936 and 1938, only four of these majestic vehicles were ever produced, making each survivor a coveted relic. Lauren's prized possession, a car with a history shrouded in mystery, elegance, and tragedy, symbolizes the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship.
A Saga of Survival
The narrative of the Type 57SC Atlantic is a ballet of survival against the odds. Each of the three surviving models carries a unique tale, from chassis #57374, the Aero Coupe harbored within the Mullin Automotive Museum, to chassis #57453, Jean Bugatti's personal chariot that vanished without a trace, and chassis #57473, a phoenix reborn from a catastrophic train collision. These stories intertwine to narrate the saga of resilience and redemption within the automotive world.
Ralph Lauren's Custodianship
Chassis #57591, now under Lauren's vigilant care, has graced the most prestigious car events globally, showcasing its timeless allure. Lauren, whose fortune is matched by his exquisite taste in automobiles, has meticulously restored this Bugatti, accentuating its original grandeur. Its transformation under his guidance from Richard B. Pope's Rich Sapphire Blue to an imposing black silhouette showcases Lauren's personal touch, reaffirming his role as more than a collector but a guardian of automotive history.
A Legacy Celebrated
The Bugatti's journey through numerous custodians, culminating in its acquisition by Lauren in the late 1980s, reads like an epic traverse through time. Its storied past, crowned by victories at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and Pebble Beach, illustrates the unparalleled legacy of the 57SC Atlantic, a car that transcends mere transportation to become a symbol of art, innovation, and endurance.
The Essence of the 57SC Atlantic
At the heart of the 57SC Atlantic's allure is its revolutionary design and engineering. A marvel powered by a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, it represents the zenith of Art Deco automotive design, its sleek lines and opulent curves evoking a bygone era of elegance and speed. Lauren's Atlantic, with its detailed restoration and storied provenance, epitomizes the confluence of artistry and machinery.
Conclusion
Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is more than a vehicle; it is a piece of history, a work of art, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world's greatest fashion designers and collectors. As it sits in Lauren's collection, it serves not just as a symbol of automotive excellence but as a beacon of cultural heritage, forever enshrined in the annals of classic motoring.