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Topic starter
05/01/2025 12:23 pm
This arrived a few months ago but I am still cleaning up photos taken all through 2024. There were four Atlantics, and this grayish-blue one differs slightly from the others, believed to have been tweaked by Figoni in the years leading up to WW2. The real car, heavily damaged in a 1955 train collision, was painstakingly restored. But because so many original components had to be replaced, it didn't win at Pebble Beach since it was practically a replica.
So let's do a role call. Minichamps did the Rothschild car (Chassis 57374) from the collection of the late Peter Mullin. It was best of show at Pebble in 2003. I'm unaware of other versions, though it's likely some of the late 20th century French artisans made a replica. I reviewed this for Legacy Motors in 2013.
Chassis 57591, the R. B. Pope car, is definitely the most modeled. Originally sapphire blue, owner Ralph Lauren had it painted black, as he does with almost all his cars (a stupid decision, IMHO). It was best of show at Pebble in 1990. I have the Minichamps, which is based on the casting they already made for the Mullin car, and painted blue. There are versions by Brumm, Rio, AUTOart, and the megabucks EMC, in both blue and black, and probably others. Someday I may get the black version by AUTOart, if I spot a good deal.
The fourth car, Chassis 57453, known as "La Voiture Noir", has not been modeled to my knowledge. This was the only original Type 57SC Atlantic, the Pope and Rothschild versions upgraded to "SC" specs after manufacture. Does anyone know if it has been made in 1:43? I got a lot of info from the Type 57 Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Type_57.
Finally we have the Aerolithe, an 'almost Atlantic'. This was Jean Bugatti's Art Deco prototype on Chassis 57331. Believed to have been scrapped, a replica was made on Chassis 57104. I saw this car in Atlanta a few years back. Matrix made a resin replica about 8 years ago.
05/01/2025 2:04 pm
OMG Harv! Four of the most beautiful car models! Nearly at a loss to pick a favorite. Without seeing them in person, I'm leaning toward that Aerolithe!!
Spectacular!!
05/01/2025 3:02 pm
I love those Bugattis!
05/01/2025 3:17 pm
Ralph Lauren had it painted black, as he does with almost all his cars
I'm not certain Lauren has painted most of his cars black but what always struck me odd is NOT that he views cars more as art - that he rarely sees, as most of his collection is hidden from the public or in exclusive museums - BUT rather, he feels black paint better enhances overall form, design & shapes.
Well then, if pure design is all you're after... then why paint it at all? - AND - How can "art" look better all in black? 🤔 🤔
05/01/2025 3:44 pm
Ralph Lauren had it painted black, as he does with almost all his cars
I'm not certain Lauren has painted most of his cars black but what always struck me odd is NOT that he views cars more as art - that he rarely sees, as most of his collection is hidden from the public or in exclusive museums - BUT rather, he feels black paint better enhances overall form, design & shapes.
Well then, if pure design is all you're after... then why paint it at all? - AND - How can "art" look better all in black? 🤔 🤔
We think alike on black paint Chris! Once in a while, though very rarely, i see a black car that, in the right light, looks awesome and shows off the car's intrinsic design and shape. But most often it hides the car's lines, styling breaks and curves. And, again, with very few exceptions, metallic, when done right, seems to enhance the car's lines.
05/01/2025 4:53 pm
Thanks Harv for the round up.
Matrix Aérolithe - parts from the real version believed by some sources to be reused for the Rothschild car. LookSmart also produced an Aérolithe. I have this version too.
Minichamps Rothschild car - photographed in its supplied display case. Model does indicate that parts from the Aérolithe were indeed used - such as the front engine covers.
LookSmart was another manufacturer that produced the Pope car.
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
05/01/2025 11:10 pm
Excellent presentation Harv enhanced by all the following comments. I need to look at my nine 1/43 Bugatti Atlantics to see which of the original cars they represent.
I know Minichamps, Rio, Brumm and AutoArt and likely Western Models.
Topic starter
06/01/2025 4:27 pm
@david-green I forgot the Western. I had it and the Rio at one time or another.