The Arizona Concours d’Elegance has announced a special class for Bugatti automobiles at next year’s fourth annual Concours, set for January 15, 2017 on the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore. Heading that class will be the magnificent 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic coupe from the Mullin Automotive Museum, one of the great automotive jewels of the Art Deco era.
The Atlantic is the most famous creation of Jean Bugatti, the artist/engineer son of company founder Ettore Bugatti, who applied the gracefully flowing lines of his design aesthetic to an automobile that also evokes aeronautic and industrial forms. This beautiful coupe, chassis number 57374, is owned by Peter Mullin and Rob Walton, and was the first of four Atlantics built by Bugatti. It was originally sold to Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild.
“To have one of the most recognized classic cars in the world present on the Biltmore’s inner courtyard is a wonderful opportunity for those who cherish the art and style of the automobile,” said Ed Winkler, co-director of the Arizona Concours. “The car is pure art in motion, and guests will have the opportunity to see this extraordinary, and rarely seen, automobile at the Arizona Concours.”
Like the other Atlantics, 57374 displays the unique riveted body panels first seen on Jean Bugatti’s groundbreaking 1935 show car, the Aérolithe Coupe, whose magnesium and aluminum body panels defied welding and were instead riveted along raised external seams. This evocative treatment was carried over to the Atlantics, although their bodies are formed from aluminum.
More than 90 exceptional vintage automobiles will be on display and competing for awards in more than a dozen classes as well as special awards. In addition to the Cars of Ettore and Jean Bugatti, other featured classes for 2017 will honor Lincolns of the Classic Era and Coachwork by Vignale.
All net proceeds from the Arizona Concours, along with donations from participants and spectators, will benefit Make-A-Wish® Arizona, the founding chapter of the international organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. For more information please visit www.ArizonaConcours.com.
