A $100 Million Treasure Hunt for Bugatti’s Lost Atlantic Coupe
In an intriguing quest for one of the most valuable lost cars in history, enthusiasts have gathered to search for Bugatti’s missing Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe, valued at an astonishing $100 million.
To understand this treasure hunt, we need to take a trip back to 1934. Bugatti, under the design and engineering expertise of Ettore Bugatti’s son, Jean, began crafting its legendary Type 57 model. The company produced around 800 units from 1934 to 1940, but Jean was not content with just that. Inspired by his father’s philosophy of “Nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive,” he envisioned something more extraordinary—a breathtaking show car. This vision materialized in 1935 with the Aerolithe concept, which led to the creation of four unique Type 57 SC models, known today as the Atlantic Coupes.
Out of these original four, three are preserved and owned by prominent collectors, with two having won “Best In Show” at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The fourth, however, has seemingly vanished, and if it exists, it could command a staggering price tag.
Interest in the missing Atlantic Coupe reignited recently in conjunction with Bugatti’s unveiling of a new custom Chiron, priced at $18.9 million, which shares the same name as the lost car: La Voiture Noire, or “The Black Car.” Speculation soared as cryptic social media messages suggested the lost car might have been found, but those hopes turned out to be unfounded.
La Voiture Noire was crafted in 1937 and stood as the second of the Atlantic Coupes. It was intended to be a promotional vehicle, remaining unregistered, and was the only one with a factory-fitted supercharged 3.3-liter inline-eight engine—something the other models had to return to the factory to acquire. Jean Bugatti primarily used La Voiture Noire, with it being driven exclusively by him and a few chosen friends.
The whereabouts of La Voiture Noire remain a mystery, with various theories attempting to piece together its journey post-1939, when Jean Bugatti died. As World War II began, Ettore Bugatti took precautions anticipating that the Nazi invasion would destroy his creations. The folklore around this period suggests he dispatched all vehicles, including La Voiture Noire, via train to Bordeaux for safety. However, according to the current head of Bugatti communications, Tim Bravo, the car “never arrived,” marking the last confirmed detail before it disappeared.
Despite numerous theories about its fate, none have resulted in locating the missing car. Based on the value of its surviving counterparts—one owned by designer Ralph Lauren—the Atlantic Coupe could be worth up to $100 million, a reminder of Ettore Bugatti’s famous quote: “Nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive.”
One intriguing theory posits that while Ettore claimed the train was headed to Bordeaux, it may have concealed a secret route for La Voiture Noire. This speculation was bolstered by a May 1941 article in Motor Sport Magazine detailing the elusiveness of Ettore Bugatti himself, who remained a shadowy figure even in the world of motorsport.
During the war, Bugatti’s factory briefly produced crankshafts for the French Air Force but eventually ceased operations under Nazi control. Ettore’s factories, including the Bordeaux facility, faced destruction, leading to worries that if La Voiture Noire was housed there, it could have been lost during bombings.
In the aftermath, Ettore retreated into his Parisian residence, seeking ways to revive his company after the war. However, his health deteriorated, and he passed away in 1947, leaving behind any secrets regarding La Voiture Noire undisclosed.
Peter Mullin, an esteemed collector with an Atlantic Coupe in his possession, speculates on various theories surrounding La Voiture Noire’s fate. He has his theories about it being loaned to race car driver Robert Benoist or perhaps even becoming a parts source for another Atlantic Coupe. However, he expresses skepticism regarding some of the more dramatic claims about a train incident.
Despite the ongoing search, a recent lead suggests that La Voiture Noire may have been sold to a Belgian in the 1950s. The individual connected to this lead asserts that the car bears the same chassis number, 57453, though the claims remain to be fully substantiated.
France has initiated a task force focused on locating lost Nazi plunder, including artifacts and treasures from the era. This new effort may potentially unearth La Voiture Noire, as its significance is deeply embedded in French automotive history.
If La Voiture Noire is ever rediscovered, it would not only represent one of the most expensive classic cars in existence but would also bring with it a captivating story of survival, secrecy, and history. Its journey remains a riveting mystery—whether captured by Nazis, smuggled away, or hidden away by Ettore himself. As Peter Mullin aptly puts it, "That’s what makes it a great mystery."
The search continues, and with it, a sense of adventure. The quest for La Voiture Noire is about more than just its monetary value; it’s a tale of intrigue that captures the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Until it is found, the hunt continues.
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