The fashion designer's Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe takes top prize at Italian auto show.
In addition to being one of the most successful and renowned fashion designers of all time, Ralph Lauren has one of the most valuable car collections on earth.
One of the jewels of this collection, a rarest-of-the-rare 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe valued at up to $40 million, stunned the Italian crowd last weekend at the 2013 Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, taking the Coppo d’Oro trophy as the best in show.
Based on the Aerolithe concept at the 1935 Paris Auto Show, Lauren’s Type 57 Atlantic Coupe is one of only four built and is the only one remaining in this condition with an unimpeachable pedigree. Accepting the Coppo d’Oro, Lauren noted that the 57 Atlantic had long been his favorite, even among the roughly six dozen historic cars in his collection.
"I acquired the car in 1988, and it has always been a favorite of mine," he said before receiving the award. "It has won many honors over the years, and I am proud to show it here."
Lauren also mentioned the accolades the Type 57 has garnered over the years, which include overall "best in show" nods at the 1999 Louis Vuitton Classic and the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The Pebble Beach award came after a full restoration by the team at Paul Russell and Co. in Essex, Mass. According to Russell, when the 57SC arrived at his shop, it had been repainted and maintained, but never fully restored. This allowed Russell and his crew a unique opportunity to bring the Bugatti back to original spec by following the original blueprints. That the results of Russell and Co.’s efforts is still winning awards as prestigious as the Coppo d’Oro 23 years after the restoration was completed is a testament not only to its fine work but to the pure beauty of Jean Bugatti’s vision of vehicles that melded performance and beauty.
If nothing else, the 1938 Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe is beautiful. Low-slung, with dramatically sweeping fender and roof lines, the 57SC is breathtaking from every angle. Even next to the amazing lineup of other Bugattis, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and other exotics in Lauren's collection, the 57SC Coupe stands out.
Estimates have this particular car valued somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 million, but the true measure of its worth is in awards like those received at Villa d’Este this year; the Bugatti also took the People’s Choice and Children’s Choice honors. Timeless styling that appeals to so many for so long is an achievement worthy of awe, and the Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe is an awesome car.
autos.msn.com
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