The 1930s was a period when some of the most beautiful cars were made - gorgeous coupes like the Talbot-Lago, Delahaynes and the most famous Type 57 Bugatti Atlantics.
But all these cars, especially the Atlantics, drewn their design cues from a single mysterious Bugatti concept named the Aerolithe. At its time, the concept seemed to use space-age technology. Using a very light (but very flammable) magnesium body, with a long nose, sweeping curves and a central riveted spine, it had the looks of a leaping cat, appearing to be in motion even when still.
The Aerolithe made its sensational debut at the 1935 Earl’s Court Motor Show in UK, having a road test in 1936, but after that nobody heard anything about it. Probably it was destroyed for materials during the war.
A few years ago, the Guild of Automotive Restorers in Bradford, Ontario, decided to recreate the fabulous piece of automotive history. They had already a complete period Bugatti chassis with engine, remaining for them to make the body. That was a bit of a headache, because there were just a handful of black-and-white photographs and rough blueprints for reference.
After about five years or so and many trial and error attempts, the company managed to accurately recreate the Bugatti Aerolithe, and for now, we can enjoy the beautiful looks of the teardrop coupe in the montage bellow, courtesy of 4GuysinACar.
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