Editor: Jaap Horst
Built by John Mellberg
Here's a sample of images of my recently completed Bugatti Atlantic miniature. It's not scratch built, but rather, it's the disassembly of 2 different Bugatti T-57 models, made by 2 different manufacturers, and merging their elements to create an accurate scale model of one, that currently isn't available in 1:24th scale today. While on the surface, this sounds like a simple task, in reality, it was a trial-error process of fitting the full chassis, underpinnings/running gear, cockpit interior from one to the other, and it took 2 Atlantic model bodys to complete the task. 18 months of part-time modelwork produced this result. Rather than paint the model Bugatti's French Blue, I chose to create a 'faux' Electron/Magnesium finish to the model as was its 'prototype.' car, and 'clear coat' the body to preserve the fine brushed finish. The work while tedious, yielded satisfactory results producing a 'one of a kind' model of this Atlantic. There originally were 4 Atlantics, one prototype and 3 production variations there-of. One of the 3 production cars recently sold at 'auction' for $30 million dollars, the most expensive sale of a car to date. The 2, 1:24th scale models (both have identical wheelbase dimensions) used were:
Editor's comment: since John built this, a load of new Atlantic models came out in 1:18 scale (still no 1:24), which are more or less affordable. However, this project of mating the chassis of one Bugatti with the body of another, is a very nice venture, and one that is done on the real thing often as well!