According to Bugatti historian Pierre-Yves Laugier, this Type 57 was the second of seven examples of the famed Atalante, known in its early form—as here—as simply the Faux Cabriolet; it sported a fabric roof that opened all of the way to the rear of the car, similar to the top of a Citröen 2CV.

Built in June of 1935, it was registered 8 June 1935 to a Lucien Blanc of Agen, who registered it there as 2049 JV 2.

Mr.

Blanc was a known Bugatti client, having earlier acquired a Type 35.

In his ownership the Type 57 was photographed by Bugatti enthusiast Jim Byrom at Spanish Customs later in 1935.

About one year after his purchase, Mr.

Blanc sold the Type 57 to an unknown owner in Paris, who registered it there on 7 August 1936 as “6273 RK 5.” This owner kept the car for two years before selling it in September 1938 to Georges Pilon de Loynes of Nantes, where it was registered “9941 JH4.” Mr.

de Loyne, in turn, passed the Bugatti, still in its original colors and configuration, to Pie...