Riveting Renaissance
The Atlanta Concours d’Elegance was hosted at a new venue for 2019 – the recently opened Tyler Perry Studios, built on the grounds that were formerly home to U.S. Army Base Fort McPherson. The event was hosted on the parade field among the old officers’ quarters, which provided a uniquely lovely backdrop, and this 1935 Bugatti Aerolithe was an absolutely magnificent centerpiece for the event’s fourth year running.
The Aerolithe prototype followed in the footsteps of Bugatti’s stunning Type 57 line and would go on to inspire the Atlantic Coupe. A standout feature of this coupe is its magnesium-aluminum alloy bodywork, a material adapted from the aviation industry, known as Elektron. This material boasted an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, but presented some challenges in construction, due to the difficulty of welding such an alloy. As a result, the Aerolithe, gained another iconic styling signature in the form of rivet-seamed body panels, and a striking dorsal fin that spans the roof to the rear end.
After a single appearance at the 1935 Earl’s Court Motor Show, this radical and remarkable concept coupe disappeared. There are no records which trace this car’s destiny; rumors have circulated that it was destroyed during World War II, stored in an undisclosed location and forgotten after the company’s founder Ettore Bugatti passed away. However it’s generally agreed upon that its body was scrapped for parts during the war, leaving only the original chassis and engine behind.
Every single panel, rivet, accent, and flourish on the Aerolithe is absolutely divine. No detail is left untouched – even the most raw and rudimentary mechanical components are crafted, finished, and polished to perfection, emphasizing this car’s character as art over machine. The engine, a 3.3L Straight-8, and one of the only original components of the Aerolithe, is a perfect example of the immense effort that went into this car. All parts feature intricate machining, ornate etchings, and truly baroque execution. I especially love the fuel filter, which features a glass catch can to monitor any sediment that gets pulled out of the car’s fuel system.
Such an iconic car couldn’t rightfully be written off to the pages of history, and thanks to Ontario’s World Monuments Fund, which acquired the chassis, this rolling work of art has been brought back to life. With only some scarce blueprints, nine black & white photos from its original debut, and a painting, the Guild of Automotive Restorers, a restoration company based in Bradford, Canada, underwent a five-year process to rebuild the Aerolithe to its exact, original specifications. The final product is every bit as breathtaking as I imagine the original was upon its debut.
As a recreation of a pre-war era design study, the Aerolithe is a dazzling thing to behold, though not a particularly enjoyable vehicle to drive. There was no reference point for the interior, so the dashboard was adapted from an older Bugatti design. Paired with cabin proportions that emphasized style over real-world function, the driving position can be challenging, especially considering the cockpit has no ventilation.
As is tradition, Bugatti’s “Macaron” emblem is made from 970 Sterling Silver and features hand-painted finishing. The subtle imperfections in the lines and spacing add a charming human element what is ultimately a mechanical object. Much like those whom we find ourselves drawn to, it is a beautiful irony that imperfection often emphasizes inherent perfection.
Groundbreaking styling, Elektron bodywork, and a powerful straight-8 engine were just a few of the innovations the Aerolithe was armed with. Other notable features include a gleaming nickel-plated grille with thermostatic shutters; vertical bars would open and close based on the cooling needs of the engine, or the aerodynamic needs demanded by driving conditions.
The beauty, craftsmanship, cultural significance and history of this car all represent the best of what Concours events have to offer. Atlanta is a new player in the Concours circuit, and while its presence may still be growing, the atmosphere of the event and the quality of vehicles on display certainly made this festival stand comfortably on its own.
Sources
– (https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2019/02/26/the-114-million-barn-find-that-has-yet-to-be-found)
– (https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/car-design/a28538878/bugatti-aerolithe-concept-replica/)
– (https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1124267_1935-bugatti-aerolithe-replica-is-authentic-right-down-to-the-magnesium-body) (https://www.topgear.com/car-news/classic/one-bugatti-worlds-finest-replica)
– (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSQG7GHTHDE)