The Atlantic is as near to art as any car can be. Its beautiful body, derived from the 1935 Paris Motor Show Aerolithe show car (later destroyed), is as auction head David Gooding eloquently put it, ‘The perfect example of modernist sculpture – a car that appears to be in motion while at rest, a complete idea and 'pure' form. It is the automotive Mona Lisa.’

The Type 57SC Atlantic was built with an aluminium alloy body on the low, short Type 57S chassis, powered by the supercharged 57C engine, which produced 200bhp. It’s often referred to as the first ever supercar. Just three were built. Chassis number 57473 was hit by a train in 1955, the impact killing both
occupants, and was later controversially recreated around the remains.

The first Atlantic, 57374, may have been built using parts from the Aerolithe, and can be identified by its low-set headlamps. During the post-war years its owner modified many aspects of the car, even resizing the rear windows. It was restored back to original by the last owner Peter D Williamson, who bought it in 1971 for $ 59,000.

So we turn to the last Atlantic built, 57591. This is easily the most original of the three, and the best looking thanks to its more prominent headlights. Having been owned by author Barry Price for years, it is now part of Ralph Lauren’s superb collection. The designer bought the car in 1988 and had it carefully restored by Paul Russell & Co using as many original parts as possible.

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