‘Driving an XK120 feels like tea with a time bomb. Civilised until you open the throttle.’
The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is automotive haute couture – all spine, shark fins and French arrogance.
The Jaguar XK120 Prototype? A gentleman’s cruise missile that whispered ‘cheerio’ as it broke speed records.
One costs £100 million. The other made Britain cool again.
Together? They prove cars aren’t transport.
They’re sculptures with a speedometer.
1930s: The French Go Full Mad Genius
Jean Bugatti, son of Ettore, designs the Type 57SC Atlantic – a rolling art deco fantasy on magnesium wheels.
Inspired by the Aérolithe concept, the body can’t be welded – hence the riveted spine, like a shark in a tuxedo.
Bugatti only made four. Two survive untouched.
One vanished. Possibly abducted by aliens or Nazis.
1948: Britain Wakes Up From the War With Style
Sir William Lyons unveils the Jaguar XK120′ Type 00 ‘Prototype – a one-off showcase for the new XK engine.
Everyone loses their minds. Jaguar caves and puts it into production.
Initially aluminium-bodied, the ’20’ wasn’t just pretty—it was the fastest production car in the world.
Beauty, Brains and a Bit of Madness
• The Atlantic is £100 million of don’t-touch-majesty.
• The Jaguar? £1 million-ish and still keen to nip your ankles on a B-road.
Summary:
‘Bugatti’s Atlantic was a fantasy. Jaguar’s XK120 was a promise. And both delivered, in utterly magnificent style.’
