Italian model maker Marco Laviola has crafted a detailed 1:8 scale replica of Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, using 3D printing and genuine leather to honor the iconic classic car. The original vehicle, one of only four produced between 1936 and 1938, is celebrated for its Art Deco design and engineering prowess. Laviola's creation captures the essence of this rare automobile, which Ralph Lauren has personally modified.
The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic stands as a pinnacle of 20th-century automotive design, blending performance with Art Deco aesthetics. Produced in just four examples from 1936 to 1938, it features a 3.3-liter straight-eight engine boosted by a Roots-type supercharger to 210 horsepower, achieving a top speed of 125 mph. Its distinctive design includes a low-riding chassis and a riveted dorsal seam running from the split hood to the tail. One of these cars belongs to fashion designer Ralph Lauren, who has made unique interior and exterior modifications to his all-black example.
Marco Laviola, an Italian artisan with over 110,000 Instagram followers, specializes in large-scale models of historic vehicles. His replica of Lauren's Bugatti begins with 3D modeling software for precise proportions and details, followed by resin printing and handcrafted elements using metal, wood, plastic, and rubber. The interior boasts ultra-thin genuine leather upholstery on seats, door panels, and the center tunnel, while the bodywork employs metal molds and burl wood trim matching the original's tone. Laviola pays special attention to the engine bay, ensuring mechanical accuracy.
"The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic represents one of the absolute pinnacles of 20th-century automotive design," Laviola says. "It is not merely a rare car—it is a sculpture in motion. Its lines, the riveted dorsal seam, and its perfect proportions make it a timeless object. The model I created is a faithful replica of the example belonging to the private collection of Ralph Lauren."
Research involved online technical data, drawings, and archival images of Lauren's modified car, though documentation was scarce, posing challenges in achieving realism. Laviola chose the 1:8 scale for its balance of detail and visual impact, making it suitable for collectors. Priced around $10,000, each piece is unique and available through private negotiation.
Looking ahead, Laviola is developing a 1:8 scale Ferrari F40 replica using carbon-fiber, Kevlar, and anodized aluminum, guided by the late engineer Nicola Materazzi, the car's designer. This project will be a limited series, accompanied by a photographic booklet detailing its history and Laviola's connection to Materazzi.
