In recent times, we have witnessed the birth of some brands that start their activity building cars based on the modern interpretation of the icons that inspired them. This is the case with Delahaye USA, with its Pacific.
The Delahaye USA Pacific is a beautiful and inspired tribute to the legendary Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the most beautiful cars of the 30's (perhaps ever…) with enviable performance and luxury.
Fruit of the vision of Jean Bugatti, son of founder Ettore Bugatti, the Type 57 appeared in 1934 and its bold aesthetic allowed it to maintain its commercial success until 1940. Of the Type 57SC Atlantic there are only 43 produced units.
One of them belongs to the famous stylist Ralph Lauren, known for having a very interesting collection of exotic cars. In his possession is a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic valued at $40 million, a unit that Delahaye USA used to build its perfected tribute to the modern age of such a machine.
According to Delahaye USA, the Pacific is not just a mere replica of the Type 57SC Atlantic as designers and artisans such as Erik Kouk, Jean De Dobbeleer, Crayville and others, respecting the original vision of Ettore Bugatti, limited themselves to improving and adapting one. product in itself superb.
And how does this post-modern construction of a classic model make everything different from just a replica?
Let's start with the chassis and bodywork, where the tubular steel chassis is 25.4cm larger than the original model, allowing for a more efficient use of interior space.
The bodywork also has an innovation. Unlike the steel used in the 1930s, the Pacific's bodywork is entirely in Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber, which allowed to reduce huge costs and make handling easier since it does not have the complexity of work that steel requires. However, the traditional panel joint rivets are recreated as they were in the original model.
For the propulsion of the Pacific, Delahaye USA sought the services of a 5-liter BMW V12 unit, coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
In the suspension, one might immediately think that the Pacific is equipped with the latest schemes, but don't be fooled. Delahaye USA went for the traditional option and the Pacific has leaf springs on 2 axles and a Ford rear axle that includes the differential.
Inside we have recreation in accordance with the base model, but with some innovations, such as power windows, servo assisted brakes, power steering and air conditioning. To give the final touch of refinement, all the interior upholstery comes from Mercedes-Benz.
Unfortunately, no details are known about the performance of this contemporary recreation. Delahaye USA offers two versions based on the Type 57SC Atlantic: the Bella Figura Coupé and the Pacific Fastback in kit form.
For all those who are fans of other models at the time, Delahaye also only offers the complete chassis, later requiring the implementation of a body to taste. Prices are only available on request, but it is certain that we will be talking about values lower than those calculated by Ralph Lauren's unit…
