Ettore Bugatti's Masterpiece

Bugatti Type 37 at the Australian Grand Prix 1990 (Roderick Eime)

Ettore Bugatti had his own special brand of Gallic gall. Once, when asked what he thought of the ever-so-British Bentley, replied: 'It's the fastest truck in Europe. This from the man who built the many-litred Royale chassis, which coachbuilders turned into perambulating boudoirs tricked-out in silks, leathers and rare woods, or perhaps nineteen-odd feet of bad taste masquerading as a grand touring car.

But these were the excesses of a genius, and all the more excessive because of the nature of the man. His real forte was light and agile sports and racing cars that in the late 'twenties and 'thirties battled and often beat heavier and bigger-engined rivals.

His first car to score a big win was the 1.4-litre Type 13 which took second place in the 1911 French Grand Prix. The most successful racers were the Type 35 and its variants which had engines from 1.5 to 2.3 litres, blown and unblown. Their heyday was between 1925 and 1930. Next year the more powerful twin overhead cam Type 51 won at Monaco, Montlhery, Spa, Tunis, Morocco and Czechoslovakia. Over the next two years, it recorded similar successes until it was eclipsed by more powerful Alfa Romeos and Maseratis which, in turn, were put in the shade by the mighty Mercedes and Auto Unions of Germany.

Long after Bugatti died the factory designed and made the abortive Type 251 of 1956. The Molsheim factory, in Strasbourg, then went on with its other business making locomotives. Old Ettore was a bit unkind about the Bentley. . . .

- Bryan Hanrahan 1979

Bugatti Chiron

Facts about Bugatti cars

Bugatti is a renowned French luxury automobile brand that is celebrated for producing some of the most exclusive, high-performance, and expensive cars in the world. The brand was founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909 in Molsheim, Alsace, which was then a part of the German Empire. Throughout its history, Bugatti has consistently aimed to create automobiles that are not only engineering marvels but also artistic expressions of automotive design.

Key points about Bugatti cars:

Ettore Bugatti: Ettore Bugatti, an Italian-born French automobile designer, founded the company and was known for his obsession with detail, craftsmanship, and technical innovation.

Early Years: Bugatti gained recognition in the 1920s and 1930s for producing some of the most successful racing cars of the time. The Bugatti Type 35 is a notable example, often regarded as one of the most successful racing cars ever built.

Art and Engineering: Bugatti vehicles are known for their combination of performance and aesthetic beauty. Ettore Bugatti's belief in the fusion of art and engineering is reflected in the design of his cars, which often featured intricate details, handcrafted elements, and unique designs.

Historical Models: Some of Bugatti's most iconic historical models include the Bugatti Type 41 Royale, Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic, and Bugatti Type 55.

Resurgence: The brand experienced a revival in the 1990s when Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli purchased the Bugatti name. This led to the production of the Bugatti EB110, a limited-production supercar featuring advanced technology.

Volkswagen Group Era: In 1998, the Volkswagen Group acquired the Bugatti brand. This acquisition paved the way for the production of some of the most remarkable and extravagant hypercars the world has ever seen.

Modern Hypercars: Bugatti gained worldwide attention with its lineup of modern hypercars, including the Veyron and the Chiron. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport held the title of the world's fastest production car for a period, with a top speed of over 250 mph. The Bugatti Chiron took things even further, boasting incredible power, speed, and luxury.

Performance: Bugatti hypercars are known for their extreme performance figures. They typically feature massive engines with multiple turbochargers, producing well over 1,000 horsepower and reaching top speeds that push the boundaries of what's possible in a road-legal car.

Exclusivity: Bugatti cars are produced in extremely limited numbers, often with special editions and customization options that cater to the tastes of the world's most discerning and wealthy buyers.

Innovations: Bugatti's focus on innovation is evident in its engineering feats, such as developing advanced aerodynamics, high-performance braking systems, and cutting-edge materials to achieve remarkable performance and handling.

Record-Breaking: Bugatti is known for pursuing and setting records in the automotive world, especially in terms of speed. Their cars have consistently pushed the limits of what is achievable in terms of top speed and acceleration.

Artistic Design: Bugatti's modern cars continue to embody the brand's artistic heritage, featuring sleek and elegant designs that seamlessly blend form and function.

Limited Editions: Bugatti often releases special editions and one-off models that cater to collectors and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in exclusivity and luxury.

Future Outlook: As of  September 2021, Bugatti remains a part of the Volkswagen Group, but developments in the automotive industry can change rapidly. It's advisable to check the latest news for any updates on Bugatti's ownership or future plans.

In summary, Bugatti cars are renowned for their combination of engineering prowess, artistic design, and exclusivity. They represent the epitome of automotive luxury and performance, capturing the attention of enthusiasts, collectors, and speed aficionados around the world.