It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that one of the most remarkable persons in the Bugatti world, Paul Kestler has passed away yesterday. As we have seen over the last few years, his health was declining, still he was present at the last Festival in September. He also received an honorary citizenship of the city of Molsheim at that occasion, at the respectable age of 92.

Paul Kestler was Co-founder of the Enthousiastes Bugatti Alsace and their annual Festival Bugatti, he was one of the leading organisers of the unforgettable Centenaire Bugatti, and of course wrote many books about the Marque.

Besides the "Evolution of a style" book, and the one on the Royale, quite recently (in 2019) a comic book with the Bugatti history (photo above shows Paul besides the almost ready pages) appeared, after a script written by Paul and Monique.

Paul will be much missed, and we wish his family, and especially his daughter Monique, a lot of strength with their loss. Next Festival will be very strange without him....

Those of you interested in miniature models, will know that no plastic model kit has appeared in the last decades. Especially those who started off their carreers as Bugattistes building plastic model kits, like me, know that there have been resin kits, or white metal kits, but no plastic model kits for the last many years. In the old days, there were several, for example the T35's from Monogram and Airfix, a T59 from Matchbox, of course the T50T from Heller, a Royale Weinberger from Lindberg (later Revell) and of course the two Royale's from the Italian Italeri.

Recently, an impressive kit was released by Italeri, in a large scale (only Pocher's T50T was bigger in it's 1:8 scale), and apparently quite detailed. It costs around 160 euro, serious money, but not too expensive.

Some info from Italeri:

• 100% New Moulds
• Steering wheels
• Highly detailed engine
• Rubber tires
• Photoetched parts
• Chromed parts
• Opening cowling
• Screws, tubes and artificial lather
• Decals for 2 version
• Colors Instructions Sheet

The Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most iconic and revered racing cars in motor racing history, both technically and competitively. Ettore Bugatti's masterpiece was a unique mix of engineering skill, design, elegance, speed and its relatively light weight.

Produced during the 1920s, it won an incredible number of races in both “road” and “on track” competitions. The Bugatti was in fact specifically designed for the world of racing, which included the introduction of technical and mechanical solutions for the car that made it ideal for the racing circuits of the period. Aesthetically, it was universally known and recognizable by the unmistakable shape of the horseshoe-shaped radiator which was a key design feature of Bugatti as a car manufacturer.

Due to its 2,263 cm3 8-cylinder engine with a four-speed mechanical gearbox and equipped with a volumetric compressor, the Bugatti Type 35B was able to attain a top speed of 210 km / h. It was produced in limited numbers until 1930.

More info

I have not seen anything like this before, Carlo Bugatti continues to amaze with unique and sometimes absurd designs, like this solid archimedean icohexahedron.

It is built up of hexagons and pentagons, and is of wooden structure, with parchment coverings and embossed copper elements, usual construction for Bugatti Sr. This special object is signed with dedication and was made in Italy around 1900, It measures 52 cm in all directions.

It was on auction in Italy by the auction house Cambi Casa D'Aste, and sold for 5000 euro. There were 8 more Bugatti items in the same auction, which are the regular Carlo Bugatti designs, chairs, tables, mirrors and other funiture.

More info

Santa Monica, Calif. (November 4, 2022)
Gooding & Company’s previously announced Geared Online Bugattiana Automobilia auction slated for November, consisting of over 350 items of historically significant Bugatti-themed memorabilia offered from one distinguished enthusiast and collector, has been canceled. Gooding & Company is pleased to announce that the entire catalogue was acquired from the seller by a prominent European collector who will continue to preserve and maintain these important Bugatti artifacts as one cohesive collection.
The confidential buyer has expressed his intent to make this remarkable collection available for future viewing by Bugatti enthusiasts, collectors, and historians.

Original announcement:
November 7 - 18, 2022 Gooding & Company geared online Auction

One of the World’s Most Significant Collections of Bugatti-Themed Automobilia Coming to Gooding & Company’s Geared Online Event this November

Bugattiana Automobilia features a private collection that includes factory records, personal and family documents, and other never-before-seen items from the influential Bugatti brand offered for public sale for the first time.

This November, global auction house Gooding & Company will present its Geared Online | Bugattiana Automobilia event, offering one of the world’s most significant collections of Bugatti-themed memorabilia from a distinguished Bugatti enthusiast and collector. From Monday, November 7 to Friday, November 18, the online-only auction will present over 350 lots, including a wide array of items such as factory records, personal documents from Ettore and Jean Bugatti, and other significant items which have never before been seen or offered for public sale. Significantly, all lots will be offered without reserve.

The entire catalogue hails from a collector who has owned numerous significant Bugatti automobiles and has been collecting since joining the Bugatti Owners’ Club as a teenager in the 1950s. For decades, the consignor has worked tirelessly to curate this historically important collection of Bugatti artifacts. One such effort included placing newspaper ads throughout the Alsace region of France, the very heart and soul of the Bugatti marque and legacy. This of course led the consignor to travel frequently to France, where he met firsthand with the people who responded to the ads in order to not only collect their memorabilia, but to also engage with their stories and personal experiences with the Bugatti marque and history. As such, the offerings in the auction encapsulate over an entire century’s worth of all things Bugatti, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for any enthusiast passionate about this iconic French marque.

“We are honored to present this magnificent collection of Bugattiana, which contains some of the finest, most significant Bugatti artifacts in private hands,” states Gooding & Company Senior Specialist, David Brynan. “This is truly a museum quality collection, carefully assembled and curated over a span of decades by one passionate Bugattiste. This is a singular opportunity to acquire important, never-before-seen pieces, many of which have well-established ties to the Bugatti family and legendary drivers of the period, such as René Dreyfus and Elizabeth Junek. Any enthusiast with an appreciation for the Bugatti marque will be amazed by the extraordinary contents of this world-class collection.”

The auction will present several items showcasing the best of Bugatti craftsmanship, including a Bugatti Type 75 You-You Boat from circa 1946. The Type 75 You-You boat was designed by Ettore Bugatti and built in his Maisons-Laffitte shipyard after World War II, but production soon halted with his death in 1947. It is likely that fewer than 30 were built in total, all in incomplete form, and only a handful of these exist today. The 3.3 meter You-You offered here, number 119, was in long-term ownership by two successive car collectors in France, explaining its remarkably original and fine condition. Also offered is a highly original 1933 Bugatti "Type 52" Baby that formerly belonged to Richard ‘Dick’ Teague, Vice President of Styling at American Motors. The exceptionally well-kept Type 52 comes with original tires, vintage children’s goggles, the original factory’s wiring diagram, and images of Dick Teague and his son with this Type 52. The auction will also include a Bugatti Type 41 Royale Engine, No. 22, one of the original engines intended for the run of 25 Royales that Ettore Bugatti had initially planned to build. This single ignition engine was used in a Bugatti Autorail, and later exhibited at the Musée Pichon in Cleres, France. An elegant Breguet Chronograph Commissioned by Ettore Bugatti for the Bugatti Royale is also on offer as one of only eight clocks planned for installation in the center of the Royale’s steering wheel. Calibrated with a tachymetric scale, this chronograph, number 2020, bears the inscription “Special pour Bugatti” on its face.

The collection also includes a number of personal and family items, such as the Motsch Fils Top Hat Owned by Ettore Bugatti with Original Box. The famous top hat features Ettore Bugatti’s initials inside the crown, and his name and address are included on the label of the hat box. Also offered are Original Handwritten Sections of Ettore Bugatti's Memoir, dated November 20, 1944, and February 24, 1945, respectively. These sections were both acquired from L’Ebé Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s daughter and eldest child. Gooding & Company is also proud to offer Ettore Bugatti’s Original Baptism Document, acquired by the consignor from his daughter, as well as several versions of the Contract between Ettore Bugatti and the Deutz Company of Cologne granting the company a license to build a chassis designed by Bugatti, dated 1907-1909. This set of documents was acquired from the Roland Bugatti estate sale. Another notable highlight is the Group of Six Photographs that Once Hung in Ettore Bugatti’s Molsheim Villa, several of which are inscribed by Bugatti’s noble clients such as the Duke of Bavaria, King Leopold of Belgium, and Prince William of Sweden.

Bugatti’s highly influential role in the world of racing and motor sports will also be represented in the sale, such as with the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner's Trophy and the 1928 ACF Grand Prix Trophy. The latter was awarded by the Automobile Club de France and is an Art Deco design in solid silver by Robert Linzeler. The collection also includes a 1930 Monaco Grand Prix Photo Album given to drivers; the race was won by René Dreyfus and the copy presented here was his personal property. Also offered is Elizabeth Junek's Comprehensive Album featuring mementos of her triumphal 1928 Targa Florio race with detailed annotated maps that she drew of the course, along with annotated aerial images. Junek’s album includes photographs with Ettore Bugatti, signed or inscribed photos of drivers, including Achille Varzi and Juan Manuel Fangio, as well as a signed card from Ferrari. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the Comprehensive Files of Bugatti Design Engineer Antonio Pichetto covering road and race cars built during the 1930s. These files consist of notes, drawings, and blueprints for road cars, including the Type 57, 57S, 57C, and 46, as well as race cars, including the 51, 57G, and 59.

In addition to these exceptionally historic and significant memorabilia items, the auction will also include a selection of original Bugatti lithographic posters which were exhibited at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. Also presented is a robust selection of period Bugatti toys, largely originating from the 1930s. An extensive collection of Bugatti books, factory sales literature, parts, and photographs are also included in this once-in-a-lifetime offering.

Following the launch of the online catalogue on Monday, October 24, all lots will be available for online bidding via Gooding & Company’s website or mobile app starting Monday, November 7.

RM Sotheby's Auction, Marlborough House, London, November 5, 2022

• 1993 Bugatti EB110 GT, Chassis No. ZA9AB01E0PCD39040, Engine No. 00036: Sold at £1,411,250
• 1996 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport, Chassis No. ZA9BB02E0RCD39027, Engine No. 0138: Not sold
• 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, Chassis No. VF9SW3V33NM795018: Sold at £4,195,625

Bugatti Type 35B at the Salon du Chocolat

My friend Dominique Mathern from Straatsburg was at the Salon du Chocolat this past weekend, and was surprised to see this Bugatti there, made of 380kg of Chocolate!

The Bugatti was made by Maitre Chocolatier and Sculptor Jean-Luc Decluzeau, he needed 400 hours to make it, at 2.8 meters long and 1.1 meters wide, it is in 3/4 scale.

The 27th Salon du Chocolat is the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa, and takes place from October 28 to November 1, 2022.

During 5 days at the Porte de Versailles, there are spectacular (fashion) shows, live demonstrations, fun animations and prestigious competitions.

Henderson Auctions, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL, USA, October 29, 2022

• 1927 Bugatti T40A Grand Sport, Chassis 40575: Sold at €450,000
• 1937 Bugatti T57C Van Vooren Cabriolet, Chassis 57742: Sold at $710,000

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio, Chassis 57395: Sold at €346,000

For years a collection of the most extraordinary unrestored Bugatti cars has sat, meticulously cared for and researched, in a sprawling house in Switzerland. But now this collection, lovingly built up over decades by Hans Matti, has found a new custodian, and the cars’ first journey under their new ownership took them to Château Saint Jean in Molsheim – the home of Bugatti Automobiles.

To have these cars returning ‘home’, just a stone’s throw from where they were originally created is a fitting beginning for the latest chapter in these cars’ lives. Hans Matti dedicated his life to building this collection, gathering original photographs, magazine features, books and factory communications relating to them. He hadn’t just collected the cars, but he had completely researched their stories. As the Registrar of the Bugatti Club Suisse, he is one of the most knowledgeable experts in the world on Bugatti Grand Prix cars.

Among the extraordinary collection is Bugatti Type 51, thought to be one of the most original in existence, a remarkably preserved Type 37A, a short chassis Type 49 Faux cabriolet with Jean Bugatti coachwork - the only remaining example in the world, a Type 35B and a Type 35A fitted with the only existing Type 36 engine, gearbox and rear axle to have survived. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime collection that Hans Matti was understandably reluctant to part with. Discussions to acquire the collection had been underway for two-and-a-half years and even Caroline Bugatti - granddaughter of Ettore Bugatti had been involved in the negotiations.

The Type 51 – a dedicated factory Grand Prix racing machine – has never been restored or repainted, bearing the marks of nine decades of motorsport and enjoyment. The original craftsmanship of Ettore Bugatti’s team is on display and each chapter of its life is worn with pride. The Type 49, meanwhile, was the personal car of Jean Bugatti himself, with the initials ‘JB’ on the doors. It’s extremely rare to have a Type 49 with a body designed and built by the Bugatti factory, as this example does, and no other Type 49 in existence wears the unique Faux Cabriolet body. More incredible still, this Type 51 and Type 49 shared a transporter during their delivery to their respective first private customers. To have them reunited is the closing of a circle that started all the way back in the 1930s.

The Type 51 in the collection began life as one of the last Type 35Bs to ever be built, a factory Grand Prix racer, driven in period by Louis Chiron, who gave his name to Bugatti’s latest hyper sports car. As Bugatti looked to evolve the Type 35 – renowned as the most successful racing car of all time – it developed a new advanced twin-cam engine and a new car which it would power: the Type 51. This new powertrain was swapped into this car, at which point it became one of the very first Type 51s, fitted with engine number 1 and raced by Achille Varzi and other contemporary motorsport heroes. Varzi is revered to this day at Bugatti; to celebrate 100 years of the brand a special Centenaire Edition Veyron ‘Achille Varzi’ was revealed. With appearances at races in Monaco, Monza, at the Targa Florio and more, this car has incredible racing pedigree. In another important connection, the factory Grand Prix engine that was originally in this car as a Type 35B was swapped into another Type 35B in this collection by the factory, before later being sold as a new car.

One of the stand-out circuits of the early racing era was the Montlhéry track in France, renowned for its high-speed banking but also for its extraordinarily bumpy surface. Bugatti’s meticulously detailed approach to engineering saw them develop a new model to race at Montlhéry: the Type 36. Featuring a rigid rear axle, it would better handle the demanding conditions of this unique circuit. Two variants were built, the later model with a supercharger, becoming what many believe to be the first ever supercharged Bugatti. But their racing careers were short-lived and the only two Type 36 cars built were destroyed. All that remained was the engine, gearbox and rear axle of one of them, which now uniquely reside within a Type 35A body housed in this collection. Once more, it is another one-off piece of Bugatti history.

Completing the five Bugatti cars in the collection is a Type 37A, one of a long lineage of supercharged Bugatti cars that arguably began with the Type 36. It is again preserved in fully original condition with matching numbers – each era of its ownership and extensive racing history has been meticulously traced right back to its first owner in 1929 and it continues to race to this day. The Type 37 was considered a Voiturette class winning car by many of its drivers, but with the addition of a supercharger – becoming the Type 37A – its powerful four-cylinder engine became capable of propelling the car to more than 120mph (193kph), up from 90mph (144kph). Only 76 were supercharged by Bugatti, and they went on to race at Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and more.

This unique collection of cars now embarks on its third era; their first being when they were sold new and their second under the meticulous care of Hans Matti. Now, they will be kept in their original, unrestored condition, preserved as the important artefacts of Bugatti history that they are. And as they gathered at the Château Saint Jean – a place bought by Ettore Bugatti to entertain his customers, and still a core part of the Bugatti legend – it almost felt as though the cars had never left. A sense of history surrounds the Château, brimming with nearly a century of Bugatti heritage.

Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, said: “We are a brand that constantly looks to the genius of our founder for inspiration. For Ettore, the most important aspect of a Bugatti was that it be incomparable. It should be in a class of its own. Arguably nothing brings us closer to vision of Ettore than seeing his creations in the condition they left the factory in; the original rivets, paint, and, in particular, the meticulous engineering that came to define his cars and ultimately his success. This collection of cars and the stories that have been gathered around them are absolutely priceless, and we’re honored to have been able to welcome them to home of Bugatti Automobiles. As we look to a new era of Bugatti, it’s pioneering models like these that will be our inspiration.”

Thanks to Rock N Roll Classics and the owner of the cars for bringing together these important artefacts of Bugatti history in Molsheim.

Artcurial Auction, Automobiles sur les Champs, October 16, 2022

• C. 1990 Bugatti Type 35B Pur Sang Replica, Chassis "4874" Estimate €250,000 - €350,000: Sold at €327,800 inc. premium

This year no Bugattis nominated as "Car of the Year", though there are two Bugatti related finalists, in two different Categories.

• Category "Club of the year" finalist: Bugatti Owners Club
• Category "Personal Achievement" finalist: Angela Hucke (Bugatti Trust)

We congratulate the finalist, and of course hope they will each win their category!

The Bugatti Trust already won the Historic Motoring Award in the categories Museum of the year and Car of the year, in 2019!

The star-studded Historic Motoring Awards 2022 ceremony will take place on Wednesday 16 November at a spectacular new venue, The Londoner in the heart of the capital’s West End. The finalists for each category have been announced, and the winners will be presented at the Awards in November.

Top picture: The Bugatti Owners Club and the Bugatti Trust both present at Ivan Dutton's stand at Retromobile, 2019.

More info and voting, in some of the categories only....

Bonhams Auction, The Zoute Sale Belgium, October 9, 2022

• 1924 Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo by Carrocerias Casimiro Sola, Barcelona, Chassis 4224, Engine 233. Estimate €320,000 - €380,000: Sold at €345,000 inc. premium

RM Sotheby's auction, the Gene Ponder collection, September 22 - 24, 2022

• 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic Replica by Erik Koux, Chassis No. 57654: Sold at $1,155,000 USD
• "1932" Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Roadster Replica by Pur Sang, Chassis No. "55227": Sold at $385,000 USD
• "1930" Bugatti Type 35B Replica by Pur Sang, Engine No. 397BO, Chassis No. 397: Sold at $220,000 USD
• "1936" Bugatti Type 57G 'Tank' Tribute, On 1953 Jaguar Chassis: Sold at $159,500 USD
• 1957 Bugatti Type 252 Tribute, On 1952 Jaguar Chassis (LHD!): Sold at $253,000 USD

Baby Bugatti and automobilia-results

During the annual Bugatti Festival last weekend in Molsheim Paul Kestler, now 92 years old, was awarded Honorary Citizen of Molsheim in the presence of Michel Bugatti and many friends of Paul and la marque.

Paul Kestler has researched the evolution of coachwork style of Bugatti, is a Co-founder of the Enthousiastes Bugatti Alsace and their annual Festival Bugatti and was one of the leading organisers of the unforgettable Centenaire Bugatti.

Besides the "Evolution of a style" book, and the one on the Royale, quite recently (in 2019) a comic book with the Bugatti history (also in English) appeared, after a script written by Paul and Monique.

May he have many more years surrounded by his supporting family, especially his daughter Monique.

During the annual Bugatti Festival last weekend in Molsheim, as always awards were given for the most special, most beautiful and other cars. The winners were:

• Grand Prix EBA: Guilain Benard (F) with his Type 57C Cabriolet Corsica (57485)
• Trophée Fondation Bugatti: Ladislav Novak (CZ) with his Type 46 "Petite Royale" Cabriolet (after an original by Gangloff, 46393) Photo on the right
• Trophée Lalique: Michel Perridon (NL) with his Type 57C Stelvio Gangloff (57834) Photo below
• There are many more trophy's, also one for each new participant with a Bugatti. More info on the trophees.

During the morning, the cars were displayed for adoring Bugatti enthusiasts from near and far to admire. Local Molsheim residents also enjoyed a closer glimpse of the Bugattis. In the afternoon, the cars were paraded through the streets of Molsheim, before halting to be judged by a panel of experts that included Christophe Piochon. The judges meticulously examined each car, searching for a Bugatti truly worthy of the Coupe Bugatti Automobiles. After much soul searching, the trophy was finally awarded to a Type 57C Cabriolet Corsica.

Other awards, including the Trophée Fondation Bugatti were also presented. This year's winner was a Type 46 Petite Royale' by Gangloff, which received the intricate trophy, itself built from the same materials used to create Bugatti cars, and crowned by a piece of Lalique crystal.

Below, two more photographs of Michel Perridon in his prize-winning Stelvio, in the one on the right he is being congratulated by your webmaster

Worldwide Auctioneers, the Auburn auction Auburn, USA, September 1-3, 2022

• 1925 Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix, Chassis No: 4631: Not Sold (maximum bid $1,200,000)

Gooding & Co. London auction UK, September 3, 2022

• 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Cabriolet, Chassis no. 55230, Estimate £3,750,000 - £4,750,000: sold at £2,925,000
• 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Ventoux, Chassis no. 57506: Not Sold, now asking price: £750,000

Jaap Braam Ruben of FineAutomobiles and his Bugatti T57C Stelvio Gangloff special cabriolet has won Best of show and Junior Jury award at the Royal palace Soestdijk Concours d’Elegance on August 28, 2022.

The corona setbacks that drove the organizers of the Concours d' d'Elegance to despair over the past two years were completely forgotten during the largest classic car event in the Netherlands last weekend. The beautiful summer weather attracted thousands of visitors to the temporary open-air museum around the former Royal Palace of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard. The palace gardens were more than lavishly filled with the most beautiful cars from the past, the present and the future, the central theme of this 2022 edition, which can also be seen as a prelude to the future.

The grandeur of the entourage, the multitude of special cars on display and the enthusiastic response from both spectators and participants emphasized the potential to become a top event on the international calendar in the coming years. In total, there were 6 Bugatti's entered.

At Bugatti, they work night and day to develop a brand new model that will take over from the Bugatti Chiron. So far, the Alsace-based manufacturer has not revealed any information about its new product. Autocar's English journalists still managed to get an interview with its creators who briefly discussed its design.

New design, new engine
This Bugatti will be, as mentioned by Mate Rimac, highly electrified. All indicators show that it will have a smaller engine than the 8.0 liter W16. It will be supported by several electric motors to develop a generous supply of power. After all, the Mercedes-AMG One is equipped with a 1063 hp V6 hybrid. The Aston Martin Valkyrie, another hybrid hypercar, produces up to 1155 hp

The descendant of the Bugatti Chiron will have a "different" design, "more athletic", and will be "more amazing" than the Mistral unveiled at Monterey Car Week.

"It will be amazing, proportionally, technologically, in terms of innovation, in terms of the unexpected. People will be amazed by it, and it's a real joy to work on this project," said Frank Heyl, director Bugatti design assistant

A less divisive interior
If the exterior should change significantly compared to the latest Bugatti presented, the interior will not be completely new or different. Aldo Maria Sica, interior designer at Bugatti, explained that the interior "will not undergo a radical redesign, but will remain close to what the company offers".

The development of this new model would already be finished. According to rumors, Bugatti is already showing it to its customers in order to sell all or part of the stock before its presentation to the public scheduled for 2024. The Bugatti Chiron is produced in 500 copies, and it has lasted several years before the hypercar went out of stock.

The new Bugatti could follow in the footsteps of its elder, it will undoubtedly be sold for several million euros. As a reminder, the Bugatti Mistral was sold at 5 million euros per unit.

Top Photo: the elephant inside the gear lever of the Mistral

Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach auction, August 20 - 21, 2022

• 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix, Chassis no. 51154, Estimate: $2,750,000 - $3,250,000, not sold, asking price $2,400,000
• 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Ventoux, Chassis 57517, Engine 7C, Estimate: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000, sold for $940,000 Incl. premium
• 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante, Chassis 57523, Engine 23S, Estimate: $10,000,000 - $12,000,000, sold for $10,345,000 Incl. premium
• 1994 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport, Chassis ZA9BB02E0RCD39012, Engine 086, Estimate: $3,000,000 - $3,500,000, sold for $3,167,500 Incl. premium

That Bugatti recently published a series of photographs of the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, a special model which was presented in October 1934 at the Paris Salon should have given us a clue...

This is What Bugatti says about the new "ultimate roadster". Meanwhile however, Mate Rimac says it will be the last car with the 8-litre VVR16 engine.

Ever since the Veyron was introduced in 2005, the W16 engine has been the beating heart of every Bugatti. The roadgoing car that brings the W16 era to an end was always destined to be special: exclusive, elegant and powerful. It must be the very best of its kind. This is W16 Mistral: the ultimate roadster.

Mate Rimac, Bugatti Rimac CEO, said: “For the final roadgoing appearance of Bugatti’s legendary W16 engine, we knew we had to create a roadster. Well over 40% of all Bugatti vehicles ever created have been open-top in design, establishing a long lineage of performance icons that – to this day – are revered the world over. In the Chiron era there had, to-date, been no roadster, so the introduction of W16 Mistral continues this legacy, driven by enormous demand from our clients for an all-new way to experience the mighty performance of our iconic engine. The W16 Mistral opens the next chapter in the Bugatti roadster story, inspired by over a century of open top legends.”

For a car as evocative and important as this, great consideration went into the badge it should wear. Far more than simply a development of the Chiron, the roadster needed a name associated with freedom, elegance and speed. Inspiration came from the mistral, a powerful wind that blows from the Rhône River valley, through the chic towns of the Côte d’Azur in southern France and into the Mediterranean. And with the engine so central to this roadster’s character, it stands side-by-side with this mighty wind: W16 Mistral.

Built around the definitive 1,600 PS incarnation of the W16 engine, first used in the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the W16 Mistral offers performance unlike any open top car that has gone before. In its design and engineering it is completely bespoke; the existing monocoque is not simply cut off above the A-pillars to make way for the new open-top design but has been reengineered and reshaped to create a more rounded silhouette without compromising performance.

Achim Anscheidt, Bugatti Design Director, said: “We know the W16 Mistral will always have significance in the story of Bugatti, marking the last time that perhaps the greatest ever automotive powertrain is used in a roadgoing production car. We, as a design team, felt enormous pressure to deliver styling that immediately conveyed this landmark moment, drawing inspiration from some of the most beautiful roadsters in Bugatti history.”

Their muse would be the 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, a sporting roadster that represents the pinnacle of elegant design. Marked out by its dual aerodynamic headrests, flowing backwards into the bodywork, and a cut down V-shaped windscreen, this particular Grand Raid – on display at the Louwman Museum in Den Haag – is effortlessly sophisticated with an understated sportiness. Finished in a duo-tone black and yellow livery, it would provide the perfect inspiration for this watershed moment in the Bugatti story.

The W16 Mistral debuts in colors inspired by the Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid; a warm black with hints of truffle brown and subtle yellow accents throughout. Not only is it an homage to the iconic coachbuilt body, but also to Ettore Bugatti, who chose the black and yellow combination for many of his personal cars, including his Type 41 Royale. To enthusiasts of the brand, it is a timeless visual pairing.

The W16 Mistral captures the essence of the Grand Raid’s V-shaped windscreen and evolves it into a modern-day work of art. A curving windscreen that seemingly wraps around the A-pillars, blending seamlessly into the side windows and creating a ‘visor’ effect that hints at the motorsport levels of performance W16 Mistral offers. The windscreen itself is a marvel of engineering, curved just enough to create the rounded visor design, without distorting the driver’s vision.

The top line of the windscreen and side windows flows purposefully around the side air intakes. This character line then flows back underneath the side glass to shoot through all the way to the front horseshoe grill creating a new three-dimensional character for the famous Bugatti C-line introduced on Chiron. To keep the body side section slim, but also allow for optimum airflow to the W16, the oil cooler intakes on the side were deliberately separated from the engine air intakes, which now sit on the roof, just behind the occupants. The two-new roof-mounted engine air scoops are a nod to the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, as well as the first open top Bugatti of the modern era: the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Tighter, more powerful and appearing to leap forwards, W16 Mistral exhibits an entirely different character.

Anscheidt continues: “To reflect the W16 Mistral’s new character, we also totally reinvented its frontal appearance, in line with the vertical layout of our unique or few-off models like Divo and La Voiture Noire. It’s immediately imbued with a sense of exclusivity; the vertically stacked headlights are completely bespoke and the famous horseshoe grille is reimagined to be much more three-dimensional; both deeper and wider. At the rear, we challenged ourselves to create a striking but also more elegant iteration of Bolide’s X-theme taillight motif, which forever left its mark on the world of automotive design.”

To design a car like the W16 Mistral requires careful practice of Bugatti’s ‘Form Follows Performance’ design mantra, with each component penned not just to set new standards for beauty, but to also play a role in achieving completely new levels of performance.

Frank Heyl, Bugatti Deputy Design Director, said: “The headlights themselves are intricately shaped, incorporating a four-light signature that subtly nods to the W16 Mistral’s four-wheel-drive and four turbochargers. But their three-dimensional surface also functions as an aerodynamic aid that funnels air through the light and out through the wheel arch to improve aerodynamic drag. The wider horseshoe grille allows the high temperature engine radiator to be fully fed purely from one intake, leaving the two side intakes to focus only on providing air to the intercoolers.

“The X-taillight, meanwhile, serves the function of venting the side oil coolers through ducts connecting the triangular negative space in between the X beams to the side radiators. Therefore, a pressure drop is created between the side intakes and the outlets at the back of the W16 Mistral which helps to manage the mid-temperature cooling circuit of the mighty W16 most effectively.”

But the functional design highlights don’t end there. The new ram induction air scoops behind the headrests were developed from the very beginning with stringent rollover tests in mind, so each is made from a bespoke carbon fiber structure that can support the whole weight of the car in case of a roll over. This new intake layout also enriches the driver’s W16 experience, emphasizing the orchestra between the low down, mighty, rumbling 8-liter displacement intake noise at throttle on and the blow off valve whistle from the four turbo chargers at throttle lift. It is an unmatched aural sensation in the automotive world.

To develop incomparable levels of elegance and excitement, the W16 Mistral features the very latest engineering innovations. Bugatti's advanced composite materials are paired with cutting-edge titanium and aluminum 3D-printing to ensure striking design, ultimate performance and robust reliability. A detailed analysis of the W16 Mistral's dynamic stiffness allowed engineers to develop lightweight solutions that would ensure optimum handling and performance under the most extreme conditions.

The W16 Mistral’s interior takes its lead from Chiron, carefully honed to deliver an experience that’s both elegant and luxurious, but also functional enough to ensure all information is easily visible at up to 420 km/h. The dedication to material quality remains a hallmark of Bugatti design; advanced, lightweight titanium, aluminum components milled from a solid block and soft, blemish-free leathers. But in this swansong to the W16, there are also brand new design flourishes.

There is an intricate woven leather used on newly designed door panels, meticulously tested and produced to Bugatti quality standards with a vision of regular use over a hundred years into the future. And in a nod to the W16 Mistral’s illustrious forebears, the gear shifter – machined from a solid block of aluminum – features a touch of wood and an amber insert with Rembrandt Bugatti’s famous ‘dancing elephant’ sculpture locked within. Iterations of this sculpture adorned the bonnet of the legendary Type 41 Royale; the most luxurious roadster ever created.

Underneath the gargantuan side opening hood of the Royale was an ambitious 12.7-liter straight-eight engine, the likes of which the world had never seen before. And the W16 Mistral’s engine is equally ambitious – the only W16 powertrain in automotive use today.

When Bugatti’s last roadster, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse set a world speed record of 254.04 mph (408.84 km/h) in 2013, its 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 had 1,200 PS. The W16 Mistral has 1,600 PS, making use of the same power unit that propelled the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to a world-record-breaking speed of 304.773 mph in 2019. There can only be one goal in mind: to become the fastest roadster in the world once more.

Mate Rimac, Bugatti Rimac CEO, said: “The union of a roadster format and our W16 powertrain is absolute perfection. With the roof removed, and a pair of large air intakes directly behind your head feeding around 70,000 liters of air through the engine every minute at full bore, driving the W16 Mistral connects you to the intricate workings of this revolutionary powertrain like no other Bugatti to date.

“What we also continue with W16 Mistral is a legacy of Bugatti roadsters, each of them incomparable in design, performance and rarity, which stretches right back to the genesis of Bugatti. The Type 40, Type 41 Royale, Type 55 Roadster, Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid that inspired this car, or even the incredible elegance of the Type 57SC Corsica Roadster – Bugatti has always been associated with the purity of open top driving. So even though the legacy of the roadgoing W16 ends with the W16 Mistral, we continue the legacy of the roadster, first established by Ettore Bugatti more than a century ago.”

Only 99 examples of the W16 Mistral will be built, priced at 5 million euros net, with deliveries due to begin in 2024. The entire production run of W16 Mistral is already sold out.

So... do I like it? Not really actually. The nose is ugly in my opinion, with the "air intake" far too wide to qualify it as a Bugatti. And those headlights... Sorry, not attractive at all.

The only view that this Mistral is somewhat nice is in the side view, but then it is not really different from many supercar roadsters....

Below: more photographs of the Mistral and the presentation, with Mate Rimac and his spouse Katarina Lovric, on August 19.

Bonhams' Quail Lodge auction, USA, August 19, 2022

• 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Gangloff Chassis no. 57767, Estimate $2,800,000 - $3,400,000, Not sold
• 1947 Bugatti Type 73C Grand Prix Monoposto Chassis no. 73002 Engine no. 2, Sold for $511,000 inc. premium

RM-Sotheby's Monterey Auction California, USA, August 19-20, 2022
Prices including premium

• 1913 Bugatti Type 15 Tourer by Chauvet, Chassis no. 580, sold for $335,000
• 1925 Bugatti Type 30 Tourer, Chassis No. 4725, Offered Without Reserve, sold for $263,200
• 1928 Bugatti Type 43A Roadster by Lavocat et Marsaud, Chassis No. 43233, Engine No. 62, Not sold
• 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster in the style of Jean Bugatti, Chassis No. 55219, Engine No. 11, Not sold
• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio, Chassis No. 57406, Engine No. 286, Gearbox No. 68C, sold for $681,500
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57S Roadster in the style of Corsica, Chassis No. 57601, sold for $1,105,000
• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet in the Style of Gangloff, Chassis No. 57668 (57263), sold for $500,000
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff, Chassis No. 57769, sold for $577,000
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Special Cabriolet by Gangloff, Chassis No. 57798, Engine No. 431, sold for $1,545,000
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet in the style of Corsica, Chassis No. 57838, Engine No. 105C, sold for $527,500

The above teaser was recently released, showing not much more than a headlight, consisting of vertical stripes of light.

Together with this the date 19 August 2022, a time, and the location: The Quail, a motorsports gathering.

What it will be? Maybe just a new version of the Chiron? A hybrid? Or something completely different like a saloon?.....
Just be patient for a few more days.

Now that Bugatti is partly in the hands of the electric automobile specialist Rimac, it is an open secret that the successor to the Chiron, well, will be electric. With a new video, Bugatti seems to be officially announcing the end of its mythical 8-litre quad-turbo W16 that has broken record after record since 2005.

Will Bugatti retire her W16 without one last swan song? The chance seems small to us. Which makes us secretly assume that Bugatti will make another crazy creation with that gigantic engine in the back. Perhaps a vehicle that can break the mythical limit of 500 km/h? Because with the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the French brand previously managed to reach 490,484 km/h. Ten extra km, it would make a great parting gift for the 8-litre W16. Anyway, the end is in sight.

At Bugatti, they also realize that the end is near. Which makes it seem that they have already started a farewell round. Not difficult, if you know that Bugatti was the only brand in the world to ever put a W16 into series production. The French brand now shows in a delightful short video how that feat is put together. Definitely worth watching!

Apparently, the last of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ cars were delivered, a car that reached a record speed just short of 500 kmh, at 300 mph, with Andy Wallace at the wheel.

Catawiki Auction, Internet - Italy, July 17, 2022

• 1929, Bugatti Type 44 Torpedo by Ghia, Chassisnumber 44477, Estimate €880.000 - €970.000, Maximum bid € 505.000 (without premium), Not Sold

Catawiki Auction, Internet - Belgium, July 17, 2022

• "1927" Pur Sang Bugatti T35B, Estimate € 250,000 - € 280,000, Sold for € 272.500 including premium

Proxibid / Henderson Auction, USA, June 25, 2022

• 1939 Bugatti T57C Gangloff Coupé, 57524, Sold for $1,000,000

Aguttes Auction, France, June 26, 2022

• "1926" Bugatti Type 35A Replica, Estimate: 280,000 - 380,000 EUR: Not sold

Bugatti honors Ettore's daughter with a special edition

Bugatti pays homage to Ettore Bugatti’s daughter, L’Ébé, with final spectacular units of the Chiron and Chiron Sport for Europe, finished with unique Art Deco style details.

L'Ébé Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti's daughter and eldest child, was very close to him, like a soul mate. Bugatti is now honoring L'Ébé with a very special small series of three cars. For the final delivery of the Chiron and Chiron Sport in Europe, Bugatti's designers developed a Chiron and two Chiron Sport with the name L'Ébé. All three hand-crafted hyper sports cars are bearing unique details in the Art Deco style.

As the eldest child of Ettore and Barbara Bugatti, L'Ébé, born in 1903, had more insight into the extraordinary rise of Bugatti than anyone else. Ettore even chose to hide his own initials “EB” in her first name, so L'Ébé would not have to forgo the Bugatti surname even after marriage (Another more romantic possible thought behind l'Ébé's name is that it reflects the union of her two parents, Ettore - Barbara. Ed). In her later book “The Story of Bugatti”, a biography of Ettore, she gave invaluable details into the history of the brand and her father himself.

Now, L’Ébé herself also becomes an important part of Bugatti history. The Chiron and Chiron Sport L’Ébé draw inspiration from her love of Art Deco style. Chiron’s character lines are mostly echoed in the famous Bugatti Type 57 G Tank that won Le Mans in 1937 – here on the L’Ébé those lines are accented in gold, shimmering against the exposed blue-tinted carbon body. Gold highlights also adorn the “EB” badging, the famous horseshoe grille and parts of the 8.0-liter W16 engine cover. Even the wheels come with an understated gold tint.

L’Ébé’s signature logo hides subtly on the underside of the retractable rear spoiler, as well as on the treadplates and hand-stitched into the headrests of the seats. The cabin subtly mirrors the exterior, with exposed blue-tinted carbon visible throughout and a light versus dark theme, hinting at L’Ébé’s dark blue body and gold highlights. The door panel on the driver’s side is finished predominantly in “Silk” leather with “Lake Blue” highlights. The passenger’s, meanwhile, reverses the colour scheme. Each door panel features a motif of the visual evolution of Bugatti’s most iconic cars, from early Grand Prix racers through to EB110, Veyron and Chiron. L’Ébé’s numerous bespoke touches perfectly showcase Bugatti’s limitless creativity and craftsmanship when it comes to exclusive tailor-made projects.

Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, said: “L’Ébé Bugatti’s biography of her father consists of numerous diary entries by Ettore himself, letters from his early employees, customers, business partners and her own experiences. It helps a lot to understand Ettore’s personality, his goals and the appreciation everyone had for him and his products. With this knowledge we could transmit the Bugatti DNA into the present time maintaining the essence, grade of perfection and quality standards up to this very day. Through this unique configuration and use of her name for the final Chiron and Chiron Sport, we wanted to honor her with the status she deserves in our brand’s history.”

The Bugatti Chiron, introduced to the world in 2016, was the first production car to deliver 1,500 PS of power, creating an entirely new sector of hyper sports car performance. Its 8.0-liter W16 quad-turbocharged engine, advanced four-wheel-drive system and lightweight chassis set new standards not just for acceleration, top speed and handling but also for comfort, usability and reliability.

It has since become the template for a number of different evolutions of the Bugatti hyper sports car, including Chiron Sport, Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron Super Sport. The three exclusive Bugatti Chiron L’Ébé mark the end of Chiron and Chiron Sport in Europe. The Chiron L’Ébé and a Chiron L’Ébé Sport have already been delivered and the third model will be delivered by the end of the month.

During the coming months there is a record number of 20 (correction: 21) Bugattis that will be on auction, so it's time to see what savings you have! All auctions are listed on the Events part of this page !

The list of Bugattis, to be auctioned in several countries worldwide, is the following:

• 1913 Bugatti Type 15 Tourer by Chauvet, Chassis no. 580, Offered Without Reserve
• 1925 Bugatti Type 30 Tourer, Chassis No. 4725, Offered Without Reserve (auction March 5, 2020: Not sold)
• 1925 Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix, Chassis No: 4631
• "1926" Bugatti Type 35A Replica, Estimate: 280,000 - 380,000 EUR
• "1930" Bugatti Type 35B Replica by Pur Sang, Engine No. 397BO, Chassis No. 397
• Pur Sang Bugatti T37A
• 1928 Bugatti Type 43A Roadster by Lavocat et Marsaud, Chassis No. 43233, Engine No. 62
• 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix, Chassis no. 51154
• 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster in the style of Jean Bugatti, Chassis No. 55219, Engine No. 11
• "1932" Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Roadster Replica by Pur Sang, Chassis No. "55227"
• 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Cabriolet, Chassis no. 55230
• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio, Chassis No. 57406, Engine No. 286, Gearbox No. 68C
• 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Ventoux, Chassis no. 57506
• 1939 Bugatti T57C Gangloff Coupé, 57524, Opening Bid: USD 1,000.00
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57S Roadster in the style of Corsica, Chassis No. 57601
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic Replica by Erik Koux, Chassis No. 57654 (Sold at auction on February 8, 2019, for €852,936)
• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet in the Style of Gangloff, Chassis No. 57668
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Gangloff Chassis no. 57767
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Gangloff, Chassis No. 57769
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Special Cabriolet by Gangloff, Chassis No. 57798, Engine No. 431
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet in the style of Corsica, Chassis No. 57838, Engine No. 105C

As some of you may have noted, there is a "Donate" button at the very end of this page.

It has been there for about 15 years, maybe more, and until last week I never received a donation.

Then, an Italian collector sent me an e-mail with a very detailed question, but also with the remark that he liked my website so much, and appreciated my work that he wanted to make a donation.

Thus, I told him where the button could be found, and he sent me a donation, and a substantial one I must say, Thanks!
I will use it to continue to provide all Bugattistes with the info they appreciate.

• 1993 Bugatti EB110 GT, Chassis No. ZA9AB01E0PCD39040, Engine No. 00036
• 1996 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport, Chassis No. ZA9BB02E0RCD39027, Engine No. 0138
• 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, Chassis No. VF9SW3V33NM795018
• All come from The Gran Turismo Collection

More info

• 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT, Chassis No. ZA9AB01E0RCD39092, Engine No. 0122

More info

• 1925 Bugatti Type 30 Boat tailed 2-seater by Kelsch & Cie
  Estimate £300,000 - £350,000

More info

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante, Chassis 57432
  Estimate 2 - 3 Million Euro

This is a car with a complete and fascinating history, and it was used for what it was intended: to be driven.

The first owner Charles Olivero used it for various rallies: the Rally des Alpes (with a female friend Daisy), the Rally de Monte Carlo and the Liège Rome Liège (both with his brother Jean).

The second owner was a famous pilot Leon Givon, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean (but alas after Charles Lindbergh had managed to do it in the other direction) and who used it extensively.

The third owner wanted to have a new Atalante after the war but as the factory could not build one anymore, he had this car restored to ‘as new’ with a new engine and gearbox, a closed more ‘modern‘ aerodynamic body (mince coupe fermé) and he renumbered it. The rebuild took ten months and cost more than a new car and as such was called ‘the Millionen auto’ (after the money).

It saved the life of the fourth owner and his wife when he had to flee the Congo (on that day over 70 Belgians were killed in an uprising by the rebels).

The car was restored back to its original shape in the early nineties when its original chassis number was retrieved (as a result of the research of Pierre Yves Laugier).

The last two decades the caretaker of "57432" was a well-known Bugatti Historian.

This car had a real life but it has kept its soul!

Article in the Bugatti Revue: The history of Bugatti Type 57 Atalante "Toit Ouvrant", chassis nr. 57432

More info will follow on the Artcurial website

More info

Participants will arrive Sunday, June 18th.

We look forward to welcome around 80 Bugatti teams in central Switzerland. The registration forms will be available in the beginning of November.

More info

More info