Recently, I was browsing a bit on Aliexpress, the cheap Chinese online store, where one can buy everything from underwear to complete pre-fabricated houses. Much to my surprise, there was a miniature of the Chateau St. Jean in "Lego".

For 370 euro you can buy this "kit" containing 4621 pieces, when built it will have dimensions of L:25 cm, W:40 cm, H:40 cm. I'm not sure exactly what scale that would be, I guess around 1:50, so it would make a good background for your 1:43 miniatures.

However, as one can see comparing with the photo of the real Chateau, there are less windows (only two on either side of the entrance instead of 3) and some other details which were simplified. Of course one can extend this kit with "two windows" to three, by acquiring two kits, and combining them...

Info and ordering at Aliexpress
Beware: there are two different kits on the same page, make sure to select the right one!

Have fun building!

Bring A Trailer on-line Auction, USA, May 28, 2025

• 2018 Bugatti Chiron, Chassis number: VF9SP3V36JM795070, 2,200 Miles, Sold for $2,850,000

More Details

Many of the last posts on work by Rembrandt Bugatti which I presented here in this news section, were on rather unknown sketches, drawings or even paintings. The sculptures are of course what he is best known for, and quite rightfully so!

Shortly, there will be two very impressive sculptures on offer, with the well-known subjects of deer respectively large cats. They will be in the following auctions:

Bonhams - Cornette de Saint Cyr auction, June 4, 2025

• Deux léopards marchant (photo below), le mâle lève une patte, 1912, numbered 'A8', Estimate €280,000 - €350,000

  More info

Artcurial auction, June 5, 2025

• Roaring deer followed by a doe and her fawn, 1903, only known example, Estimate €650,000 - €850,000

  More info

Donington Auction, the Bob King collection, Australia, March 4, 2025

• 1914 Peugeot Bébé 6HP Type BP1 / BP3 Two Seater, Chassis number: 11098, Estimate AU$48,000 - AU$58,000, Sold for AU$45,000 (25,843 euro)

For all other results, have a look at the Donington website: Donington Auctions website

welcome to the Bugatti Design Studio in Berlin

(The current Bugatti so often refers to it's famous heritage, and that the cars are assembled in Molsheim, the original birthplace of all Bugattis. Thus, why are they designed in Berlin? Ed.)

Berlin is a city that, for decades, has presented itself as a vibrant epicenter of individualism, cultural expression, and innovation. A philosophy that has remained rich to the present day, welcoming skilled artisans and entrepreneurs brimming with novel ideas and hopes for an exciting future from around the world. As Bugatti advances further into its new era, so it finds its new home for crafting the next generation of automotive design, in the heart of the German capital.

A fitting reflection of the German metropolis, the world-class Bugatti design team is formed of designers from 22 different countries around the globe. Vehicle exterior; color and trim; 3D modeling – in Berlin, a host of specialists and disciplines converge in a pool of talent overflowing with new ideas and unique concepts, taking Bugatti’s unparalleled design language to new heights. And to continue attracting such exceptional international talent, the new design headquarters for Bugatti needed to exude equally as much charisma.

The new Bugatti Design Studio was thus crafted as a space not just to generate ideas for the future of automotive excellence, but to celebrate the spirit of heritage that has inspired them. It is a creative workspace that represents a natural home for Bugatti – a 1,100 square-meter studio housed within a starkly beautiful industrial building that has stood proudly throughout the test of time.

A protected place as a site of historical significance, the structure began its life in the 1920s as a critical power station, supplying electricity for the city’s metro system – before transforming into a techno club in the 1990s. And now, having borne witness to the winds of change and cultural shifts as the sands of time flowed through the decades, the storied space takes on its own new purpose.

The studio itself is enveloped in this rich repository of history – from the original ceramic tiling covering the walls and floors, to the carefully engineered, century-old cast iron staircases leading to the walkway and open gallery in the upper reaches of its incredibly spacious main hall.

And yet, seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic of the space is a cutting-edge suite of technologies – equipping Bugatti’s industry-leading experts with the tools they need to realize new concepts, ushering thrilling change into the world of automotive design.

Replacing the art of traditional vehicle clay-modelling with an equally intricate modern-day medium, Bugatti’s designers can transform the open industrial space into an immersive virtual design studio, with the CAD concept of any given vehicle at the center. With head trackers positioned strategically and discreetly throughout an open section of the studio, the designers utilize virtual-reality technology to realize a millimeter-perfect rendering of a vehicle design in the digital space – able to inspect, revise and optimize every facet of the concept with remarkable precision and efficiency.

State-of-the-art equipment nevertheless goes hand-in-hand with dearly held hallmarks of tried-and-tested automotive design – working in harmony throughout a creative process that draws on the unique studio space to spark artistic ideation. From cabin materials of every cut, thread and origin, to meticulously hand-drawn sketches of customers’ individual vehicle commissions, the Bugatti artisans’ work is laid out for each colleague to admire and be inspired – an environment itself creatively designed by those who flourish within it, advancing Bugatti’s inimitable story of craftsmanship yet further.

It is an experience that esteemed Bugatti customers cannot help but immerse themselves in, when invited by the marque’s specialists to embark on their design journey at the new studio. The most personally meaningful of monikers; the subtlest of visual cues; the most curious and exotic of materials – each and every design path for the most intricate of Bugatti commissions is laid before its future owner, themselves taking inspiration from the discerning eye of the designers they’re guided by. All before witnessing their prized automotive jewel come to life, with full-scale vehicle models adorned with the design demonstrating how their unique dream will be realized, step by lovingly curated step.

Ultimately, the manifestation of the incredible studio’s beauty is found in its equally customizable design. Each workbench, easel, and creative space can be seamlessly rolled back; infinitely variable mood lighting throughout the studio adjusted; and the intricately tiled floor space opened up, creating an event space perfect for celebrating the magnificence of the design team’s new home.

“To be a Bugatti, each model needs to be infused with the spirit of its incomparable heritage, unprecedented engineering, technological capabilities, and captivatingly beautiful design. A vehicle so complex, precious and unique, can only be curated by a group of people with equally individual skill sets, in an environment crafted to nurture that skill. That is what the new Bugatti Design Studio, located in the heart of this thriving metropolis of Berlin, represents.

Here, as we begin a new chapter for Bugatti with the Tourbillon hyper sports car, we enter a new thrilling era for Bugatti design – one defined by the unparalleled history, engineering and luxury that has been, and will continue to be, the spirit-force for Bugatti.”

Frank Heyl, Director of Design at Bugatti

The Collection of Dr. Bob King to be auctioned - Featuring Australian & European Motorsport

The French marque Bugatti has inspired a number of legendary figures in the classic car world over the years and one man in Australia has become synonymous with the cars from Molsheim. A retired medical practitioner, Bob King has spent a lifetime collecting, restoring, racing and researching these extraordinary machines, starting with his first Brescia bought more than 60 years ago. Authoring four definitive books on the subject, Bob has painstakingly documented each and every Bugatti to reach Australian shores, deservedly earning the epitaph ‘expert’ along the way.

Bob’s interest extends well beyond Bugatti, delving into countless other marques (owning examples of AC, Alfa Romeo, Avions Voisin, Bentley, Delahaye, Ferrari, Hispano Suiza, Lagonda, Minerva, Peugeot, Talbot and Vauxhall), Australian motor sport, aviation and so much more.

Gathered over a lifetime, Donington Auctions are privileged to have been entrusted with the sale of Bob’s extensive Bugatti collection of memorabilia, literature and more (including a charming 1914 Bébé Peugeot) as, at the ripe old age of 87, he downsizes and moves on to a new chapter in life.

View the catalog, First Lot Begins Closing May 4,2025 10:00 AM AEST.

Amongst the many Bugatti items, and of course many from other marques, one item stands out:

• 1914 Peugeot Bébé 6HP Type BP1 / BP3 Two Seater, Estimate $48,000 - $58,000
  • Chassis number: 11098
  • Engine number: 10722
  • Body number: 12070
  • Registration number: 7-966 (Victoria)

MODEL HISTORY:
Peugeot Bébé (Baby) was a small car made by the French manufacturer between 1905 to 1916.
Just two models were ultimately produced under the nameplate, the Type 69 which was sold only during 1905, and the Type BP1 – for Bugatti-Peugeot 1 – which debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1912, and was manufactured between 1913 and 1916.
Significantly, the Type BP1 Bébé was designed by Ettore Bugatti, originally for the German marque Wanderer, but also built under license by Peugeot for the French market. Bugatti had given the design an official Type number, Type 16.
Confusingly, the Peugeot factory sometimes also refers to the model as the B3P1.
Diminutive in size, looking very much like a half-scale open-topped tourer, the Peugeot Bébé used the marque’s own T-head 855cc four-cylinder engine which produced 7 kW at 2000rpm, giving the 350kg car a top speed of 60 kilometres per hour. While the Wanderer used Bugatti's own four-speed transmission, Peugeot fitted a two-speed gearbox initially, later replaced by its own three-speed.

The Bébé enjoyed some racing success among small car classes, notably at Mont Ventoux in 1913, where it won in its class.
With a total of 3095 examples made, the Bugatti designed Bébé became the first production Peugeot to surpass 3,000 units.

VEHICLE HISTORY:
Drawing attention amid the plethora of car dealerships on Sydney’s Parramatta Road was ever a challenge.
NSW Peugeot dealer Norman Agate came up with a novel solution in the years before World War II … he stuck this 1914 Peugeot Bébé up a tree!
It is not known how many Bébés came to Australia, but existing records suggest that as many as six were registered in NSW, with potentially as many or more in Victoria. Surprisingly, there are three other examples of the tiny, Ettore Bugatti-designed Peugeots currently known in the southern state.
Norman Agate is believed to have been the second owner of this Bébé, which spent an indeterminant number of years up the tree before being rescued by a Canberra enthusiast around 1976, who replaced it with an Austin 7.
Needless to say, constant exposure to the elements hadn’t done much good to the diminutive Peugeot, which was a crumbling wreck with its Gautier body disintegrating, when rescued.
It passed through several enthusiasts’ hands before ending up dismantled, in a mezzanine above a Sydney wholesale butcher’s shop, where our vendor first saw it 30 years ago.

By then some work had been done getting it back on its wheels, however the original body had been stolen, and subsequently the Bébé’s remains went to New Zealand, where its penultimate owner had located a sound, original body out of Aberdeenshire, in Scotland.
Our vendor, a renowned Bugatti enthusiast, purchased the body and “just a pile of bits, some missing” in 2014 and began the Bébé’s complete restoration, which was completed in 2018.
Today, the Bébé wears a time-worn patina thanks to the replacement body’s original olive green paintwork with black guards and bonnet, all clear-coated to protect them.
Inside, the moth-eaten upholstery and floor coverings are original too.
With the assistance of fellow Bugatti enthusiasts, the BP1 had its new body fitted to the original chassis, some welding was done to the guards, and the mechanicals were refurbished, including new differential gears made.
That work returned it to running condition and, indeed, it was running and driving under its own steam when delivered to Donington Auctions.
In deference to the Bébé’s originality, it has been kept in ‘oily rag’ condition and won ‘Best Pre 1930 Vehicle’ at the annual British & European Day at Yarra Glen (Victoria) earlier this year.
Accompanying the tiny Peugeot are copies of original manuals, various vehicle histories, receipts and assorted documentation.
A significant model in the histories of both Peugeot and Bugatti, this Bébé BP1 would be the centre of attention wherever it goes, even without its colourful past.
Previously on Victorian club registration, the 1914 Peugeot Bébé 611P Type BP1 Two Seater is being offered for sale here unregistered.

In the new era of Bugatti, defined by the Tourbillon hyper sports car, the marque’s incomparable journey takes a new path. A cutting-edge interpretation of timeless design and unparalleled luxury, the Tourbillon has captured the imaginations of enthusiasts around the world. And so that journey continues, as the latest in Bugatti’s illustrious lineage arrived for the Grand Opening of the Bugatti showroom in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Showcasing a modern design that embodies the rich and successful partnership between Bugatti and Pon Luxury & Performance Cars, Bugatti Rotterdam provides an extraordinary home for the brand in the Netherlands.

In a relationship that has flourished since 2012, Pon Luxury & Performance Cars has reinforced its reputation as a trusted partner for the brand, establishing itself as a crucial instrument in Bugatti’s success in the country – the unison of each vehicle and discerning owner exquisitely facilitated by the industry-leading outfit.

The manifestation of that success was symbolized by the first Bugatti showroom in the Netherlands, opened in 2016 in partnership with Pon Luxury & Performance Cars. Housed within the historic 'Het Koopmanshuis' – a stone’s throw away from where Pon’s Automotive Operations started more than a century ago – Bugatti’s Leusden home served for years to deliver the success worthy of the marque’s storied name.

And now, as Bugatti advances into its new era, it elevates the essence of the brand experience to new heights. An elegantly presented, 188-square-meter space, envelops customers in the Bugatti universe – finished in the latest iteration of Bugatti’s visual identity.

Marking the arrival of the new space, came a private Grand Opening event. Hosting Bugatti’s esteemed guests in an evening of festivities, Bugatti’s senior leadership team led by Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, and Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti Managing Director, created a warm atmosphere of nostalgia and anticipation for a thrilling future in equal measure.

Enjoying the conviviality of the event with a glass of Carbon Champagne in-hand, guests could admire the beautiful vehicles on display, including the stunning Baby Bugatti II. At the center of the celebration, the iconic vehicles that, through Bugatti’s illustrious history, have curated an unparalleled legend. From the iconic Type 45, distinguished by its unique U16 engine, to the extraordinary EB110, the striking Veyron Grand Sport Venet, history-making Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition Car and Chiron Super Sport 300+², and the Tourbillon, the host of Bugatti cars served as a poignant reminder of the excellence that continues to power the brand into the future.

“Rotterdam represents the perfect evolution for our brand presence in the Netherlands. This vibrant city, with Europe's largest port, world-class architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, embodies the forward-thinking spirit that drives Bugatti. Our new 188-square-meter showroom provides the ideal environment to showcase not only our latest extraordinary hyper sports cars, but also our vision for the future of Bugatti. To our valued partners at Pon Luxury & Performance Cars, thank you for your continued dedication and passion. To our clients, thank you for your support of our vision. We are incredibly excited for what the future holds for Bugatti and its continuing legend, and we look forward to creating more shared memories in this new era.”
Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti Managing Director

Right: The Tourbillon being unloaded at Kinderdijk, for the photoshoot.

Five of the Bugatti's present at the opening were from the Perridon collection, which is housed in the Netherlands, also in Rotterdam. Coincidence? Perridon has been the best Bugatti customer from the Netherlands, buying not just a load of modern Bugatti's (alongside the classic ones), but also a complete chassis and engine.

At least, not yet. And if it does, this way of smuggling parts over the border really is not the way to do it..

Of course, two days after March 30 comes April 1....

However, the images are real, and were send to me by Rick Nicolaas from New Zealand.

The guy is actually taking the packages out of the rear axle of the truck, not putting them in. This was at the Mexican - US border, and the packages with some not further specified type of drugs, are actually marked with the Bugatti oval.

Why? If anybody knows, please tell me!

I was sent these clandestinely shot photographs of Bugatti employees carefully packaging parts and hiding them inside the rear-axle of a truck, which will take them from Canada to the USA.

The trip will start in two days from today, hopefully this way these expensive electronic motormanagement parts will arrive at the client's, without additional tariffs or taxes having to be paid.

As a sculptor specializing in portrait and figurative art, various artistic reasons led sculptor Bertold Grether to search for a suitable form for a portrait bust of Ettore Bugatti.

Based on historical images, between November 2024 and January 2025 he modeled and submitted the resulting impression to a bronze foundry for an initial bronze casting.

He chose the form of a mask because it transforms the portrait into an object at first glance and avoids a rather ghostly encounter with a sculpted, life-size head.

This decision also supports the technique of bronze casting, as the casting process is legible from both the front and back.

This edition is limited to 10 copies in bronze as shown in the pictures. The sculpture is attached to a stone pedestal and has the size over all of about 44 cm high, 23 cm wide and 22 cm deep.

The price of 3800 Euro includes VAT and free shipping within europe.
For more info, please e-mail plastischeportraits@googlemail.com.

Gooding & Co Auction Amelia Island, FL, USA, March 6-7, 2025

• 1930 Bugatti Type 50 Roadster, relatively new body by Crailville, Chassis 50116, Estimate: $500,000 - $600,000, Sold for $445,000
  

For years I have been convinced that Rembrandt Bugatti only made his marvelous sculptures, and not much more, except some caricature drawings.

In recent years more and more two-dimensional work of him has surfaced. Many drawings in different styles, and also some paintings.

One, for me unknown, is this "L'homme et le cygne", in pencil on paper. An impressive study of a man with a swan.

Dimensions are: 42 x 32 cm

Provenance : Vente important ensemble de dessins par Carlo et Rembrandt Bugatti; Maîtres Herve Chayette Laurence Calmels, 16 Octobre 1988, Lot 192, reproduit p. 31

The "Millon" auction where this will be sold is on March 25, follow this link for on-line bidding.

Abell Auction, USA, the Mullin Automotive Collection, March 4, 2025

Where the classic Bugatti's seem to be gradually declining in value, the Bugattiana is in the up! Although, the Peter Mullin provenance will help, and the estimates for some of the items was ridiculously low. Like the workbench with two vises with an estimate of $1,500-$2,500, just one vise will sell for around 10,000!
The only surprise is the relatively low price for the parts, mainly Type 46. They are ok prices, but not as high as one would have expected.

• Ettore Bugatti Shop Press, Estimate: $2,500-$3,500, Sold for $11,000
• Ettore Bugatti Tire rack, Estimate: $600-$800, Sold for $15,000
• Ettore Bugatti Work Table with Two Vises, Estimate: $1,500-$2,500, Sold for $15,000
• Bugatti Factory Door with Custom Hinges Designed by Ettore Bugatti, Estimate: $1,000-$1,500, Sold for $8,500

• Five Bugatti Type 46 Wheels, Estimate: $200-$300, Sold for $2,000
• Type 46 / 50 Sump and two Side Plates, Estimate: $300-$500, Sold for $1,800
• Bugatti Type 46 / 50 Transaxle casing, no internals?, Estimate: $600-$800, Sold for $2,000
• Pair of exhaust racing headers (measuring: 5 x 15 x 14 inches), and a single intake manifold for a two-barrel downdraft straight 8 carburetor. Intake manifold: 5 1/2 x 28 3/4 x 8 in, Estimate: $500-$700, Sold for $1,200
• Bugatti T13 8-valve Carved Wood foundry pattern, Estimate: $800-$1,200, Sold for $500

• Francois Chevalier: Life Size Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Bronze Sculpture, Estimate: $3,000-$4,000, Sold for $40,000
• Bugatti Royale Chassis & Engine Model, 1:8 scale, Estimate: $200-$300, Sold for $9,500
• Art Reid: Photorealistic Painting of a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Grille, 122 x 152 cm, Estimate: $500-$700, Sold for $500
• Antoine Dufilho (French, b.1987): Bugatti Atlantic 1/8 scale articulated model, Estimate: $3,000-$5,000, Sold for $4,000
• Bugatti Atlantic T57SC Model by Amalgam Fine Model Cars, 1/8 scale, Estimate: $1,000-$2,000, Sold for $6,500
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57 Erdman and Rossi Model by Teodoro Castro, 1/8 scale, Estimate: $300-$500, Sold for $1,000
• Bruce Wheeler Bugatti Type 32 "Le Tank" from 1923 French G.P. Model, Estimate: $300-$500, Sold for $750
• Bruce Wheeler Bugatti Brescia Model / sculpture, Estimate: $700-$1,000, Sold for $1,400
• Train Autorail Mecanique Hornby (Double and Triple), Estimate: $75-$150, Sold for $300
• Lidia Bugatti: Two Works, "Siblings" and a nude, Estimate: $8,000-$12,000, Sold for $8,500
• Lidia Bugatti: Leaping Panther Hood Mascot Painting, Estimate: $3,000-$5,000, Sold for $3,500
• Lidia Bugatti: Elephant Mascot Hood Ornament Painting, Estimate: $1,000-$1,500, Sold for $2,000

From my friend Daniel Schuler from Switzerland I get the message that the above Type 40A (chassis 40748), is being offered on the Car & Classic website, the seller apparently being Conroy Classics, 15010 SE Morning Way Clackamas, OR 97015. Conroy Classics does not own the car, nor have they permission from the seller to sell it on his behalf.

The real owner of this car is Jeff Becker, who sends the following message:
"I don't want to make derogatory remarks about someone in an email but you should be aware that I have never heard of Conroy Classics or David Kunzler. I have never dealt with them in any matters especially as regards my Bugatti Type 40 A.

I am the rightful owner of this car having purchased it at auction from Ria Van Dalen Wetters in 2016. I am in possession of the car and its legal title.

I presume the extensive photos which Conroy Classics shows were taken when the car was listed on Bring A Trailer last year, where it did not reach the reserve."

Thus: please be careful and do not consider any deals with Conroy Classics on this automobile.
In fact, the web-address www.conroy-classics.com has been listed only 2 weeks ago, since February 19, 2025, though they claim to be in business since 1995.... Chance is, they do not own any of the cars listed, that they just look to get some downpayments (maybe in Crypto) to then disappear again. On the address claimed (15010 SE Morning Way STE D Clackamans USA, 97015), no Conroy Classics exists....

Abell Auction, USA, the Mullin Automotive Collection, March 4, 2025

Of course the Automobiles have all been sold or auctioned, as have most of the prominent Carlo Bugatti furniture and many other items.

However, there was still a lot left, amongst which car parts (also Bugatti), some Carlo Bugatti furniture, work bench with vises and a tire rack (which I saw at Retromobile before Mullin bought it), paintings, miniatures, concours prizes and various other interesting items.

It is possible to bid on the items through Liveauctioneers, a well-known International auction website. See: www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/362783_the-mullin-automotive-collection/

Below are listed some of the remarkable items from the auction, there are (many) more, for this, click the link above.

• Ettore Bugatti Shop Press, Estimate: $2,500-$3,500
• Ettore Bugatti Tire rack, Estimate: $600-$800
• Ettore Bugatti Work Table with Two Vises, Estimate: $1,500-$2,500
• Bugatti Factory Door with Custom Hinges Designed by Ettore Bugatti, Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

  

• Five Bugatti Type 46 Wheels, Estimate: $200-$300
• Type 46 / 50 Sump and two Side Plates, Estimate: $300-$500
• Bugatti Type 46 / 50 Transaxle casing, no internals?, Estimate: $600-$800
• Pair of exhaust racing headers (measuring: 5 x 15 x 14 inches), and a single intake manifold for a two-barrel downdraft straight 8 carburetor. Intake manifold: 5 1/2 x 28 3/4 x 8 in, Estimate: $500-$700
• Bugatti T13 8-valve Carved Wood foundry pattern, Estimate: $800-$1,200

  

• Francois Chevalier: Life Size Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Bronze Sculpture, Estimate: $3,000-$4,000
• Bugatti Royale Chassis & Engine Model, 1:8 scale, Estimate: $200-$300, Current bid $2,250
• Art Reid: Photorealistic Painting of a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Grille, 122 x 152 cm, Estimate: $500-$700
• Antoine Dufilho (French, b.1987): Bugatti Atlantic 1/8 scale articulated model, Estimate: $3,000-$5,000 (Right)
• Bugatti Atlantic T57SC Model by Amalgam Fine Model Cars, 1/8 scale, Estimate: $1,000-$2,000, Current bid $3,250
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57 Erdman and Rossi Model by Teodoro Castro, 1/8 scale, Estimate: $300-$500, Current bid $600 (Right)
• Bruce Wheeler Bugatti Type 32 "Le Tank" from 1923 French G.P. Model, Estimate: $300-$500
• Bruce Wheeler Bugatti Brescia Model / sculpture, Estimate: $700-$1,000
• Train Autorail Mecanique Hornby (Double and Triple), Estimate: $75-$150

• Lidia Bugatti: Two Works, "Siblings" and a nude, Estimate: $8,000-$12,000
• Lidia Bugatti: Leaping Panther Hood Mascot Painting, Estimate: $3,000-$5,000
• Lidia Bugatti: Elephant Mascot Hood Ornament Painting, Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

RM Sotheby's Auction Miami, Florida, USA, February 27-28, 2025

• 1930 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix, Chassis: 4947, Engine: 201T, Estimate: $1,000,000 - $1,800,000, Sold for $1,380,000
  From the Collection of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Bugatti proudly shares that the first W16 Mistral automobiles are now being delivered. The last model with that famous VVR16 engine, so it is said. But that is not true. Dutch automotive magazine Autovisie can report that another Bugatti with that VVR16 (often called W16) engine is in the making.

A well-informed source has informed Autovisie of this.

That is not all. We also know that one exclusive Bugatti VVR16 Mistral is going to a Dutch customer. And no, it is not brand enthusiast Michel Perridon. Whoever does buy this Mistral has something special in their hands. Only 100 were produced. One remains in the hands of Bugatti and 99 will go to customers. The first two models, a white and a black one, are now finding their way to their American owners.

As mentioned the Mistral will not be the last VVR16 powered Bugatti: Before the V16 engined and hybrid Tourbillon will be delivered, a one-off Bugatti that will be equipped with the 8-liter VVR16 engine will be designed, developed and delivered to an unknown customer. This will apparently become the most expensive new car in the world. At the moment, that title is still held by the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail, of which only four copies were built. According to Bloomberg, it had a price tag of 31.8 million $US (about 30.4 million euro).

Bring A Trailer Auction, USA, February 19, 2025

• Pur Sang Bugatti Type 35B, chassisnumber 671PS, Sold for €170,000

Tom Andrews of the Classics Museum, New Zealand, presented these two completed projects at the recent Art Deco Festival in Napier
Photographs and info from Rick Nicolaas

On the day before the festival, february 12, the cars were presented at a meeting of the Bugatti Owners Club NZ (above).

Ivan Dutton who was present at the presentation thought that the Atlantic was a well made and accurately detailed recreation of "La Voiture Noire".

On the Thursday, February 13, both the Atlantic as well as the T57 Ventoux, the ex-Baillon 57579/417 were publicly presented.

Below: More shots of the Ventoux, chassis no. 57579. I shot pictures of that car at Retromobile in 2015.

Tom Andrews about the Atlantic Recreation project:
Many years ago, I dreamt of owning a Bugatti.

Purchasing the Type 57 Ventoux from the Roger Baillon Collection in Paris in 2015 was a big moment in my life. I absolutely loved the car and all of its rich, fascinating history.

After I laid eyes on the Ventoux back here in New Zealand, however, I was inspired to add another Bugatti to the collection at the Classics Museum – Jean Bugatti’s 1936 Type 57S Atlantic Coupe that went missing in 1939. No one had ever built this specific car before, so I began to formulate a plan as to how this could be achieved. My initial focus was to assemble a talented, motivated, and close-knit team around me that could pull this build off.

As we reveal the Atlantic today, I would like to acknowledge those who dedicated most of the past decade to create a faithful recreation of “La Voiture Noire”, No. 57453. This was a challenge in itself; however, the team also worked simultaneously on the full, beautiful restoration of the Type 57 Ventoux,
I would like to firstly thank my wife, Diane, for her never-ending patience and support. Her loyalty and interest towards these projects have been so important to me, and we have travelled the world together, meeting members of the Bugatti community and sourcing original parts.

When I was introduced to Simon Tippins, I knew that he was an exceptionally talented fabricator. As I got to know Simon and started to see the aluminium fabrication on the Atlantic Coupe as well as other projects he was involved in, I quickly realised that we had one of the best in the industry on our team. Simon’s talents and abilities know no bounds.

Gordon White joined the Classics team with a diverse set of skills. He began his career in boatbuilding, so his carpentry work on these projects has been to absolute perfection. Gordon is a mechanical engineer, and some of the pieces he has created for these cars have been simply awe-inspiring.

Finally, and most importantly, I wish to acknowledge Greg McDell.

During the fifty-five years I have been in business, getting Greg onboard as project manager is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

When Greg started with the Museum, he immediately immersed himself in all things Bugatti. His research abilities were astonishing as he pieced together all the information and discovered small details that weren’t publicly known. Liaising with the Bugatti Trust in the UK as well as other craftsmen around the world, Greg has been the primary communicator throughout the two projects.

Complementing his research skills, Greg is a very talented fabricator and mechanical engineer. I do believe we would not be showcasing a car of such perfection, quality and beauty here today if Greg had not managed the projects.

Full credit goes to Greg McDell for the recreation of Jean Bugatti’s ‘La Voiture Noire’, No. 57453.

Below: short info on both cars

More information on both cars, including history and a report of both the restoration as well as the recreation.

RM Sotheby's Paris Auction, France, February 4-5, 2025

• 1929 Bugatti Type 37, Chassis: 37363, Engine: 252, Estimate: €980,000 - €1,300,000: Not Sold, asking €1,000,000
• 1933 Bugatti Type 49 Drophead Coupé by Van Rijswijk, Chassis: 49570, Engine: L458, Estimate: €400,000 - €550,000: Sold for €184,000
• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Gangloff, Chassis: 57431, Engine: 314, Estimate: €480,000 - €600,000: Sold for €308,750
• 2022 Bugatti Centodieci, Chassis: VF9SE3V33NM795006, Estimate: €10,000,000 - €15,000,000: Not sold
• 202? Bugatti Baby II Children's Car by the Little Car company, number 043/500, Estimate: €40,000 - €70,000: Sold for €66,000
• Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Children's Car by the Cyclekart Company, number 03/10, Estimate: €40,000 - €60,000: Sold for €90,000

Bonham's The Grand Palais Auction, Paris, France, February 6, 2025

• 1924 Bugatti Type 23 'Brescia' Open Tourer Chassis no. 2064, Estimate: €250,000 - €300,000: Not Sold
• 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Two-Seater, Chassis: 4644, Engine: 45 (ex 4640), Estimate: €900,000 - €1,300,000 (sold without reserve): Sold for €759,000 inc. premium
• "1928" Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix Continuation Chassis no. "4858", Engine no. 125T, Estimate: €360,000 - €480,000: Sold for €368,000 inc. premium
• 1928 Bugatti T43 Grand Sport Chassis no. 43219, Estimate: €1,000,000 - €1,500,000: Not Sold
• Baby Bugatti, Short chassis n°454, Estimate: €80,000 - €100,000: Sold for €95,650 inc. premium
• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 cabriolet 4 places Coachwork by Maltby, Chassis: 57379, Engine: 273, Estimate: €400,000 - €600,000: Sold for €391,000 inc. premium

Artcurial Retromobile Auction, Paris, France, February 7 - 8, 2025

Cars were all sold, no price results yet

• 1930 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix, Chassis 51154, Engine 17, Estimate: €1,700,000 - €2,300,000: Sold for €1,587,600 inc. premium
• 1935 Bugatti Type 57 cabriolet Stelvio, Chassis 57182, Engine 160, Estimate: €350,000 - €500,000: Sold for €343,664 inc. premium
• 1995 Bugatti EB110 GT, Chassis 99, Estimate: €1,200,000 - €1,500,000: Sold for €1,530,400 inc. premium

Osenat Arts & Cars: 100% Automobilia Auction, Paris, France, February 7, 2025

Only a few results of Bugatti Automobilia items are shown

• A Cent A l'Heure A travers LE SAHARA - 1929, By Lieutenant LOISEAU, Estimate: €100 - €200: Sold for €605 inc. premium
• Enameled oval plaque featuring the BUGATTI logo 30 x 14,5cm, Estimate: €150 - €300: Sold for €3276 inc. premium
• Lot of BUGATTI factory souvenirs, Including tokens from the BUGATTI canteen in MOLSHEIM, water and lemonade, Estimate: €50 - €100: Sold for €1009 inc. premium
• Two "Autos BUGATTI" burlap cloths 42 x 37cm (Photo right), Estimate: €50 - €100: Sold for €1953 inc. premium
• 19mm - 22mm flat key blank with "EB" monogram, Estimate: €10 - €20: Sold for €882 inc. premium
• Bugatti factory's time clock for the workers, manufactured by Bürk, Estimate: €1000 - €2000: Sold for €6804 inc. premium
• Two BUGATTI cast-iron workbench legs, Estimate: €4000 - €6000: Sold for €4788 inc. premium
• BUGATTI workshop vise, Estimate: €8000 - €10000: Sold for €13230 inc. premium

As you can see from the listings above, the Bugatti automobiles were mostly sold below their lower estimates, or were not sold at all.

On the other hand, the Bugatti Automobilia fetched record prices, up to 40 times their high estimate!

RM Sotheby's Arizona Auction, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, January 24, 2024

The surprise can be found at the booth of Julien Dubrulle, Hall 1 - A049.

I do not have further info.... Yet.

Bugatti vise and legs from the family collection

At the Osenat auction, an auction of Automobilia, there are various Bugatti items (see also the banner advert above).

However, what I did not know were some special informations on the Bugatti vise especially, but also on the legs.

The descriptions in the auction catalog state the folowing:

BUGATTI workshop vise
The vise designed by Ettore Bugatti is an adjusting vise - he didn't intend it for the heavy-duty work for which conventional vises are generally used. It was used by workers to adjust mechanical parts on cars at a time when machine tools were not as advanced as they are today. This is what gave this precision tool its letters of nobility. Early in the design process, Ettore Bugatti had a wooden mould made to cast the core for the sand moulds. In this impression, the logo is carved into the wood. Early versions of the vises had a groove on the moving part and two guide screws in the fixed body. Later, the wooden mold was modified by the insertion of an aluminum logo. This will ensure a higher quality of the logo in the foundry. They are easily recognizable, as the logo is more prominent on the body. A sheet metal dust cover with three screws and felt gasket will also be added to prevent impurities from getting trapped between the moving and fixed body. After the war, there was less need to adjust finished parts, and vises had to be more versatile. Pierre Marco made the final modification, removing the two guide screws and machining the fixed body to fit a much stronger square slide.

The vise presented here is therefore a version of the first series made by Ettore, who will have seen Bugatti automobile parts between his jaws. It bears the number 34, which can be found on almost all components.

Some models also had the number behind the bronze piece where the crank rests, as is the case here. A second number, 046, was added after the war. In its long career, the vise has only had one of its jaws replaced by number 18. It is functional and has kept its original black paint. It has remained in the family to this day.

Two BUGATTI cast-iron workbench legs
Cast-iron, each leg stamped in relief on both sides with BUGATTI mounting holes; original condition.
From the former Molsheim workshops
H. : 81cm ; L. : 69cm ; Diameter at base of legs : 15cm

There are many stories about Bugatti vises, workbench legs and workbenches. We won't go into detail here, but will explain a few points. To do so, we'll use an archive photo of the post-war factory. We can see that there are 2 versions of the legs, one with the Bugatti logos in the same direction, the other with the logos reversed. They even exist with the two logos on the same leg in different direction! The factory photo (below, zoom in on the legs) confirms the existence of these two models, but cannot tell us why they were created.

Brussels AutoSalon 2025

The prodigy at the head of Bugatti Rimac has a harder time selling his electric hypercars than his Bugattis, but his technology is hidden under the hood of a series of BMWs, Porsches or Hyundais.

"Often, visitors rush to us to have access to the cars. Then, they are already in Hall 11 where they can look at the more accessible cars from D'Ieteren." This little phrase whispered at the Motor Show illustrates the power that prestige brands have in the automotive sector.

"All our Bugattis are sold until 2029," Mate Rimac, the child prodigy of the European automobile industry, tells us. The boss of Bugatti Rimac receives us in a small group on his stand on which the cars of all superlatives are presented.

"Here you have this Bugatti Bolide, the car with the most powerful thermal engine in the world, and the Rimac Nevera R, the fastest electric car in the world," smiles the Croatian.

Rimac made a name for himself in his younger years by combining his two passions, electronics and cars, to create an electric racing car. From this fame, he created a technology company that sells his findings to other manufacturers "to survive" and be able to produce racing cars.

In 2021, his group joined forces with Porsche to create a company for prestige hypercars. 900 people work for Bugatti Rimac and 1,300 for Rimac Technology. Apart from 200 people in Moselle, 2,000 people work in Croatia.

Today, the man admits that his electric Neveras sell less quickly than the Bugattis. But he insists, his Nevera R is "a car that beats all the others in performance".

Residual values
But hypercar customers are not all convinced by electric cars yet. Also, the central question is that of residual values, a subtle play on the prestige car as an investment.

What will an electric hypercar be worth in 10 years? What about its batteries in 15 years? This type of question slows down the purchase of this new type of vehicle.

"There is clearly a business to be developed to keep these cars on the road in the future. We can already see it with the first Tesla Roadsters that are repaired by small specialist companies", explains Mate Rimac who indicates that his teams are working hard on this type of concern.

Brand heritage
Heritage also does a lot. Bugatti customers are often customers who already have Bugattis. The thousand Bugattis in circulation in the world are in the hands of around 500 customers. "Our cars only drive 800 kilometers per year on average," adds Marta Longin, head of communications at Bugatti Rimac. "That's normal when you have 30 cars," she adds.

At the show, Mate Rimac stops to answer a few fans who also take a few selfies. Those who don't know him may have parts of Rimac Technology, his other company, in their car, particularly in battery systems and electric powertrains. "Our biggest customer is BMW. We also have Porsche or Hyundai," Mate Rimac reminds us. "Some cars at the show have my technology, but I can't contractually tell you which ones," he says.

Rimac divides his time 50-50 between his position as CEO of Bugatti Rimac and that of CEO of Rimac Technology. He did the latter business out of necessity in the past and out of an interest in technology, he explains. "But my real passion is making cars," he says.

Bugatti Rimac finances itself and is coming out of two years of losses. Mate Rimac promises profitability in 2025.

Among his various businesses, Mate Rimac has also launched Verne, which intends to compete with the big players in the robot taxi field. His ambition? To offer autonomous taxi rides from 2026 in Zagreb before tackling other European cities.

"On the timetable, one thing is already certain: I will not respect it," jokes Rimac. "We think it is technically possible. The regulators are helping us in Europe and particularly in Croatia," he says more seriously.

Currently, he is working with Mobileye technology, but he explains that he will take the technology of whoever is the best. "Once the technology is safe, it is no longer on autonomous driving that we will be able to differentiate ourselves," he explains.

In fact, it is on the quality of the service that Mate Rimac intends to differentiate itself by ensuring, for example, that the car is always clean and the service is qualitative and the vehicle designed for this type of service.

300 people already work for Verne in Zagreb. When it comes to autonomous driving technology, Mate Rimac explains that he doesn't like the in-between. "Either you drive or the car drives itself, but I don't like all these things like lane assist," he insists.

Top Image: The Bugatti Bolide “Type 35 Homage” at the Autosalon Brussel 2025

The former world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in 1934 now enriches the exhibition.

In the exhibition of the AUTOVISION Museum (including BugattiMuseum), a Bugatti T57 Series 1 chassis with engine No. 12 (from the chassis number 57112) is shown as a rolling chassis. For museum visitors, it is very clear that in the first construction phase of the successful "Type 57" series, the engine itself was an important part of the chassis frame. In addition to its actual task to power the vehicle, it was largely responsible for the strength and stiffness of the chassis. However, this meant that the engine could not be flexibly mounted in the chassis, as was standardized in later T57 models.

True-to-original wall relief instead of body
The wall relief decorated in the AUTOVISION exhibition was implemented in the style of the T57 Grand Raid body. This means that visitors can still get a true-to-scale impression of this sporty roadster from 1934, despite the exposed chassis. The model name "Grand Raid" already suggests that this vehicle was not intended to be a normal civilian luxury automobile for the road. Rather, it was intended for demanding racing events and therefore had a streamlined body with extended fenders, a V-shaped windshield and very distinctive, aerodynamically tapered headrests.

It was precisely this design that the Type 57, created by Jean Bugatti, was first presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1934, which was a world premiere for this series that is still legendary today. That same car, chassis number 57221/57222 is now in the Louwman museum in the Hague, the Netherlands.

Jean Bugatti also presented such show cars from the same T57 series at the most important automobile shows over the next five years, as they caused a great stir there and were therefore very effective for advertising.

The trade press in particular was thus able to be lured to the Bugatti exhibition stand, in order to then report in international trade journals on these always very elegant automobiles from the T57 series in words and pictures. In addition to the success of a vehicle brand in international automobile races, this type of indirect advertising was one of the most effective and at the same time most cost-effective!

The original engine No. 12 of the Bugatti T57 112 in detail.

In the Bugatti Museum of the Altlussheim Museum AUTOVISION, 15 vehicles from the French Bugatti series T57 to T64 can now be seen.
Address: Hauptstraße 154, D-68804 Altlussheim, Germany, Tel.: +49 6205-307661, e-mail: post@autovision-tradition.de
www.museum-autovision.de

Only from a bird's eye view can the full scope of the technology in this T57 Grand Raid be seen, which otherwise lies dormant under a body. Here, the significance of the engine, which still partially takes over the task of the chassis, is also made clear in the truest sense of the word.

Thierry de Maigret auction, Paris, France, December 18, 2024

BUGATTI Rembrandt (1884-1916):

• Lot 262, Léopard au repos, ville de Paris, Provenant de l'ancienne collection monsieur M., Estimate: €150,000 - 200,000, sold for €360,640

BUGATTI Carlo (1856-1940) & HEBRARD Adrien-Aurélien (1865-1937):

• Lot 300, Important légumier couvert en argent à décor en bas-relief d'animaux fantastiques, Estimate: €25,000 - 35,000, sold for €39,928
• Lot 301, Paire de pelles à bonbons en argent à décor, Estimate: €15,000 - 25,000, sold for €54,096
• Lot 302, Suite de six supports de petits bols en vermeil, manche en ivoire, Estimate: €15,000 - 20,000, sold for €46,368
• Lot 303, Plat circulaire polylobé en argent à décor en bas-relief de libellules aux ailes déployées, Estimate: €8,000 - 12,000, sold for €15,456
• Lot 304, Plat ovale en argent à décor en bas-relief de libellules aux ailes déployées et de fleurs, Estimate: €4,000 - 6,000, sold for €23,184
• Lot 305, Pince à sucre en vermeil à décor de trois libellules aux ailes déployées et fermées pour l'une servant de prise, Estimate: €4,000 - 6,000, sold for €5,410

BUGATTI Carlo (1856-1940):

• Lot 316, Sellette en bois vernissé noir à trois tablettes intercalaires, Estimate: €1,500 - 2,000, sold for €3,220

Complete description and images of all items

Christie's Auction: Design New York, December 11, 2024

• ca. 1930 Bugatti Baby, no. 142, Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000: sold for $81,900
• Rembrandt Bugatti, 'Couple de jeunes Daims', conceived circa 1906, Estimate: $150,000 - $200,000: Not sold

Venduehuis Winter Auction 's Gravenhage (the Hague), the Netherlands, December 12, 2024

• Lidia Bugatti (1907-1972), 'Cheval à l'arrêt' (more like a pony), ca. 1930, Estimate: €3,000 - €5,000, sold for €4,800

Bonhams' Auction, The Bond Street Sale London, December 12, 2024

• 1925 Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix, Chassis no. 4564, Estimate: £475,000 - £675,000 (€ 570.000 - € 810.000): Sold for £552,000 inc. premium
• 1928 Bugatti Type 44 Tourer, Chassis no. 441056, Estimate: £275,000 - £375,000 (€ 330.000 - € 450.000): Sold for £180,000 inc. premium

Both cars Purchased by Hugh Conway and single family ownership since 1978

It’s like an ancient insect trapped in amber. Or an unopened cask of century-old single malt Scotch. That’s the kind of time-bending accomplishment achieved by this 90-year-old car, a car that has never been restored, winning the coveted 2024 Car of the Year honor at the International Historic Motoring Awards presented by Lockton Insurance, which took place at the Peninsula London on Friday November 22.

René Dreyfus drove this beautiful 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports to victory in the 1934 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. The Bugatti also finished third at Monaco in ’34. Ettore Bugatti transformed this Type 59 from single-seat race car to sports car, removing the supercharger, and adding a second seat and doors. It kept racing, winning GP events in Algeria and France in 1937. But more changes were to come. King Leopold III of Belgium purchased the car in 1937, and had it repainted from French blue to Belgian black, with yellow accent stripes. It stayed unraced and unrestored in the private collection of King Leopold III, and four subsequent owners of the car all kept it as-is, eschewing any restorations or modifications.

The Bugatti changed hands again in 2020. Swiss collector Fritz Burkard paid a staggering £9,535,000 ($12,681,550) when the final hammer fell at the Gooding & Company auction. It was the most expensive car sold anywhere in the world that year, and Burkard continued the tradition of keeping the original parts and patina on the car.

To the surprise of nearly everyone, including car owner Fritz Burkard, his Bugatti won the coveted Best of Show at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the first time a preservation car has ever won the award. It was also the first time for a European winner at Pebble Beach.

The 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports resides among the 90 remarkable machines in Burkard’s private “Pearl Collection” in Zug, Switzerland.

If you would like to find out more about this special Bugatti (chassis no. 57248), it was written about twice already in the Bugatti Revue, See:

• Bugatti Type 59 Sports - known as the King Leopold car
• Original is best – the ex-King Leopold Bugatti Type 59

Source: velocetoday.com

Believed to be a replica T41 chassis when offered at auction in April 2024, this turns out to be the chassis of the rather unknown type 61!

From Jakub Stauch of the Czech Bugatti club, I received the following message recently:
Before the auction of part of the Mullin collection in April this year, I made a bad joke to my friend Tomas Krause. I knew there was going to be an auction by Gooding & Company of a Railcar engine that was based on the engine for the Bugatti Royale and I said: “if you want a Royale you have to buy this engine.

His was the winning bid. His plan was to renovate the engine and sometimes start him to make his neighbors and wife happy. The auction also included a frame that was described as a replica production Royale frame from the 1970s.

Type 61 chassis in Czech Republic, 2024

When he finally brought the frame and engine to the Czech Republic, it was discovered that the chassis was 700 mm longer than the Bugatti Royale frame. Tomas got a drawing for the T41 and found that the entire frame was extended at the rear, and the cross members were completely different. A search of the history revealed that the frame had been purchased by the Mullin collection in 2008 from the widow of Fritz Schlumpf, who, a few years earlier, had been restituted part of the “Reserve” collection from the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse through the courts.

This collection was created by the Schlumpf brothers mainly during the sixties, who formed a private collection. The whole history is quite well known and traceable on the website of this national museum of the Schlumpf collection. The Schlumpf brothers bought cars all over the world and of course there are several Bugatti cars with Czechoslovak history and from our coachbuilders in the collection. At the time when the Bugatti factory was purchased by Hispano Suiza, in the 1960s, the Schlumpf brothers bought parts from the Bugatti factory. Now we have the photo that among these parts were the frames from the never-completed Bugatti T61 and spare frames of Type 57 and Type 44.

We were together at the beginning of November at the Bugatti Owners Club and the Trust (Image on the right), where we met all the archivists, including those who are retired, such as Richard Day. In their archive, a further 62 drawings for the unknown Type 61 were found. We also met Greg Morgan, who is a great expert and knows all details on the Type 41 and who helped resurrect several Royales.

Type 61 chassis drawing, lower right: Identification on the drawing: "Assemblage des Longerons", 61CH-8, 12-1-34.

Thanks to Greg Morgan, Tomas also managed to obtain the original drawing for the Type 61, which is identical to the frame purchased at auction. He confirmed that this frame is really for Type 61 and really original from production from Molsheim. Greg helped us with many informations – thanks again.

In the Trust is note that this type was billed as “Type 61. Very large luxury car with a 4-speed gearbox in unit with the rear axle". Greg Morgan believes that this is a type intended for military personnel carrying purposes. We have information that part of the factory archive has been sold, thus, if anybody out there has more info on the Type 61, please let us know!

After this, the Musée National de l'Automobile, Collection Schlumpf came forward with one other detail: The Esders Roadster Replica which was built at the museum, has in fact a 4-speed transaxle gearbox! In fact, this has a very low gearing, thus is specially designed for low speeds. Thus, this gearbox is actually of the Type 61!

It may be that more T61 drawings and / or parts will be unearthed in the near Future, maybe even in the Schlumpf collection!

Below: the AutoRail engine in Czech Republic

Below: Images of the Type 61 chassis at various times and locations: Left: At the Molsheim factory (1960's?), Middle: in 1979 and 1999, Right: 2008

The (replica) Bugatti Bicycle was stolen recently from the property of Greg Smith in Brighton, Victoria, Australia.

Please, all Bugatti friends, keep a look out to this unique piece of Bugatti design, which was featured many years ago in this article in the Bugatti Revue of September 2, 2002.

Thus, if you get this bike offered, see it for sale, or have other info, please let me know! J.J.Horst@BugattiPage.com

Just after attaining a new world record speed in an open-top automobile, Bugatti has a new goal in mind: breaking the 500 km/h barrier. Although the Chiron Super Sport has already reached 490 km/h and the new Mistral reaches 453 km/h in convertible form, CEO Mate Rimac is determined to go even further. Crucial to this is the development of tires that can handle these speeds.

The Chiron Super Sport set an impressive speed record of 490 km/h, but for Rimac that is not enough. In an interview with Top Gear, he explains that he is working with Michelin on the development of tires that can withstand the extreme forces at 500 km/h. "Can we put a five at the front of the speed record? Maybe, we'll see," he says.

Breaking the new limit requires more than just a powerful engine and advanced aerodynamics. The tires play a crucial role, because they not only have to withstand enormous speeds, but also offer maximum safety. A blowout at 500 km/h is a scenario that must be avoided at all costs. Bugatti and Michelin are therefore intensively testing whether this is technically feasible.

With the introduction of a brand-new V16 hybrid power train, Bugatti has the technology to set a new record. The merger with Rimac has separated the brand from the Volkswagen Group, which gives Bugatti more freedom in development and objectives. CEO Rimac wants to build a legacy similar to Ferdinand Piëch, who once broke the 407 km/h barrier with the Bugatti Veyron.

Top picture and below: Bugatti Tourbillon in Japan.

The Bugatti VVR16 Mistral attains a top speed of 453.91 km/h

In a growing legend punctuated by iconic moments, Bugatti has engraved its name into the annals of automotive history. In its pursuit for innovation and top performance, three icons of the Bugatti legend have broken world top-speed records: the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition; the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition; and Chiron Super Sport 300+. Now, another incomparable feat of engineering and driving skill has been accomplished – with the W16 Mistral World Record Car setting a new top-speed world record for an open-top car, at 453.91 km/h.

Realized at the world-class track facilities of ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH, Germany, this record-breaking occasion followed in the footsteps of world-record runs that have been immortalized in automotive legend. In a story that began more than 14 years ago, in June 2010 with a Veyron 16.4 Super Sport reaching a record of 431.07 km/h, Bugatti has charted a historic course in the pursuit of unparalleled speed.

With the closed-cockpit world record broken once more in 2019 with the mesmerizing Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieving 490.48 km/h, in search of ever-more challenging innovation Bugatti's masterful, history-making engineering also extended to open-top vehicles. Three years after the momentous achievement of the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, this chapter in the automotive history books was opened with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, reaching 408.84 km/h with the roof down, open to the elemental force of air.

As the pages of Bugatti's legend turned to the present-day, so the storied marque sought to exceed that endeavor once more with an open-top vehicle. Building on the foundations of the incredible accomplishments already immortalized, the pursuit of another landmark moment in Bugatti's rich history reached its crescendo in the wake of months of intricate preparation, and meticulously planned testing to explore the car's immense capabilities.

And so that journey led to the project-zenith in Papenburg, on November 9th. From the esteemed guests in attendance, to CEO of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac, the senior management team, the project crew and the intensely focused vehicle technicians – all immersed in overwhelming emotion as the run-briefing concluded, and the historic moment arrived.

Andy Wallace – Bugatti Pilote Officiel and winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours – assumed the controls of the one-off W16 Mistral World Record Car, warming up the vehicle's bespoke high-performance tires on a first anticipatory lap. Ascending to a specified speed of 200 km/h into the banking of the track, Andy increased the speed before unleashing the full power of the vehicle as the straight opened up coming off the banking, taking it to new heights of record-speed. Under the meticulous control of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the achievement of a new world top-speed record for an open-top car was officially confirmed at the end of the run, with Andy reaching an incredible 453.91 km/h.

"Throughout the testing program leading up to this moment, it was incredible to feel how stable the car felt – I got the sense that it wanted to go faster," explained Andy Wallace. "And when it came to the moment itself, the experience was overwhelmingly thrilling; feeling the elemental forces from the open-top cockpit, the sound of the immense W16 engine emanating from the air scoops next to my ear – it made the achievement incredibly emotional. A record like this pushes the boundaries of automotive innovation, and requires immense focus, dedication, and teamwork to realize. It’s a true testament to the passion that everyone at Bugatti has for making history."

For the first time in Bugatti's history, the customer of the vehicle was in attendance to witness a record-breaking event for the ages, he was offered the opportunity to immerse himself in an exclusive, exquisite experience throughout the weekend in honor of the momentous day. Reinforcing the purely unique and landmark nature of the occasion, the customer was bestowed with the incredible opportunity to join Andy on another high-speed run in the wake of the world record, almost reaching the same speed – and likely setting an unofficial record for the fastest-ever passenger ride.

Like each Bugatti owner, the customer of the W16 Mistral World Record Car had a unique vision to cement the legacy of their rare Bugatti collection: to own each of the Bugatti World Record Cars; the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, and Chiron Super Sport 300+. Each icon joins the W16 Mistral World Record Car in this exceptional collection, while forming a unique representation of the marque in The Singh Collection – an incredible private car collection showcasing the aspirational achievements of the community from Punjab, India.

In addition to the World Record Cars' monumental accomplishments, a unifying thread runs through the W16 Mistral World Record Car and each of its illustrious forebears. Signifying its membership of a truly incomparable collection, the unique €14m W16 Mistral World Record Car features unmistakable accents on the lower body and wheels in vibrant 'Jet Orange' – a color that has evolved from the original signature hue of the Veyron World Record Cars to define the record-breaking Chiron and W16 Mistral, married with a pure, visible-black carbon exterior. The spirit of this unique design language continues in the interior, with a plethora of orange-accented features throughout the cabin immersing the driver in the aura of record-breaking triumph.

Reflecting on the immense moment in the history of Bugatti and indeed the automotive world, Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, said:
"Since the inception of Bugatti in 1909 (1910, ed.), the marque has sought to supersede the perceived realms of possibility in luxury, elegance, and performance. The Bugatti World Record Cars throughout the marque’s history have represented the epitome of speed and power, setting new boundaries and redefining again and again, what Bugatti vehicles are capable of. And now, with the unparalleled achievement of the W16 Mistral World Record Car etched into the history books, we see history not just repeating itself, but new history made. We are immensely proud of the whole team that made this incredible achievement possible – an achievement defined by passion and the pursuit of perfection. That is what defines Bugatti – and what makes its achievements truly incomparable."

Below, Andy Wallace and the 14 million record-setting Bugatti Mistral. Note the autumn leaves on the front grille.

A new project for building quality replica Bugatti Baby's, has recently been started by Pierre-Henri Raphanel.

In 1926, Ettore Bugatti sought to celebrate the fourth birthday of his youngest son, Roland, with a uniquely special gift. Inspired by an icon close to his heart, he decided to build an exquisite half-scale interpretation of the inimitable Bugatti Type 35 – the legendary vehicle that would go on to become the most successful racing car of all time – and marking the birth of the Bugatti Baby, also wrongly known as "Type 52". It is now reinterpreted as a piece of art, a quintessentially special limited series of collectors' sculptures infused with the vision of Ettore Bugatti himself, and realized by Bugatti's first Pilote Officiel, Pierre-Henri Raphanel.

Today, around 100 to 150 of the extraordinarily beautiful Baby's remain, of which about 500 were built. The press release says that only a handful remains, while in fact it is closer to one third, ed.. These are relics of an era that celebrated both luxury and pioneering design. Now, through Pierre-Henri Raphanel's deep-rooted passion and lifelong dedication to Bugatti, this iconic configuration has been meticulously recreated. His company, 'Nations Racing Legends', has brought the Baby back to life as a limited series of artful masterpieces, crafted to be admired and cherished as heirlooms of automotive and artistic heritage.

Pierre-Henri's journey with Bugatti began in 2005, and since then, he has become synonymous with the brand's uncompromising standards and visionary spirit. Having conducted more than 10,000 road-tests around the globe, he has amassed a depth of experience that few can rival. His celebrated career in racing – including competing in Formula 1, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, and setting a world-record top speed of 431.072 km/h with the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport in 2010 – adds a unique dimension to his role at Bugatti. Pierre-Henri now channels his extensive experience, profound historical knowledge of the brand, and deep automotive expertise into every detail of the Bugatti Baby T52 series. Pierre-Henri knowingly names his creations Baby T52, to differentiate his creations from the orginal baby and the Bugatti Baby II, which is made by the Little Car Company.

This exclusive series, limited to just 99 hand-crafted pieces, embodies Bugatti's near-century of celebrating luxury and excellence in a 'baby' package. Each artwork has been created with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, employing original crafting techniques and the highest-quality materials that Ettore Bugatti himself had chosen. The result is a collection of timeless artworks, reflecting the marque's dedication to elegance, precision, and unyielding passion for perfection.

Each Baby T52 creation is far more than a replica; it is a masterful reinterpretation, paying homage to Bugatti's heritage while celebrating Pierre-Henri's own legendary journey with the brand. Designed to be treasured and displayed as pieces of art, these creations not only preserve Bugatti's legacy but elevate it, bringing together nearly a century of tradition, Pierre-Henri's unparalleled expertise, and the finest craftsmanship that French artisanship can offer. In each Baby T52, Bugatti's storied past and Pierre-Henri's personal devotion to the brand unite to create a tribute worthy of exhibition and admiration for generations to come.

"Pierre-Henri has been a wonderful brand ambassador for almost two decades. His incredible knowledge of the Bugatti brand and his passion for our inimitable legacy and Ettore’s visionary spirit and philosophy – as well as his great love for detail and ambition to being faithful to the original car – brings so much authenticity and uniqueness to his oeuvre d'art. We are incredibly proud to complement our portfolio with these state-of-the-art sculptures designed for Bugatti enthusiasts and art collectors." Wiebke Stahl, Managing Director at Bugatti International

With each work individually numbered, 60 of the examples are dedicated to privileged customers to individualize according to their preferred color-palette, with some appointed in official vintage racing liveries. These iconic hues represent nations from France to Italy and Monaco, all woven into the fabric of motor-racing's long and star-studded history. Reflecting the unique artistic flair of Bugatti's special-edition vehicles, 39 of the exquisite models represent bespoke versions of the iconic Baby; defined by exclusive configurations and materials, the series includes 12 'silver legends' – eight of which are finished in mirror-polished aluminum and four in unique artists' proofs – and 12 'gold legends', with eight replete in highly complex mirror-polished brass and four also finished in artists' proofs.

Concluding his reflections, Pierre-Henri elaborated on the symbolism of the project:
"The remarkable group of craftspeople and artists I have assembled, share a common vision to honor Bugatti's truly unique story – reviving the spirit of inimitability that the original Bugatti Baby represented, and embodying the ethos that has made each Bugatti model incomparable. The artworks we have created, with incredibly intricate crafting processes and precious materials, is entirely faithful to the original vision. Designed as sculptures, these timeless bespoke creations are a beautiful testament to the spirit of legacy that compelled Ettore to bestow the original Baby to his son, honoring the brand's legacy and customer-centric approach."

Priced from €95,000 (exclusive of taxes), a series of 99 examples will be produced – with a third of models already reserved by brand enthusiasts and collectors.

More info on www.bugatti-type52.com, make sure to take a look at the film, which is a Cannes "Corporate Media and TV Awards" Gold winner.

Dutch Financial magazine Quote announces the following:

The Michel Perridon Bugatti Museum which was planned to be in Dubai is off the Table, Entrepreneur Now Looks to France

Bad news for Arab car enthusiasts: Michel Perridon will not be opening his 'Bugatti Experience' in Dubai. The museum with his impressive collection of sports cars will now be located near the company's factory in France. Perridon says he has already agreed to a collaboration with Bugatti.
Recent communications with the Perridon organisation indicate however, that the final decision has not been made yet; the museum may also be in the Netherlands, in the area of Perridon's home town Rotterdam. Ed.

Details of what can be found in the Perridon collection can be found here.

The collection comprises:

• 7 modern Bugatti's, One EB110SS, 3 Veyron's in various versions, two Chiron's one of which is the 300+ version, and the Bugatti Bolide
• Over 20 classic Bugatti's, ranging from 1913 to 1947
• Around 15 Rembrandt Bugatti bronzes, and one by Ettore Bugatti's daughter Lidia
• The world-wide largest collection of Carlo Bugatti furniture
• Lots of original drawings, painting, photographs and other "small" items.

Quote 500 member Michel Perridon claims to have the largest Bugatti collection in the world and dreams of showing it to the world in a museum. It is part of the ‘legacy’ that the founder of computer accessories store Trust wants to build in the autumn of his life.

The intended location for that ‘Bugatti Experience’ was Dubai, he told us three years ago. But his efforts to open the museum there have failed, as we understood when we recently visited him for the Quote 500 in South Africa (where he is also building that ‘legacy’, more about that later).

Instead, the entrepreneur now wants to open the museum in Molsheim, in the French Alsace, near the factory where the luxury cars are produced. Perridon even says he already has a deal with Bugatti about a collaboration. The company does not want to confirm that to Quote (yet).

Perridon less in Dubai
The turnaround is remarkable. In recent years, Perridon has been full of praise for Dubai, where his entrepreneurial vision was better understood than in the Netherlands, for example. In the Quote 500 interview, he says he still visits the desert city regularly, because he has real estate projects there and his daughter Lizzy lives there. But Perridon can now be found more often in the Netherlands and South Africa.

In the latter country, he is converting 28,000 hectares of former hunting grounds into a nature reserve where tourists can go on safari from the beginning of 2025. Perridon is so proud of that project that he was happy to give us an insight for the recently launched Quote 500 edition. And Rotterdam, that remains his home. He owns the luxurious city villa Welgelegen there, among other things.

'Everything from Bugatti on its home base'
Why exactly Perridon is leaving Dubai remains a bit of a guess. In South Africa, he said that regulations in the United Arab Emirates do not allow him to hold positions at companies there and in the Netherlands at the same time. That is why his museum plans in Dubai fell through. Inquiries with the ENDB, which advises Dutch entrepreneurs on their move to the United Arab Emirates, show that such a rule does not exist at all.

When we confront Perridon with this again (back in the Netherlands), his earlier statement appears to have ‘nothing’ to do with it. He simply states that he has come to the conclusion that Molsheim is a much nicer location for the museum. ‘This is much better. Everything from Bugatti on its home base. Really great.’

This wire sculpture was constructed by the seller (in the Bring-a Trailer auction, it sold for $15000), artist Terry Lawrie, to resemble a Bugatti Type 35. Features include a four-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel, leather tie-down straps, a Bugatti emblem, a hood ornament, a faux aero screen and starting handle, a mesh grille, a side-mounted faux spare wheel, and #8 race numbers. The sculpture is constructed from wire finished in blue and measures approximately 14' 8" long, 6' 9" wide, and 4' 3" tall. This Type 35-style wire sculpture is now offered with a wooden shipping crate at no reserve in San Francisco, California, on a bill of sale.

Australian artist Terry Lawrie has produced several automotive-related wire sculptures, and this example is constructed to resemble a Bugatti Type 35. Wire framing comprises 3/8th zinc-coated tubes that have been sandblasted and powder-coated in French Blue. Vented side and hood panel segments are finished to match, while the horseshoe-shaped radiator features a faux radiator temperature sight gauge and CNC-punched mesh grille. Other features include a two-eared fuel filler cap, a leather hood strap, and outlines representing an aero screen and rear-view mirror. Number 8 race numbers adorn the grille and rear framework.

The faux side-mounted spare wheel is attached by a leather strap and has a silver metal simulated tire tread, magnesium spokes, and black-finished internal sections. Laser-cut Dunlop, 4.50×19, and Cord yellow-finished script are attached to the outer sections.

The cockpit is equipped with a four-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel aft of a fold-down faux aero screen and rear-view mirror surrounds. The simulated seat is finished in brown paint, and a chrome-polished faux handbrake is mounted on the right side.

Leaf spring suspension is present front and rear, while a hollow front axle and a faux starter handle are fitted up front.

More Info

The style is vaguely similar to that of Antoine Dufilho, who however uses flat metal plates, constructing also a Bugatti T35 themed sculpture, see for example the last report of Retromobile in the Bugatti Revue.

EXCLUSIVE: Andrea Iervolino, the Italian producer of sports car biopics Ferrari, Lamborghini: The Man Behind The Legend and the upcoming Maserati movie, is revving up a biopic of Ettore Bugatti.

Bugatti is slated to film late next year in Italy and France for Iervolino’s new banner, The Andrea Iervolino Company.

The movie is set to tell the life story of Bugatti, the founder of the iconic automobile company, who was known for transforming the automotive world with his creative genius and relentless dedication to design and technology. The Italian-born French designer and manufacturer also designed aeroplane engines and was no stranger to tragedy: Bugatti’s son, Jean, was killed on 11 August 1939 at the age of 30 while testing a Bugatti car near the family’s factory in Molsheim, France.

Iervolino is in talks with writers and directors on the project, which will feature a U.S. and international cast and be English-language. The producer is hoping to get buy-in from the Bugatti family.

Iervolino said today: “After the success of our films on Lamborghini and Ferrari, I am thrilled to bring another global automotive icon to the screen. Bugatti will be a film that honors the passion and innovation that have defined one of the most iconic car manufacturers of all time.”

Prolific producer Iervolino is soon entering production on car movie Maserati: The Brothers, which will star Anthony Hopkins and Michele Marrone for director Bobby Moresco. Morrone will star as Alfieri Il Maserati in the biopic about the family behind the high-performance automobiles. Hopkins will play an Italian financier who bankrolls the Maserati brothers.

Recent films produced by the Italian include Johnny Depp’s San Sebastian entry Modi starring Al Pacino, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s franchise sequel Kill ‘Em All 2 and thriller Skincare starring Elizabth Banks. Previous credits include Waiting for the Barbarians starring Mark Rylance, Johnny Depp and Robert Pattinson and drama To the Bone starring Lily Collins and Keanu Reeves.

A movie on Ettore Bugatti is new, one about his brother Rembrandt had started in 2008 though. A filming company had started near the Barr museum (see picture above), to shoot scenes for a movie on the Animal sculptor.

The German Director Jean-Charles Wolfarth, 35 years old, was planning to relate an episode of Rembrandt's life in 1912, in which he visits his brother Ettore in Molsheim. There would be 4 to 5 weeks of filming in the Alsatian area. The actors are all French: Frédéric Lanoue interpretes Rembrandt, Olivier Guillermain is Ettore and Céline France incarnates Barbara Bugatti, Ettore's wife.

Somehow, that project was suddenly stopped, but finally finished in 2015! (I now come to know about this...) The actors and actresses are all different now, the only character that remained the same is the 8-valve Bugatti, chassis number 670 of 1914. The scene of the movie now is 1913, but still a visit of Rembrandt Bugatti to his brother Ettore and sister-in-law Barbara.

Details on the movie: "Rembrandt Bugatti renaissant"

Jean-Pascal Viault, French Type 37 driver and well known kids’ car collector (www.voitureapedales.fr) is preparing an art book focusing on the Baby Bugatti (he owns the #445).

Published by the French editor "Odyssée", in 2 versions (French and English) Jean-Pascal and his crew are working on a book based on the most exhaustive world register they can gather.

If you own an authentic Baby Bugatti, please contact him if you want your car included.

jean.pascal.viault@gmail.com

Top Photo: J.P.Viault, by Bernard Canonne for Auto Heroes

Bring a Trailer Auction Online, USA, October 14, 2024

• 1930 Bugatti Type 40A Roadster, Chassis 40748-1.jpg: Not sold, max bid: $310,000

Bring a Trailer Auction Online, USA, October 4, 2024

• 1932 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster, Chassis 49639: Not sold, max bid: $236,000

Aguttes AUTOWORLD : Auction & motion auction, Brussel, Belgium, October 5, 2024

• 1922 Bugatti Type 30 Grand Prix Usine, Chassis n° 4002/4466, Estimate: €800,000 - €1,200,000, sold for €849,227
• 1929 Bugatti Type 40A Grand Sport, Chassis n° 40776, Estimate: €400,000 - €600,000: Not sold
• "1927" Bugatti Grand Prix Type 37A replica, Estimate: €200,000 - €250,000, sold for €226,964
• "1931" Bugatti Grand Prix Type 51 replica by Pur Sang, Chassis n° "4884", Estimate: €200,000 - €250,000, sold for €215,044
• Bugatti Baby by Pur Sang "1927", Estimate: €4000 - €6000, sold for €16,065

Bonhams' Auction, the Zoute Sale Knokke-Heist, Belgium, October 6, 2024

• 1926 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Two-Seater Chassis no. 4755 Engine no. 77A, Estimate: €1,200,000 - €1,400,000: Not sold
• 1929 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix Two-Seater, Chassis no. 37383, Engine no. 286 (withdrawn?)

H & H Auction, Imperial War museum Duxford, Cambrigeshire, UK, October 9, 2024

• 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Weymann Coach, Chassis no. 46163, Estimate: £300,000 - £350,000, Sold for £297,000

RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction Hershey, PA, USA, October 9 - 10, 2024

• Bugatti Model 100 1939 Racing Aeroplane Model by D. Hamaker, Estimate $800 - $1,200, Sold for $1,500
• "1926" Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix, Estimate $300,000 - $375,000, Sold for $176,000

Early 20th-century France attracted visionaries from across the globe with creative and economic opportunities. Fusing craft and technology, automobiles absorbed and influenced facets of modern art, design, fashion, and architecture. After World War I, cars—long the domain of engineers—met the minds and hands of French designers, artists, and craftspeople. Materials and techniques moved fluidly between sumptuous Art Deco interiors and luxury automobiles. Avant-garde showrooms, glittering displays, and thrilling races helped market the thousands of cars driving off assembly lines. Those same factories became centers of a labor movement that brought paid vacations and efficient automobiles to French workers.

In cars, artists discovered novel perspectives, subject matter, and even canvases. As driving became more comfortable, motoring fashions evolved into stylish wardrobe staples. Magazines portrayed liberated women dressed in knit sportswear driving convertibles. When fashions streamlined, so did cars. Embodying aerodynamics and natural forms, the sculptural curves of 1930s French custom, coachbuilt automobiles are unrivaled today. With an open, interdisciplinary approach, Roaring illuminates the rich ecosystems that nourished this golden age of French automotive design.

Divided into six sections, the exhibition assembles more than 160 works, comprising major loans from prominent institutions and private collections around Europe and North America. Roaring is accompanied by a 210-page exhibition catalogue with contributions from seven authors.

Roaring is curated by Genevieve Cortinovis, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Associate Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, with research assistant Sarah Berg and automobile curation by Ken Gross.

And, of course there are quite a few Bugatti's there:

• 1923 Bugatti Type 32 “Tank de Tours” (replica)
• 1927 Bugatti Type 35B Hellé-Nice Grand Prix
• 1931 Bugatti Type 41 “Royale” Weinberger Cabriolet
• 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooren Cabriolet

More info, for the other automobiles on display: Look here for the other cars, like Delage, Delahaye, Citroën, Hispano-Suiza, Talbot Lago, Voisin and Alfa Romeo (?).

A pioneer, a myth, a legend
In Paris in the 1920s, amid the glamour and turmoil of the Jazz Age, Hellé Nice began her career as a dancer and (nude) model. But the Parisian stage was not enough to satisfy her hunger for freedom. Her true passion unfolded in a completely different area: on the racetracks, where she would become an icon of motorsport.

Hellé Nice, born Mariette Hélène Delangle, entered racing at a time when women were an absolute exception in this field. She took the wheel as an expression of her freedom and independence - the roar of the engines as the music of her time. With style, elegance and an indomitable boldness, she conquered the racetracks of Europe and the world. Her name was always associated with the Bugatti brand, whose perfection and aesthetics reflected her own passion and willingness to take risks.

Life in the fast lane
Hellé Nice was more than just a racing driver. She was a symbol of freedom and female strength in an era when the unthinkable became reality. Her life took her from the Parisian salons to the world of film and the world's most dangerous racetracks. She competed against the greatest drivers of her time and kept pace with them, even though she was often considered an outsider.

But despite her triumph on the racetracks, Hellé's career ended tragically. A serious accident in São Paulo in 1936 and later false accusations during World War II cast a shadow over her legacy. Nevertheless, she is remembered as an icon of motorsport - the woman who, against all odds, became the Bugatti Queen and redefined the boundaries of what was possible.

Hellé Nice was not always the fastest woman however, see the article on Emma Munz in the Bugatti Revue!

About the MAC Museum Art & Cars
Selected vintage cars in the context of art, sensational light art in spectacular architecture, artificial and artistic staging in a natural landscape directly on the Hohentwiel - these opposites do not repel each other in the MAC Museum Art & Cars, but rather attract each other.

Supported by the Southwest German Art Foundation and the Gabriela and Hermann Maier Foundation, the museum ensemble with the MAC 1 and the MAC 2 forms a very special highlight with a unique atmosphere.

More info

The rally will enable us to discover the Belgian Ardennes, the Spa Francorchamps circuit, Waterloo and the French Ardennes.

The rally is aimed at Surrealists, lovers of Belgian “frites”, waffles and chocolate, and those who dream of embracing the Belgian touch are eagerly awaited.

More info

Sculpture, decorative arts and cars by four generations of virtuoso creators to go on view during London’s flagship summer art fair

Rarely in history has a dynasty of artists exerted more fascination than the Bugattis. Through their considerable talent, fertile imaginations, technical virtuosity and pioneering flamboyance, four generations of creators have all produced completely unique bodies of work, with each making immense contributions to the world of art, design and automotives in their time. This summer, their oeuvre will be brought together in a landmark exhibition and special feature of the 2025 Treasure House Fair.

The Brilliant Bugattis will be the first exhibition on this virtuoso family in the UK since the pioneering show at the Royal College of Art, London in 1979. A treasure trove of 30 artworks, designs and cars, this non-selling exhibition will feature pieces by the family patriarch, Carlo (1856-1940) - a true Renaissance man who could design anything to perfection, from furniture to silverware; his sons - the genius animal sculptor Rembrandt (1884-1916) and the epoch-defining car engineer Ettore (1881-1946); and his grandson, Jean (1909-1939) whose car design significantly contributed to the fame of the Bugatti name today.

This show is being curated by Edward Horswell, a world-renowned authority on artworks relating to the Bugatti family. It will feature rarely seen pieces loaned by some of today’s most important Bugatti collectors. Marrying the functional and the aesthetic with exceptional execution, these pieces will offer a unique insight into this extraordinary family and its tradition of artistry and design.

Edward Horswell, curator of the exhibition said: “The multi-generational accomplishments of Carlo, Ettore, Rembrandt and Jean are phenomenal. Beside their immense creative range, each of them were pioneers of their respective fields, creating completely new aesthetics, and demonstrating an unabated pursuit for perfection. We hope this exhibition will shed light on their individual genius, as well as the characteristics that typify all their work – aplomb, stylisation, functional inventiveness and above all, beauty.”

Cars included in the exhibition will be the Bugatti Type 39 chassis number 4604, a Bugatti Type 57 with Stelvio body and a Baby Bugatti.

More info in the press release.

Practical information on the treasurehousefair.com website.

• 1987 Bugatti Vice replica from original mould. Estimate: €5,000 - 8,000
• 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio by Gangloff, Chassis: 57181, Engine: 30, Estimate: €600,000 - 800,000

This Bugatti #57181 was ordered on 3 March 1934 by Bugatti agent Muller & Cluzel in Mulhouse for a sum of 50,400 francs. However, the invoice was amended on 23 May of the same year to 51,900 francs. Typically, the second order is lower than the first, often due to delayed delivery for example. It is however the opposite in this instance, therefore suggesting a cancellation and subsequent reinstatement of the order. Regardless, the chassis of this Bugatti Type 57 Series I was delivered on 30 May 1934 to a customer whose name “Widerker” is written in pencil in the delivery logbook.

The chassis was then fitted with a four-seat Stelvio convertible bodywork at the Gangloff workshop in Colmar, although it does not seem to appear in the coachbuilder’s records. From 1949, the car was owned by a certain Mr. Gros in Seysses (Haute-Garonne), France. This is where it was registered as 209 DA 31 in 1955 (according to the new system). With a mileage of only 27,000 km at the time, it was bought in 1958 by Robert Baer, a classic car dealer based in Geneva who sold it in the United States to David Mize, a dedicated Bugatti enthusiast who regularly sourced Bugatti models in countries he was working in. As a member of the American Bugatti Club of which he later became president, he sold the Bugatti 57 Stelvio in 1967 to another American enthusiast, John G. Risch.

The latter was also the owner of a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso and in 1968, he took part in the eleventh edition of the exhibition “New Hope Automobile” with his Bugatti and won the Best of Show category. Another Bugatti also signed up to this event, a Type 57 Galibier saloon car which took second place in the competition. The Trophy was given to him by René Dreyfus, famous racing driver for the manufacturer who settled in the United States after the war.

The car first appeared in Hugh Conway’s Register in 1974, listing Risch as resident in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. He later moved to Solebury in Pennsylvania; and being of Dutch origin, the car was also mentioned in Volume 4 of the Bugatti Register The Netherlands – Belgium. Following John Risch’s death in 1991, the Bugatti was inherited by his son Johnny who barely used it before eventually parting with it a few years later. It was therefore with the Risch family that this car remained the longest, marking a 50-year tenure. It was carefully preserved throughout, with John Risch devoted to retaining its originality without compromising its integrity.

In 2016, this Bugatti Type 57 convertible was serviced by Andrew Mastin from LBI Limited, collector car specialist based in Pennsylvania; the car was then displayed that same year at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it won second prize in its category “Pre-War Preservation”. It subsequently participated in other classic car events and concours: the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance in 2016, “The Elegance” at Hershey in 2017, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2018, the Plymouth Concours d’Elegance in 2018, the Lime Rock Historic Festival in 2018 and the inaugural Newport Car Week at Belcourt Mansion in 2019. In 2021, it was acquired by the current owner, a leading expert on the make who was mesmerised by the car’s exceptional original condition.

Finding a fully original Bugatti nowadays is a miracle! Yet, this is precisely the case for this 57 Stelvio, which has never suffered any mishap. This is in fact the most original Bugatti 57 Stelvio, fully matching numbers. It has a flawless authenticity, featuring its original bodywork and traditional colour, its original patinated brown leather upholstery and its original engine. It is truly a “time capsule”.

Additionally, this Type 57 features one of the model’s most elegant bodyworks, ideal for drives or to be welcomed at the most prestigious classic car events.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout

More info

• "1924" Bugatti - Diatto Avio 8C, Chassis: B1919, Engine: 136. To be sold without reserve.

This project, based on an original Bugatti-Diatto Aero engine from 1915, was once started by Uwe Hucke, and has recently been completed by Claude Teisen-Simony, and was written about by him in his book: "The hidden Bugatti Diatto Aliance", in which he presents this very car, and adds a connection to the Royale as well as to the 1922 300HP Moraes special, which was entered for the La Turbie Hillclimb of that year. Neither of these hypostheses were proven in his book.

Anyhow, fact remains that the engine is original, and that the rest is a nice build, with a bodystyle resembling that of the 5-litre Bugatti, chassis 471.

Chassis frame, axles, gearbox, steering box and many other parts were sourced from other automobiles from that period, and added to that was a custom-made Bugatti-Brescia style radiator, though significantly enlarged. Further info to follow

• 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Drophead Coupe James Young, Chassis: 57236, Engine: 136

Further info to follow

• Breathtaking scenery: Three days of rallying will take you through spectacular mountain roads and iconic destinations in the region.
• An unforgettable experience:
  • Thursday August 28: Arrival from 5 p.m., followed by a welcome cocktail dinner at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday August 29: Departure at 8 a.m. towards the shores of Lake Geneva and the magnificent town of Évian-les-Bains, renowned for its elegance and soothing atmosphere.
  • Saturday August 30: Walk towards the Col des Aravis and passing through the prestigious village of Megève, where authenticity and refinement meet. Return at the end of the afternoon, followed by a memorable gala evening from 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday August 31: Crossing the different passes around Morzine, before a last meal all together at the gathering at 12 p.m.

This event is the perfect opportunity to fully experience your passion for the Bugatti brand, in a friendly and warm atmosphere.

More info

Bugatti will present the Michel Perridon Bugatti Collection (Above only a few of the older Bugatti's)

A rare opportunity to admire this exceptional private collection up close, including Bugatti furniture.

More info

The Chiemgau, the landscape around Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria, also known as the "Bavarian Sea" is situated between Munich and Salzburg. In view of the beautiful mountain scenery of the Bavarian Alps and our neighboring country Austria with its regions Tyrol and Salzburg, we will take our tours on four riding days - original, rustic, idyllic and with breathtaking views.

Highlight is the crossing of the Alps via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, probably the most spectacular Alpine road in Europe, with an overnight stay in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

As in 2021, the limitation to 25 teams allows for a family atmosphere in which, in addition to the joy of driving, there is also enough time for an interesting programme of visits, lively communication and the enjoyment of regional specialties in restaurants and inns.

Further information and the entry form can be found at: bugatti-club-deutschland.de/crossingthealpes2025/

One Bugatti, a 1926 T35T, has already been announced.

Please come on 27/28 of September 2025 to the Superb Race Demo on the Amazing Historical Race Track of Ospedaletti/Sanremo, as a Rider or as a Spectator.

Do you own a Grand Prix car, sports car, roadster or a car of particular historical interest? Please grab the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience on the fantastic Ospedaletti city circuit; where Legends as Louis Chiron, Raymond Sommer, Froilan Gonzales, Leslie Brooke, Count Bira, Giovanni Bracco, Guy Mairesse, Alberto Ascari, Luigi Villoresi, Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, De Graffenried and many other true heroes once raced.

Ospedaletti is a wonderful Place on the Flower Coast, only one hour drive into Italy from the Nice airport and Monaco, with the clearest sea, wonderful flowers and parks, the best Italian food, bars and beach Lounges with Restaurants.

The Ospedaletti circuit represents an important point of reference not only for the great international riders involved in the motorcycle races held from 1947 to 1972 and the car races held from 1947 to 1952, but also for many enthusiasts and collectors who wish to experience highly evocative events in a unique context in the world.

The RaceCar event is held every 2 years and takes place in the streets of the city. In fact every other year: One year for Historical Race Cars and the other for Historical Race Bikes. The history of the Ospedaletti circuit begins with the first official race way back in 1947. In those years, in fact, the Sanremo circuit highlighted how necessary a different track was to guarantee the safety of drivers and spectators. Thus was born the Ospedaletti circuit which, until 1972, represented an important point of reference for holding motorcycle and car races, as well as sporting events dedicated to enthusiasts and collectors.

The Ospedaletti circuit is defined as a small Targa Florio, because of the need for considerable skills required to ride it. It is truly a Fantastic track to ride on; Breathtaking curves also up and down, a long straight and guaranteed entertainment for drivers and spectators. Visit the gallery section to take a look at the photos of the latest sporting events and breathe in the air of the event. The event is free for spectators.

Several side events will take place during the Sunday event, which will be revealed later

Further information: circuitospedaletti.org

The American Bugatti Club is hosting the 2026 International Bugatti Meet (IBM) in Oregon in September, 2026. This point-to-point tour will take a circular route around western Oregon, beginning and ending at the Allison Inn and Spa, our headquarter hotel. In addition, the 12th US Bugatti Grand Prix will take place at Pacific Raceway, Kent, Washington, following the tour. You will not want to miss these 13 days of Bugatti activities! If you think you might be able to participate, please complete the attached ‘Intent of Interest’ form and return it to Paul Simms via email or mail as soon as possible. This will help the organizing committee plan the event.

International Bugatti Meet: September 8 – 14
The tour will include six days of driving through wine country, glaciated mountains, pristine alpine lakes, ponderosa pine forests, volcanic lava fields and the high desert of Oregon. You will be staying at beautiful inns and resorts. This unforgettable tour of the disappearing American west will include a private rodeo, a tour of Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose at the Aviation and Space Museum, and a Recreation Day to experience Central Oregon, with a Crater Lake option. This is a unique opportunity, being the first time that an International Bugatti Meet has been held in the Pacific Northwest.

'Volcano Tour': September 15 - 17
This is a three-day transition tour from the Allison Hotel to Pacific Raceway, Kent, WA. While you can drive directly to the track in 3-4 hours (185 miles), the ‘Volcano Tour’ takes you through some of the prettiest parts of lower Washington state. The tour begins along the Columbia Gorge with stops at wineries and the Mary Hill Museum, which features works by Rodin and Loie Fuller. The route provides stunning vistas, including three glaciated volcanoes in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” in the Cascade Mountain range. Our final stop is the host hotel near Pacific Raceways.

12th US Bugatti Grand Prix Weekend: September 17 - 20
Whether racing or spectating, the ABC has arranged for this to be an exciting few days for all Bugatti enthusiasts. Approximately 30 Bugattis will race for 3 days at the 2.25 mile Pacific Raceway “European Style” track in Kent, Washington. Three-day passes will be available for those with Bugatti touring cars to park in the paddocks, attend a welcome dinner on Thursday evening, join tours of famous Seattle car collections and participate in parade laps on Friday, Saturday, and before the Bugatti Grand Prix on Sunday. The weekend will end with a Gala Awards Dinner on Sunday evening.

Both of these exciting events will provide fantastic opportunities to exercise your Bugatti as Ettore intended, along beautiful roads and with wonderful friends.

There are a limited number of entries available, so please react using the below Intent of Interest form as soon as possible.

2026 Organizing Committee:

• Ed Godshalk – International Bugatti Meet Chairman,
• Neil d'Autremont- US Bugatti Grand Prix Co-Chairman

Vive la Marque!!!

The entry form can be found at: 2026-IBM-Intent-of-Interest.pdf