Bugatti, the renowned French luxury car manufacturer, recently unveiled its highly anticipated new model, the Tourbillon, at its headquarters in Molsheim, France. With an impressive power output of 1,800 horsepower, this hypercar is set to be the successor to the iconic Chiron. However, Bugatti’s showcase went beyond just its latest creation, as it also highlighted the brand’s rich history through a display of classic cars that encompassed a diverse range of models.
While Bugatti is often associated with high-performance hypercars, it’s important to recognize that the brand has a much broader heritage. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Bugatti produced one of the world’s most luxurious cars, the Type 41 Royale. This opulent vehicle measured a staggering 252 inches in length and featured a wheelbase nearly 170 inches long. Powered by a 12.8-liter straight-eight engine, the Royale exemplified true automotive extravagance.
One particular Type 41 Royale, showcased at the Tourbillon unveiling, caught the attention of enthusiasts. This example boasted 24-inch wheels, the iconic “Dancing Elephant” hood ornament, and a closed rear cabin with reinforced glass windows. The unique design also featured an open front compartment and an intercom system known as the Motor Dictograph, allowing rear passengers to communicate with the driver. The massive engine produced around 300 horsepower, enabling a top speed of approximately 124 mph – an impressive feat for its time.
Bugatti has occasionally explored its family-friendly side over the years, although these endeavors have not yet made it to production. In the 1990s, during Romano Artioli’s ownership of the brand when it was based in Italy, Bugatti embarked on a project in collaboration with renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The result was the EB112, a super-sedan powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine. Later, after joining the Volkswagen Group in 1999, Bugatti introduced the EB218 concept – a four-door luxury sedan featuring a W18 engine. Another concept, the 16C Galibier, emerged as a potential follow-up to the Veyron a decade later.
Racing has always been an integral part of Bugatti’s DNA, with the brand achieving success in prestigious events such as the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the Tourbillon unveiling, Bugatti paid tribute to its racing heritage by featuring four vintage race cars, including the Type 23, nicknamed Tank, from 1923. Its futuristic design, characterized by its streamlined body and riveted flat metal panels, was ahead of its time. Despite not achieving widespread success, the Tank demonstrated Bugatti’s innovative and daring approach to design. Its successor, the Type 35, went on to become Bugatti’s most successful race car.
In addition to the classic cars, Bugatti also presented some of its more contemporary models at the event. Among these were the EB110, the Centodieci, and the Mistral. One notable highlight was the Chiron Profilée, a one-of-a-kind car that fetched a staggering $10 million at an auction in February 2023.
While Bugatti’s past and present models predominantly focus on performance, there is one exception that stands out – the Type 56. This unique electric car, which I had the opportunity to drive in 2018, deviates from the brand’s usual high-speed endeavors. With a tiller instead of a steering wheel and a maximum speed of 20 mph, the Type 56 showcases Bugatti’s willingness to push boundaries and explore alternative technologies.
In conclusion, Bugatti’s recent unveiling event not only introduced its incredibly powerful Tourbillon hypercar but also provided a captivating glimpse into the brand’s fascinating history. From the opulence of the Type 41 Royale to the groundbreaking design of the Tank, Bugatti has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and design. As the brand continues to evolve, it remains committed to its racing heritage while exploring new avenues in luxury and technology.