Oct. 25 2007 - March 2, 2008 Bugatti in "ChromJuwels History" exhibition Vienna, Austria
About 40 magnificent, mainly hystoric, automobiles will be on exhibition in the tecnical Museum in Vienna. Automobiles that wrote history and made legends. Only milestones of automobile history will be shown. Amongst them 3 Bugattis: The Type 41 Royale Binder 1932 and the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic 1937, and, the only contemporary car in the show, the Bugatti Veyron.
More info: www.tmw.ac.at
RM Auctions returns to the beautiful grounds of the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton Hotel to host the annual auction of Vintage Motor Cars in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
Lot n° 279 : 1928 Bugatti Type 35B Supercharged Pur Sang Recreation Chassis No. 4938, Estimate: $175,000-$225,000
NOTE: This Pur Sang T35B, chassis no. 4938, should not be confused with an original, Molsheim-built Bugatti T35B, which may also carry this number.
More details on: www.rmauctions.com
Organised by the Bugatti Club Australia, www.Bugatticlubaustralia.com.au
April 26 - 27, 2008 Classic Car Auction of Michigan Novi, USA
In this RM Auction a 1934 Bugatti T57 Galibier Pillarless saloon will be on auction.
The chassis number is 57178, recently restored and fitted with both side mounted as well as one rear spare!
More info: www.rmauctions.com
April 26 - May 3, 2008 Bugatti a Cagliari – Sardegna del Sud Italy
More info: www.2fast4you.it
February 25, 2008
In cooperation with Jean Prick and Teresa Bugatti I have crafted this bronze sculpture of her father. Ettore Bugatti, with bowler hat and white gloves, shows with pride one of his masterpieces, the Bugatti 57 Ventoux.
This bronze sculpture is available in a special 'personalized' limited edition, with certificate and photo album.
Gooding & Company Scottsdale Auction, Arizona Saturday, January 19, 2008
Lot 17: 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Coupe #57717 sold at $731,500.
RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona 18th January
1937 Bugatti T57 Stelvio, chassis 57440; not sold
By David Grainger
TORONTO -- I once said about the restoration of an early-1930s Grand Prix Bugatti, "How hard can it be? It's just a car." It's amazing how naive we can be sometimes, even when we should know better.
While it is true that Bugattis are "just cars" from the standpoint of having four wheels and a motor, the waters tend to muddy beyond that. The largest problem is with the rather eccentric way in which Bugattis were engineered -- that eccentricity largely stemming from the fact that founder Ettore Bugatti was not a trained engineer but a brilliant tinkerer who simply invented his own idiosyncratic solutions to many problems.
Bugatti had not just a good grasp of engineering but was also from a creative family. Both his father and his brother Rembrandt were successful artists.
The eccentricities of Bugattis can be attributed not just to the founder's lack of formal training; he also insisted that most mechanical items made for a car have their own simplicity and elegance. For that reason, even a water pump or generator would not look out of place in any Art Deco exhibition. Bugatti had the kind of ego that would not allow him to solve engineering solutions by copying other manufacturers. The exception to this rule was the twin-cam design of the Type 57 motor, which he borrowed from American Harry Miller's famous racing engines. That exchange went both ways, however, as Miller utilized some of Bugatti's ideas as well.
The Aerolithe project going on at the shop -- the recreation of Bugatti's (arguably) most famous and controversial lost car -- brings not just the eccentricities inherent to the marque but also the dearth of information due to the fact there are only 11 photographs of the original Aerolithe in existence. And several of these are taken from the same angle. Plus, only a few technical drawings exist of items such as foot pedals and other inconsequentials. The only truly important extant technical drawing is of the Aerolithe's radiator, from which some information can be gleaned.
While building this car, we have also had to wade through the very swampy waters of "expert opinion."
As with a T59 Grand Prix car I built a few years ago, I soon realized that many of the experts and their entrenched opinions are, in fact, mistaken.
As we recreate the Aerolithe millimetre by computer-checked millimetre, we are discovering things that fly in the face of some long-held expert opinion.
First and foremost is putting to rest the controversy over what kind of frame the car had. Many Bugattistes have hypothesized that it had a much lower Sport chassis rather than a standard factory chassis. While this may seem largely irrelevant to most, this has long been a point of great controversy and importance in the Bugatti world.
While building the car -- and with measurements carefully scaled by computer from all the existing photographs -- we discovered that the angles incorporated into the Sport chassis made its lower profile incompatible with the Aerolithe's components (steering box, firewall, etc.) without a ridiculous amount of shimming.
Another theory regarding the Sport chassis was that it had curved rear frame members that followed the shape of the body's boat tail. Not only would this have been silly to run under the larger coupe, it would have required some fancy and unneeded engineering in order to make it work.
It is while doing the reverse engineering required to recreate this lost Bugatti that one eventually figures out what it was most like in original form -- and what it could not possibly have been.
What stands out is just how much the Aerolithe was like modern prototypes. It was, in fact, more a dream car than a manufacturable reality.
While it was functional in some respects -- it's recorded that the car took one road trip to England -- the Aerolithe's lack of opening side windows and proper ventilation, combined with other shortcuts, must have made it a little rude to live with as well as hot and stuffy. Of course, given a car that was truly an expression of high art and cutting-edge design, what red-blooded individual would complain if given the opportunity to drive it?
The Aerolithe, an icon that the public of the 1930s knew as the Electron coupe, would have been the prototype Enzo Ferrari (the car, not the marque's founder) of its day. In fact, the Enzo could be considered rather plebeian by comparison as there were 400 built. Counting the production run of Atlantiques, which followed the Aerolithe prototype, there were only four built.
© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008
There were not that many entries for the contest, but one impressed through a very personal life-story. In this Bugatti played a very significant part, even to live-saving proportions!
Then there are many personal, though much less dramatic stories. Some are about the known ways of getting involved with Bugattis; for the younger ones: through the building / collecting of miniature Bugattis, for the older authors; some were lucky enough to be able to buy a Bugatti back in the 60's, when these were still affordable.
So, the winner is Johan Buchner of South Africa, with runner up being Pedr Davis (Australia) with a very different story, notably about the connections between the first real Bugatti (type 10), and an Isotta Fraschini from approximately the same year. Both stories were unanimously chosen by the jury. Their prizes are already sent, so they should receive them shortly.
Enjoy all the stories, which you can find in the Bugatti Revue. A special thanks goes to all authors, who took the time to write an article, and had the guts to send it in also!
Dec. 3, 2007 ,Bonhams, Olympia, London
T30, chassis 4724: £270,000
1913 Peugeot Bébé 6hp Type BPI Two-Seat Tourer 10252: £18,000
1993 Bugatti EB110SS Super Sport Coupé ZA9BB02EOPCD39001: £140,000
Dec. 5, 2007 "True Greats" Coys auction, Westminster, London, UK
1932/1985 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix "replica": £203,000
December 2, 2007 Bugatti is pleased to announce the introduction of a comprehensive additional warranty, covering practically every eventuality up to four years after the vehicle’s original delivery. To begin with, the optional warranty guarantees the mechanical and electrical components, as well as the body- and paintwork, including a guarantee against rust throughout the entire vehicle. To this end, the built-in telemetric system can be used to provide early warning of any possible malfunction within the car’s equipment that might affect its safety or performance. In the event of a failure, the warranty also provides for the delivery of replacement parts anywhere in the world.
In addition, should your vehicle break down due to a technical defect, Bugatti S.A.S. will ensure you reach your destination. The warranty promises immediate breakdown service, including towing free of charge to the next Bugatti service partner open for business if the car cannot be repaired on the spot. In such cases, the owner will also be provided with a replacement vehicle of a standard corresponding to the Audi A8.
Finally, to ensure a minimum of discomfort, Bugatti owners taking advantage of this service are issued with an “anti-inconvenience” cheque that can be used to cover any expenses resulting from a breakdown, such as hotel accommodation or travel tickets, without any need to produce receipts. A special helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all calls are managed personally by a member of Bugatti customer service. The Bugatti extended warranty applies to a specific vehicle and can be transferred to the new owner in the event of the car being sold. For further details please contact your Bugatti dealer.
Speed and Safety
Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has recently introduced a unique driving experience for Veyron owners: Feeling the road. Under the watchful eye of official pilot, Pierre-Henri Raphanel, Bugatti customers have the opportunity to learn how to react in critical situations.
Over the course of a whole day and some 300 kilometres, Pierre-Henri explains the Veyron 16.4 – which is supplied for the event by Bugatti – before giving one-to-one training and an introduction to racetrack driving. This exclusive event is held upon request and takes place at the “Anneau du Rhin” track, in Colmar, alongside one of France’s most beautiful wine routes.
The session will entail such dynamic driving exercises as full acceleration, emergency braking, change manoeuvres, and slalom – conducted at the training centre and under various tarmac conditions, also making use of the artificial rain system. The programme then switches to the smaller (1.1 km) of the two racetracks, where drivers can train in private, with exclusive use of the track. After a break, the final – and most exciting – session is a special high-speed drive on the larger track (3 km).
This unforgettable day is rounded off with a debriefing and the presentation of a certificate. Participants may also spend the evening dining with Pierre-Henri, when they will have the possibility to exchange their impressions of the day’s experience. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. can arrange accommodation in or around Strasbourg, as well as a visit to nearby Molsheim for a tour of the birthplace of the first and today’s Bugattis.
Feeling the road is offered on a strictly individual basis and Veyron owners wishing to arrange an appointment should contact us by e-mail: contact@bugatti.com
November 29, 2007 My colleague Frederic Gasson and myself from the Bugatti Aircraft Association are organising, in cooperation with Retromobile, a conference on history, present and future of the Bugatti 100P airplane, at the Retromobile in Paris on February 16/17, 2008. We would really appreciate it if you would be able to attend.
The public conference will take place
about the Bugatti airplane at the RetroMobile-show 2008, in Paris on
saturday the 16th of February at 10:30am.
Part of the public conference will be in french, but
I'm sure we will have a good time to discuss about
that plane in english after the conference. A time is
scheduled for a associative BAA meeting, after the
public conference.
The sunday 17th, I project to visit the "Bourget air
and space museum".
You're welcome to bring your questions, informations,
pictures, enigma, projects...
If you want to attend this meeting, let us know, we'll do our best to organise your stay during this Week End.
Programme
Samedi 16 Février 10h30, Conférence Public:
-Historique de l'avion
J. Horst , Président du "Bugatti Aircraft Association"
-Revue de l'avion commente en images
Photos de détails du 100P au musée EAA de Oshkosh.
-Performances / Spécifications aérodynamiques ?
Etudiants de l'ENSICA (Toulouse): présentation d'une
étude en soufflerie.
D. Lednicer/ M. Firczuck (USA): aérodynamique et
motorisation.
-Derniers secrets et révélations?
John Geartner, Ex directeur du musée EAA de Oshkosh
Jean-Louis Arbey, pilote, Bugattiste, et passionne
-Revival Project: réplique exacte ou avion moderne?
Crédibilité, Faisabilité et contraintes techniques,
Questions diverses...
Dimanche 17 Février, 11h00, Le Bourget:
Visite et repas au Musée de l'air et de l'espace
Sur inscriptions avant le 31 janvier: revival100p@takeoffconcept.fr
November 28, 2007 Just in time for christmas! Do you have your own T35B in the garage, and your (grand) son is all too often asking if he can take the wheel? Than this just might be your solution! A nice replica of a Bugatti T52, including the electric engine, will keep the children busy for a while. The build quality shows from the pictures here presented. Click for a bigger picture
Violetta is a French company that designs and reproduces the best children cars and also for some models: adults scaled cars and also mini boats. Violetta makes two Bugatti re-editions:
1 The BABY BUGATTI (T52, the long version): the best you can find, all
details (even nuts and bolts), techniques, materials are meticulously
respected by specialists. Impressive details: square bolts, aluminium bonnet, vintage battery,
cotton braided wires....
A masterpiece priced at: 30 000 Euro
2 The Violetta EURÈKA Grand-Prix is not a BUGATTI but its design and
shape (1928) are based on the famous EURÈKA pedal cars from the 1920's.
This pedal car is the quickest ever produced thanks to its very
sophisticated and efficient pedal mechanism. Truly a masterpiece.
Today VIOLETTA offers you the opportunity to acquire the perfect new
edition.
Price is: 8 500Euro
Contact Gilles Violet, 00 33 6 11 43 83 11 www.prestigetoygift.com
Mr. Pluim bought a considerable number of original photographs of Bugattis (and many other classic cars) back in the fifties, which he now offers in large size "Giclee's". These are profession digital prints, but in a higher quality than you ever saw before! Visit www.heritage-editions.nl
Feb.8 - 17, 2008 Retromobile Paris, France
Main themes are "the woman and the automobile" and "60 years 2CV" (and hopefully not a combination of both!), but as always, various Bugattis will be on show!
Also, the organisation wishes to offer a more varied programme, reason why conferences and demonstrations are organised.
More info: www.retromobile.fr
There will be 3 Bugattis on auction (of which one T52)
- Lot 1K: Bugatti type 52, "Baby" - Estimation 20 000 - 23 000 €,
info
- Lot 12: BUGATTI Type 57 Cabriolet Stelvio 1935 #57314 - Estimation 280 000 - 350 000 €,
info
- Lot 15: BUGATTI Type 57 Atalante 1939 #57753 Engine: #544,
info
The following Bugattis will be on auction:
- Lot 119: 1951 Bugatti Type 101 Coach Coachwork by 'Guillore of Courbevoie’ Chassis #101 502. Estimate: €100,000 - 200,000, £75,000 - 150,000 info
- Lot 120: 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport #43303, Engine #130 From the William 'Pim' Hascher Collection. Estimate: €600,000 - 800,000, £450,000 - 600,000 info
- Lot 125: 1925 Bugatti Type 30 Tourer #4637, Engine #532, ex-Arturo Keller collection. Estimate: €280,000 - 360,000, £210,000 - 270,000
info
- Lot 147: 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Coupé #57427, Engine #186. Estimate: €750,000 - 900,000, £560,000 - 670,000
info
- Lot 168: 1937 Bugatti Type 57 #57546, Engine #400. Estimate: €350,000 - 450,000, £260,000 - 340,000
info
-Lot 102: By order of the executors of the late John Gardiner,Bugatti Type 51 Project Estimate: €15,000 - 20,000, £11,000 - 15,000
-Lot 103: By order of the executors of the late John Gardiner,Bugatti Type 55 project Estimate: €35,000 - 45,000, £26,000 - 34,000
Info for this event and others: Christophe Chanterault
Feb. 16, 2008 Conference on the Bugatti 100P Airplane Retromobile, Paris, France
Location: Hall 3.1 stand H5, time: 10.30
Subjects: History of the airplane, and current projects for building a flying replica.
To be combined with a meeting for Bugatti Aircraft Association members
For more info contact Frederic Gasson or Jaap Horst .
Jan.18, 2008 Auction Arizona, USA
On offer in this RM Auction a 1937 Bugatti T57 Stelvio, chassis 57440. Take a look at the strange vents on the front fenders!
Estimate: 450 - 550 k$.
More info: www.rmauctions.com