6 Attachment(s)
Bugatti's masterpieces at Molsheim
Bugatti's masterpieces at Molsheim
[QUOTE]Bugatti’s masterpieces at Molsheim
Exquisite Concours d’Elégance ends centenary celebrations
Molsheim, 12th September 2009 – To conclude the festivities marking its 100th anniversary, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented an impressive overview of the legendary brand’s model history in the park of Château St. Jean in Molsheim.
Bugatti clubs from all over the world helped to organise a comprehensive exhibition bound to please enthusiasts, which culminated in an exquisite Concours d’Elégance. On hand were all the vehicles that have contributed to the Bugatti legend over its 100-year history, from the company’s founding in 1909 to the current Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.
This includes vehicles such as the “Brescia”, the Type 35, whose numerous race track victories made Bugatti a household name across the world, the legendary six Royales from the late 1920s and the Types 57 and 59 designed by Jean Bugatti, which ten years later played another important role in the brand’s story and went down in automobile history as icons.
The Concours begins with some pre-first-war cars, among them the small Type 15 Fiacre from 1912, the oldest Bugatti with a closed body that has survived and continues with the legendary Type 18, Chassis 471, Ettore Bugatti’s personal Mont Ventoux race car. Two Bugatti Royales und three of the most original Bugatti Grand Prix cars - one of them the winning car of the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929 - represent the period up to the second world war.
Of course, the general overview would not be complete without the Bugatti EB 110 and the prototype EB 112 from the epoch between 1987 and 1995, during which the Italian businessman Romano Artioli attempted – unfortunately in vain – to revive the company that was forced to bring its activities to a halt in 1956.
When speaking of Bugatti, it is also important to remember the entire family’s significance in the artistic community. More an artist than an engineer, Ettore Bugatti came from a family that attained worldwide acclaim for its artistic prowess. His father Carlo was a well-known furniture designer and his brother Rembrandt a talented sculptor whose wildlife sculptures are traded at premium prices today. Selected works by both men are on display in a special exhibition in the château. The exhibition includes exquisite individual pieces that have returned to Molsheim for the first time for this weekend.
Reviving the brand
Exactly 50 years after the brand’s demise, the first Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 was delivered on 10th March 2006. This super sports car with its unique technical specifications quickly became a milestone in automobile history. Its “brother”, the Grand Sport, a roadster with the same technical underpinnings as the Veyron, limited to 150 units, recently started production. Both are displayed as well as two of the special “racing-heritage –models” shown at the Villa d’Este and the “Sang Bleu”, one “Fbg par Hermčs” , one “Pur Sang” and one “Sang Noir”, limited editions that found great response.
In the eleven years that have passed since the company was “re-founded”, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has succeeded in completely restoring the brand’s charisma. Bugatti once again embodies the values that Ettore Bugatti proudly and admiringly sent off into the world when he viewed his artwork on wheels from the steps of Château St. Jean.[/QUOTE]
