March 25, 2010
Bugatti saloon 'confirmed'
New Bugatti saloon in 2013
The Bugatti 16 C Galibier super-saloon concept is poised to be given the green light for production, following positive reaction to the concept car.
The Galibier has been on tour since last September, visiting Bugatti customers, the media and motor shows as Bugatti assesses its suitability as a replacement for the Veyron. Production of the hypercar will end in 2012.
A decision on the Galibier had been expected this spring, but Bugatti�s position as the smallest of VW�s brands has meant it has had to wait its turn for Group funds. Each of the 300 Galibiers earmarked for production from 2013 is expected to retail for around �900,000.
Despite this high price, the funds required for development are small within the context of the group. But VW is currently trying to raise around �4bn (�3.6bn) in a share sale and has frozen any announcements on new products. It is worried that committing to a new Bugatti model will have an adverse effect on its attempts to raise the funds.
The reaction to the car has been overwhelmingly positive and Bugatti insiders claim there is now a strong will within the Volkswagen Group to make the car. It is almost certain to be signed off for production this summer after the share sale has ended.
�It will be made one way or the other,� said one insider. �We�re the smallest VW Group member and there�s a recession on so we�ve not been a priority.
�But we can expect to announce something by the summer; it looks good, people like it and it wouldn�t be a great financial commitment in the context of the Group.�
The Galibiers are influenced by the Veyron and the fuselage styling of the classic Bugatti Type 35.
Its doors and wings are constructed from aluminium, but the rest of the body is made from carbonfibre. Carbonfibre is also used in the front end of the chassis to add stiffness and keep weight down.
A weight hasn�t been given, although Bugatti wants the Galibier to be the lightest car in its class. The four-seat cabin is more luxurious than the Veyron and has a more minimal design.
Powering all four of the Galibier�s wheels is the Veyron�s W16 engine, tuned to produce around 800bhp, albeit using twin mechanical superchargers rather than the Veyron�s four turbochargers. The Galibier probably won�t have the Veyron�s DSG gearbox, either; instead it�s expected to use a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.
But like the Veyron, it will be exceptionally fast. Bugatti tech boss Wolfgang Schreiber has said he wants the production Galibier to �be the world�s fastest, highest accelerating and powerful four-door�.
[Mark Tisshaw]
March 24, 2010
Helle Nice foundation
March 23, 2010
Rehabilitation for Fritz Schlumpf?
In 1976 the banks of Mulhouse didn�t give any more money to the factories of Hans and Fritz Schlumpf. There was no economical or financial reason for that. Because the textile industry in Europe was in heavy weather as result of the low prices of the Asiatic textile industry, the Schlumpfs had a big problem. The history told until now says, that the Schlumpfs invested to much in their car collection and that that was the reason for their bankruptcy. Result: 2000 workers on the street without work and the Schlumpfs were to blame. The trade union took possession of the car collection and later the French government nationalized it. Fritz and Hans Schlumpf fled to Switzerland were they lived in expulsion for the rest of their live. They lost every legal suit in their absence so justice had been done. But was it justice?
After our book �the fate of the sleeping beauties�, which will appear in English worldwide by Veloce in September 2010 about the car collection of Michel Dovaz and the bad things, that had been done to the guy, Arnoud and I went investigating the very nice car collection of the Schlumpfs and the Schlumpf affair. The first thing we noticed was, that not any French Authority wanted to give us any information. We were not allowed to see the verdicts of the processes against Schlumpf and the management of the museum didn�t allow us to photograph the reserve of the museum. It looked like the French authority had something to hide. Meanwhile we discovered, that the large sum of money and the Malmerspach Collection were the credit balance of the bankruptcy in 1977. We were staggered. We never heard about that big a credit balance in a bankruptcy and we certainly were surprised, that the French government gave that back to Arlette Schlumpf, the widow of Fritz. It encouraged us to continue our research.
A couple of weeks ago we read in an English automotive magazine in an article about the late Tom Wheatcroft � he died 31 October 2009 - , that his greatest disillusion had been not been able to buy (a part of) the Schlumpf collection back in 1976 because of the French government. We made contact with the son of Tom, Kevin Wheatcroft, who confirmed us that story, because he was with the negotiations in 1976 between his father and Fritz Schlumpf. It encouraged us to continue our research.
We found out, that in 1976 besides Wheatcroft there have been 4 more interested possible buyers for the collection, but they were confronted, too, with the dismissal of the French government. We will tell their names in our book. The history became a slurry pit. What has really happened in 1976?
The banks of Mulhouse refused to give any money to the factories of Schlumpf. They obviously had their reasons. In order to save � this was confirmed to us � the factories Fritz Schlumpf was willing to bring a great offer. To sell a part of his collection or even the whole collection. He negotiated about it with Tom Wheatcroft and reached an agreement. The French government blocked a transaction like that. Fritz negotiated separately with at least four others with the same result. In order to save the employment of his workers he was willing to sell the factories for a symbolic amount of money, but because of the recession in the European textile no buyer came and the three factories went bankrupt. The French authority and the trade union pointed to Schlumpf as the guilty and took possession of his beautiful car collection.
If you read this story it is clear, that Fritz did all he could do to save the employment of his workers and not he and his brother, but the French government and the trade union kicked 2000 workers unemployed on the street. In our book we will describe the story more detailed.
Ard and Arnoud op de Weegh
www.extraordinarycarcollections.com
March 20, 2010
Electron Coupe becomes the sum of its parts
Intense activity as all the pieces come together
David Grainger, National Post
I have lost track of the number of reports I have made on the progress of the Bugatti Aerolithe, but I am pleased to say this is likely the next to last.
As many of you might remember from my earlier columns, the Aerolithe was a Type 57 Bugatti prototype created by Jean Bugatti in 1935. It was an aerodynamic coupe with a body created from Electron, and it was often called the Electron Coupe by the press of the day.
I have been recreating in infinitesimal detail the coachwork of the Electron Coupe on an original Type 57 chassis--number 57104--the fourth T 57 created by Bugatti and the oldest surviving chassis of its kind.
The project is at a stage where, on some days, you can look into the coachbuilding room and see an almost complete car, while, a day later, you look in and see a stripped-down hulk. This is all pretty standard as fenders are fit to the frame and body, floors are planned and fabricated, pedals and their assemblies are fit and checked, seats and brackets are made and checked and the myriad tiny items that go into a car get fabricated, shaped, honed and polished.
At this stage in the project, it is a period of intense activity, where the craftsmen involved finally have the satisfaction of seeing the items they create reach a finished form.
Decisions have been made as to the colour of the exterior and interior and the leather, carpet and wood to be used in the interior has been sourced and purchased.
There are still some flies in the ointment, though. The radiator grille assembly is of different dimensions than the ordinary T 57 grille, and while we have the entire grille, there is a small panel in the bottom that is an unusual shape. The one that was supplied is from a stock grille, so it doesn't come close to being a fit. It is a small part that we could manufacture by hand, but that would take more than a week. An attempt to have another grille piece that would fit fabricated by the original company that made us the flawed part has been fruitless so far.
Between last year, when we ordered the parts to be manufactured, and now, the supplier has disappeared. One of our problems is so many companies have folded their tents in the last year that we are often met with disconnected phone lines and web and email addresses that no longer work. That is a strong argument for doing almost every kind of fabrication in-house.
Some of the gauges in the dashboard remain unsourced and, as we get to the end of the line, we have to make final decisions about such items. In some cases, we have simply avoided purchasing gauges because their owners want so much money for them. I still bridle at being asked to pay $5,000 for a speedometer. At this point, we can actually make a gauge for less. The question becomes whether we should, considering how many original parts are in the car. That is why decisions get put off as we search for other, hopefully less expensive, original gauges to flesh out the dash.
It is during this phase of a project such as this that one can really appreciate the skills and talents of the people working on it. To hold a complex part in your hand that came through the door only days earlier as flat stock and which is now undetectable from an original part is inspiring -- and such a change from the unfortunate lack of skills that pervade too much of modern society.
The parts range from tiny fasteners and clips for the interior to the correct seat rails and brackets for the original seats. Of course, the entire body has been created from sheets of magnesium, no small feat, but that does not take away from the beauty of parts such as door handles, dashboard, headlight mounts, pedal assemblies and even the parking brake handle, which had to be designed, cast and then finished and plated in nickel.
No matter how many years I have been in this business or how jaded I have become about many classic cars, I still hold a sense of wonder as I see a complex machine take shape from sheets of metal and bars of rough stock. To be tasked with the re-creation of one of the most beautiful cars of all time and to have had the pleasure of assembling the talent required to breathe life into it is a major accomplishment. Considering how fortunate we have been over the last years and how many incredible cars we have restored -- more than 1,000 at this point -- it takes a pretty special car to rise above the herd.
The Aerolithe is certainly that.
david@guildclassiccars.com
March 18, 2010
Bugatti Type 5 engine runs in the car
Udo Joerges lets me know this. Check it out on Youtube: " Bugatti Type 5 engine running in the car ".
There is also another movie of the engine running, while not yet in the car.
March 15, 2010
Auction result
Gooding & Compagny, Amelia Island Auction, March 12, 2010 (prices include the buyer's premium):
Lot 9 - 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix "#4935" - Sold for $900,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $1,000,000 - $1,400,000
Lot 66 - 1932 Bugatti Type 50 Cabriolet #50144 - Sold for $1,100,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $1,250,000 - $1,500,000.
Thanks to Christophe Chanterault
March 12, 2010
Bugattibuilder.com update
Herman Brouwer sent the following mail:
3 out of the 5 harddisks that my friend bought (new!) for this job, have crashed. (in different computers, different locations).
Both the server my friend was building, and the server which should host Bugattibuilder, have been turned off, to prevent loss of the other 2 disks, which contain operating systems and data. (no Bugattibuilder data yet). Given the fact that 3 disks died already, the trust in the remaining 2 disks has gone.
So basicly it is now a task of bringing in more harddisks, and claiming warranty on the old ones. Which unfortunately will set us back a few days.
Plain annoying, but not much I can do right now.
March 11, 2010
Bugattibuilder.com and Bugattiregister.com sites up soon again
Herman Brouwer, the sites' host reports:
The server I am running the site on, lost 1 harddrive fatally, without any warning. This is the harddrive which contains the operating system.
The 2 disks (mirror, for safety) which hold the data, including the websites, appear to be OK.
A friend of mine has been working all weekend and a couple of nights, trying to recover and restore the faulty disk, unfortunately to no avail.
A completely new, professional server has been purchased, which has far more safety features then the old one. Basicly everything that is vital for running, is duplicate in this new server. (power supply, harddisks, processors, etc.). Also, the operating system architecture will change dramatically, to allow fast recovery in the event of a future failure. (VMWare, for the experts)
I hope to have the server up and running in the next couple of days. I must say that I will try and install the websites on a Linux server (I have never done that before) to allow for some nice features and better performance.
The only drawback at this point is that I am very limited in time, due to personal circumstances.
March 7, 2010
Mullin Automotive Museum to Open its Doors in Spring 2010 - April 15
New Southern California Institution Celebrates Art Deco and Machine Age Design Eras
Oxnard, Calif. (2010) � The Mullin Automotive Museum, a facility that will pay homage to the art deco and machine age design eras (1918-1941) that produced exquisite art and magnificent automobiles, will officially open its doors for the first time in the beach community of Oxnard, Calif., Spring 2010.
The dramatic facility will be a three-dimensional celebration of the pre-World War II Belgian/French decorative arts movement, long described as Art Deco. Sharing the more than 50-thousand square-feet of exhibit space will be one of the finest collections of coach-built automobiles, furniture and art from the Deco era.
A display of more than 100 historic French cars is planned to include examples from Delahaye, Delage, Talbot-Lago, Voisin, Hispano-Suiza and of course, Bugatti, wrapped in voluptuous forms from the iconic coachbuilding ateliers of Chapron, Figoni et Falaschi, Gangloff, Vanvooren, Labourdette, Letourneur et Marchand and Saoutchik, among others. And, while his work was exclusive to the cars created by his father, Jean Bugatti was among the best designers of his time and will also be well represented, along with the art of his sister, uncle, father and grandfather.
Next to the Pebble Beach Concours winning automobile restorations, will be displayed 30 unrestored art treasures. They are the core of the collection purchased by the Schlumpf brothers, industrialists of the Alsace region of France in the early 60s. Their goal was to bring all the Bugattis back to where they had been created. Their enormous collection of French cars is now called Mus�e National � Collection Schlumpf.
The remaining collection, called "The Reserve Collection" is made up of the renowned American sportsman John Shakespeare's collection, purchased by the Schlumpf brothers along with other French classics. Peter Mullin recently purchased that complete collection and will exhibit 30 of his favorites in as-found condition before a 90-foot diorama of the barn in which they were discovered. This remarkable juxtaposition will also illustrate the work required to make a barn-find car into an award-winning showpiece.
On the nearly 11-thousand square foot mezzanine is planned another exhibit of French classics from the less sensual Grand Prix and Le Mans sports-racing school of design including Gabriel Voisin's incredible "Laboratoire" experimental racer. They will be shown in a pre-WWII Le Mans track and racing pit diorama to give viewers a sense of the casual atmosphere once enjoyed by the racing elite.
"Club Bugatti" will share the second floor. Here we will be encouraged by Mr. Mullin to remember that the Bugatti name and its creative gene predated and paralleled the famous Ettore, so reverently chronicled in the automotive world. The family art exhibit will include priceless furniture created by Ettore's father Carlo near the beginning of the last century, bronze sculptures by Ettore's brother Rembrandt and elegant pastels and charcoal drawings by Ettore's daughter, Lidia. The entrance to the Club will be around a freestanding wall containing a set of Carlo Bugatti's splendid doors.
The science of the Twenty-first Century will protect the art of the Twentieth. A well-integrated green power supply and supporting insulation will create an interior climate carefully tuned for preservation. In that atmosphere, the priceless restorations and fine art pieces will cease measurable age.
An elevator will rise from the main floor through the mezzanine to a roof deck and garden. Art deco waveform grilles surround the elevator mechanism. The elevator tower includes a staircase and will double as a photo gallery illustrating Parisian life during the "Belle �poque." The rooftop view will include the green discipline of the 21st century facility. The roof itself is sealed in thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) with heat-welded seams. The surface is so white and smooth, its manufacturer states it will reflect 20% of the solar heat away from the interior. An array of photovoltaic panels collects the area's nearly uninterrupted daytime access to solar power and a set of ducted-turbine generators makes use of the steady ocean breeze. Their design will actually advance the deco theme above the museum's entrance. Below them, the entrance is shaded by an Eiffelesque iron portico supporting dozens of tinted windshields that looks both period correct and apropos collections within.
Mr. Mullin would like the collection to be known as a museum of the art deco period. The mature forms of that new design language were established by "l'Exposition International des Arts D�coratifs et Industriels Modernes" (1925); dubbed Art Moderne for many years then Art Deco by a journalist in 1960. That concise description has survived half a century. In spite of the best efforts of a devoted connoisseur of Arts D�coratifs Modernes, it will likely be the Arts Industriels that will raise emotions and make memories - it will be the cars.
Swiss sculptor Max Bill described the convergence of fine and industrial art of the period; "Whether he like it or not, those who create new forms succumb to the influence of modern art...Comparison between an automobile and the sculpture of its time will show how close the relationship is between works of art and the forms of useful objects." Contemporary designer Philippe Charbonneaux describing Figoni's work said, "...very much an artist...a master of curves and elegant lines." Even the connoisseurs in Britain could not resist colorful commentary. As auto enthusiast and noted aficionado Sir Peter Ustionov suggested: "One drives, of course, an Alfa Romeo; one is driven in a Rolls Royce; but one gives only a Delage to one's favorite mistress." Sir William Lyons, father of the sweeping forms of SS and Jaguar cars, described the classic French work as, "positively indecent."
The Mullin Automotive Museum
1421 Emerson Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93033
www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com
info@frenchcurves.org
March 6, 2010
Bugatti presents Galibier and 2 new versions of the Veyron at Geneva
Where customisation becomes an art form
Two unique Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport models at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show Geneva, 2 March 2010 � One year on from the launch of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. will be exhibiting two customised Grand Sport models at the Geneva International Motor Show 2010. A special exhibit on the Bugatti stand will also give visitors to the show a glimpse at the technology that lies beneath the bodywork of the Grand Sport.
Throughout his life, Ettore Bugatti constantly experimented with different colour schemes and materials as he sought to create his unique cars. Today, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. continues this tradition, and is constantly expanding the range of options it offers on the basis of suggestions received from customers. In discussion with the design and engineering team, buyers of Bugatti cars can tailor their vehicles to their personal preferences by choosing from a wide array of exquisite materials and paint finishes. The two models on display in Geneva showcase the evergrowing range of options available to new Veyron and Grand Sport owners.
Two-tone colour scheme with Royal Dark Blue carbon fibre and Arctic White
On the first of the two Grand Sport models exhibited in Geneva, the bonnet, monocoque and rear section are made of carbon fibre tinted in a Royal Dark Blue colour that shows off the lustre of the fibre. Air intakes and all grilles (except the highly polished radiator grille) are likewise finished in Royal Dark Blue, creating a striking contrast between the central part of the car and the Arctic White side panels. The inner sides of the horseshoe-shaped spokes in the wheel rims are also painted Royal Dark Blue. The EB logos on the wheels, and fuel and oil filler cap are still made of polished aluminium as usual. The characteristic Bugatti two-tone colour scheme thus extends down to the last detail.
The combination of blue and white is also found inside the cabin. The dashboard, centre console, seats and interior trim panels are all made of dark blue Indigo Leather, with white stitching on the steering wheel, seats, centre console and gearshift knob making a striking contrast. The quilting pattern gives the vehicle�s interior a dynamic look in keeping with its performance. The car has already been sold for 1.75 million euros (ex works).
Horizontal two-tone colour scheme with dark grey carbon fibre and polished aluminium
The second of the two display models follows a very different interpretation of the two-tone concept, one that first appeared on the Bugatti Sang Bleu. The upper section of the body � including the doors and side panels � is made of dark grey carbon fibre, framed whilst the bottom part of the car is finished in polished aluminium. The lower air intake grilles are polished to a brilliant shine. The wheel rims are the same as those on the Bugatti Pur Sang, with Ebony Pearl inner sides and a Diamond Cut face. The EB logos and all screws are made of sparkling aluminium.
As in the first car, the dashboard, centre console, seats and interior trim panels are upholstered in leather, but the silver colour used here does not contrast as strongly with the white stitching as the blue, giving a softer, more elegant feel. This car too has already been sold, with a price tag of 1.65 million euros (ex works).
Customers who find themselves inspired by the two display models can design their own Bugatti in the �Customisation lounge�. In this dedicated area of the Bugatti stand, they will find an extensive collection of paint and material samples, allowing them to select the ideal combination for their own Grand Sport or Veyron coup�.
Where technology becomes an art form
These spectacular vehicles are the result of painstaking craftsmanship combined with state-ofthe- art materials and technologies. At this year�s Geneva International Motor Show, some of the technical secrets of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will be revealed to the public for the first time. Almost as soon as they were launched, the Veyron and the Grand Sport acquired cult status and secured their own niche in automotive history. They were recently chosen as the car of the decade by two influential English-language motoring titles, Top Gear and Robb Report.
The Bugatti stand in Geneva will feature an exhibit of a Grand Sport broken down into its two main sections: the front end/monocoque, and the rear section with the engine and gearbox. The two sections are normally joined together by titanium bolts. The most striking thing about the rear section is the unique titanium exhaust system. This is surrounded by the electrohydraulic wing-spoiler array. The double wing, which both provides aerodynamic stability and functions as a brake, is normally hidden from view but here it is clearly visible. At the other end of the rear section, the two engine-turned aluminium oil sumps can be seen. The high-strength CFRP roll bar above these is visible on the passenger side, but hidden by an air scoop on the driver�s side.
The monocoque, incorporating main beams and cross members made of lightweight, highstrength carbon, can be recognised by its fibre structure. A saddle fuel tank is built into this in a protected position, with a firewall between it and the engine. The ceramic brake discs and the polished stainless steel suspension, which are normally hidden behind the wheels, are also clearly visible in the technical exhibit.
This unique insight into the workings of the Veyron is sure to be a big attraction at the show. It is complemented by a separate display of the Veyron�s engine and gearbox. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. was the first manufacturer in the world to offer a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, which is mounted longitudinally in front of the mid-engine in the all-wheel-drive Veyron. Both gearbox and engine use a dry-sump design, primarily because this helps to achieve a lower centre of gravity.
Distribution of engine torque between the two axles is handled by a Haldex clutch located behind the front-axle differential, while the rear-axle differential is notable for its multi-disc differential lock.
At 710 millimetres in length, the car�s 16-cylinder mid-engine is no bigger than a conventional V12 unit. Its compact dimensions are made possible by the unique W layout, which consists of two offset double row banks, each comprising eight cylinders and with a bank angle of 15 degrees.
The two banks are at an angle of 90 degrees to each other, and are housed in to a single crankcase.
This means that they function as a single engine, aspirated by four turbochargers. The engine has a maximum output of 1001 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and develops 1,250 newton-metres of torque between 2,200 and 5,500 rpm.
2009 was a difficult year for the whole automotive industry, but Bugatti still delivered 50 vehicles. To date, 255 customers have ordered a Bugatti Veyron, and 230 of these have now received their car. Nine of the 26 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sports ordered to date have so far been delivered.
(Bugatti SAS)
February 20, 2010
Bugatti in Australian Top Gear tour
The car driven by a man whose skills were once praised by legendary racer Stirling Moss was part of a convoy that roared through Palmerston North to promote the upcoming Top Gear Live show.
About 25 classic cars, ranging from Ferarris to Jaguars, stopped at the Pioneer Highway Shell service station yesterday, after leaving from Invercargill on Sunday.
The cars will visit 10 locations before finishing in Auckland for the Top Gear Live show, which features appearances from hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May, and Kiwi racing driver Greg Murphy.
One of the convoy drivers, Awhitu's Terry Roycroft, is travelling in the 1925 Bugatti he inherited from his racing driver father Ron, who won the 1954 New Zealand Championships and the 1956 New Zealand Grand Prix.
Mr Roycroft said he once overheard British racer Moss, who was watching his father drive the Bugatti, say: "If Roycroft gets a decent car we'll have to watch out for him because he drives like Fangio."
Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio was a dominant force in the early era of motor racing, winning five Formula One World Championships between 1951 and 1957.
Mr Roycroft said that when the car had a Jaguar engine it could reach speeds of 255kmh, but he was unsure how fast it would go now.
"We came up from Invercargill and it's handled quite well," Mr Roycroft said. "It was noted for its handling when it was a racing car."
Convoy organiser Brett Macleod said things had been going at breakneck speed since Sunday.
"It's been a busy time for us coming up the country but it's been fun getting into all the towns.
"The whole thing is about celebrating the love of motor racing and good cars."
The convoy moved on to Hastings last night, and would go to Napier, Taupo, and Hamilton, today.
February 19, 2010
Auction result
Artcurial Auction, Automobiles de Collection, Paris, Palais des Congr�s, February 14, 2010, Paris, France
Lot 62: 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante #57756, Not Sold
February 8, 2010
Excellent Rembrandt Bugatti website
Recently I had some communications with Veronique Fromanger, THE expert on Rembrandt Bugatti. She showed me the excellent website from her hand about the work of this very talented brother of Ettore, who tragically killed himself in 1917.
The website has a load of information, and of course hundreds of pictures of the sculptures themselves.
Follow this link: www.rembrandtbugatti.info
January 25, 2010
Obituary: Fitzroy Raglan
A leading member of the British aristocracy who has been a mainstay of the UK Bugatti Owners Club for several decades and served as its Patron in recent years.
He was the long term owner, for twenty-seven years, of a type 37A (37298 with engine 189) who is now best remebered as the owner of a red type 51 (NY 7337) used in competition by himself and John Venables-Llewelyn and frequently driven to meetings by road. He also owned a primrose and dark-blue type 46 tourer (46331) with the UK reg. no. SV 668 (a car which had been prepared for a trans-Sahara expedition and fitted with "estate" coachwork.
As a competitor at Prescott between 1984 and 1999, he showed great consistency, recording long-course times of 54 secs. seven times with a best of 54.21 in September 1998. Best time for the short course was 44.11 secs. recorded in August, 1998 see �Bugantics� 58/2/19).
His interest in sporting motor cars has extended over more than fifty years. In 1955 he worked as a volunteer bodywork designer in Cairo on an Egyptian sports-racing car project known as the Phoenix 150 SR. The project was the brainchild of Raymond Flower.
He lived in the historic and extremely beautiful Centilla Court near Usk and adjacent to Raglan village in Monmouthshire and was a leading and active member of the Bugatti Trust from its inception.
In January 2009 he hosted "Raglan avec El�gance" which was recorded and is available from the Trust (�12.99 plus p&p). He died on 23rd January 2010 after a short illness.
January 25, 2010
Auction results
Bonhams, Automobiles d'Exception � R�tromobile, 23 Jan 2010 R�tromobile Salon, Porte de Versailles, Paris
1925 Bugatti Brescia Type 22 Roadster chassis no.2461 engine no.879, Estimate: �70,000 - 90,000, Sold for �260500
The sale was hotly contested by 6 bidders and finally won by an European collector on behalf of the California Collection of Peter Mullin, who will exhibit in the state it is in future museum near Los Angeles, while the under-bidder, U.S., too, wanted to restore it.
The successful Dutch buyer (Jaap Braam Ruben) who bid on behalf of Peter Mullin told the press that he had no price limit for acquiring the car, before adding "Bugatti is the first desease". Evidence that the importance of the crisis is not the same for everyone...
1937 Bugatti Type 57C Berline chassis no. 57477, Engine No. 347, Estimate: �120,000 - 150,000, Sold for �158700 1927 Bugatti Type 44 Roadster chassis No. 441139, Estimate: �120,000 - 160,000, Sold for �157550 1929 Bugatti Type 44 'Fiacre' Coup� Coachwork by Jean Bugatti, Registration no. UAS 803, Chassis no. 441193, Engine no. 398, Estimate: �220,000 - 260,000, Not Sold
Gooding & Company Scottsdale Auction, Scottsdale, Arizona, Friday, January 22 & Saturday, January 23, 2010 :
1931 Bugatti Type 49 Cabriolet Coachwork By Beutler Chassis No. 49427, Engine No. L327, Sold for $264,000 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Roadster Replica Coachwork in the Style of Corsica #57577-R, Engine No. C15, Sold for $429,000
Prices include buyer's premium
Thanks to Christophe Chanterault
January 24, 2010
Sunken Bugatti Relic fetches 260,500 Euro at Bonham's
Over the course of the past few months the Brescia sold at the Bonham's sale last night has become one of the most celebrated of all Bugattis. Having lain submerged beneath the waters of Lake Maggiore in Switzerland for more than 70 years it Remained under the water , undiscovered, until 18th August 1967 .The ship-wreck of a Bugatti became a popular target for members of the local sub aqua club. On 12th July 2009, after a 73-year sojourn in Lake Maggiore the Bugatti was finally rescued from the lake. The catalog said it would, of course, be possible to restore the car with an estimate that only some 20% of the original is reusable. I doubted that.
I examined the car with a number of other Bugatti owners and experts prior to the sale. It created a lot of interest as it was actually no longer a Bugatti but a rusted and fused together lump of various metals that had been abandoned underwater for 70 years. It was once a Bugatti, now it is a different constitution. Much like a moon rock that has left the moon, or a temple that has only a footprint left, it is now the remains of something once known by history. The titanic once was a boat, but no longer exist in that form, hence it is now the remains of history - merely DNA.
This Bugatti is the same. It is no longer a Bugatti but the end results of time and a story. So, could it be restored? The answer is no, it can not. The metal, submerged for this time is not only rotten, but it has lost it's ability to function as a metal used in a car. The atomic structure of all that metal has changed with some of the metals fusing together, and other metals remaining in the shape of the original car components. Once disturbed from it's current '' reef material condition'' , this once Brescia will never be able to be a car again. Of course, someone can reconstruct it using all new parts, and assuming the indentity , but that illusion will be forever false merely because of the process of decomposition induced by water , time, and dissimilar ferrous metals disintegrating.
Fellow Bugatti talked over the champagne that flowed before the Bonham's auction. Who would buy this ship wreck of a once upon a time Bugatti? The rumor was Peter Mullin...maybe Evert Louwman ? It maybe could go for 90,000 Euro just for the story hype. Who's Museum would house this sunken treasure? Visions of the installation of a large fish tank in the lobby of the winning bid's Museum danced as we discussed the possibilities. Even a Swiss watchmaker suggested that pieces of it be machined down to watch size pieces, into a series of a Bugatti watches ! A story spinning a underwater story capable of Jacques-Yves Cousteau proportions.
Then, more practical Bugattist ventured into the real value discussions. If you replaced every part, the mere identity could fetch a want-to-be restorer a catch at 50.000 Euro. But that could barely make sense of such a restoration expenditure. Well, everyone had an opinion. The end result on Saturday night was the remains of the dead Bugatti fetching a record, astonishing price of 260,500 Euro ( $368,300). So much for the idea of any re-construction! It is clear that it will remain in it's precise static state of wonder, likely on public display, and part of the Bugatti allure for decades to come. Well, it is now time to continue to search the Metro tunnels of Paris for that lost Royale.......
Chris Gardner
January 10, 2010
Bugatti Anecdote contest
I have been organizing a lot of contests over the years, starting with the best Bugatti ever contest, followed by an artistical contest with many categories in February 2002 see the past issues of the Bugatti Revue, a photo contest in 2005 and a writing contest in 2008.
For the 15th anniversary of the Bugatti Page (February 27, 2010) I thought of an anecdote contest, so this would also be sort of a writing contest. All stories, however short, are accepted. Of course preferably about Bugattis.
These might be for example funny things that happened while restoring, driving or acquiring your Bugatti.
Maybe somebody added an extra engine part to your box of parts, so you had to take the engine apart again because you thought you had fogotten it?
On the other hand, it may be that you have been searching (on foot) a garage on a sunday morning on France because your Bugatti had broken down, only to stumble upon a Bugatti specialist that did repair your car perfectly?
Maybe somebody borrowed your classic to go on holidays, and sent you a funny postcard with a made-up story about the car being damaged, only to return with the car really broken down. (Thanks Wilco)
It may also be that you acquired what you thought was a replica, only to find out that it is an original T35B which won the Grand Prix de l'ACF two times!
Of course the above are only a few examples; there generally is nothing stranger than real life. The stories may have been suffered by yourself, though it may also be something you heard. Of course it would be nice to add a picture of the car in question to the story.
Please send your story to me by E-mail or regular mail, before February 25. I will publish the stories in the Bugatti Revue on February 27.
Of course, for such a contest the honor of winning is most important, however, in my opinion a real contest needs a prize! The winner may pick any book he likes from the Special Classics Car book store, provided that the value is 40 euro or less. Of course a copy of "Bugatti Legends" is also possible.
December 26, 2009
Bugatti Barnfinds still possible
From Prewarcar.com
They are getting scarce, but if you have the right contacts you might still be possible to come up with a truly great barnfind.
Swiss classic car dealer Christoph Grohe must have such friends as he found not only one but TWO really grand cars: how about this 1930 Bugatti and a 1934 Voisin! Both were put to rest in a garden somewhere in the south of France, but unfortunately were not exactly protected against the elements.
The seller had inherited both cars from his father who seemed to have bought the Bugatti in the sixties. The Voisin, an Avion C24 Charmeuse which stayed with the same familly since new, was stored in a dry garage.
The Bugatti, a 44 Roadster by Thietart of Paris, used to be covered by a wooden hut built for that purpose although over the decades the hut disintegrated. The Bugatti already found a new home, but the Voisin will be exhibited on the stand of Christoph Grohe at R�tromobile 2010.
December 26, 2009
Collection of Posters
8 unique posters, photos mostly taken in full action during one of the Molsheim Festivals, by G�rard Vonpierre. I saw these personally, so I can say that the paper and printing both are of high quality.
Posters are available from the artist!
December 24, 2009
Exhibition in Brussels
The exhibition is very impressive, there is a complete line-up of Bugattis from 1910 to 2009, almost the full 100 years of the Centenaire! Click one of the pictures below for a full report!
And: Don't forget two walk through the rest of the Autoworld car-museum, as there are various more Bugattis there!
December 18, 2009
Auction result
Osenat Auction, 13th December 2009, Fontainebleau, France :
- 1928 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, chassis #37301, engine #222, Sold for �1,035,700 (including the buyer's premium)
Thanks to: Christophe Chanterault
December 12, 2009
Bugatti Type 57 Concept
Bugatti has been attracting designer's attention throughout the years, many designs have been presented in these (and the Bugatti Revue) pages. The takeover of Bugatti by Volkswagen did not change that at all!
A Bugatti Type 57 concept is courtesy of the imagination of Edwin Conan. This sleek concept car is a retro-inspired auto influenced heavily by the 1930s original Bugatti Type 57.
In fact, the Bugatti Type 57 looks a lot like a car Alfred would drive Bruce Wayne around in. The aerodynamic design has a stretched hood and gently curving cabin. This luxurious modified Bugatti Type 57 concept would also be eco-friendly with a hydrogen-run engine.
December 12, 2009
The Aerolithe Project: An update
Now comes the fun of assembling the car
David Grainger, National Post
Published: Friday, October 16, 2009
There has now been enough progress on the Type 57 Bugatti Aerolithe project to warrant another column.
I regularly receive email from interested readers all over the planet who are wondering what is going on. Some actually made the assumption the project had stalled -- yet another victim of the economic downturn.
In fact, the Aerolithe project has never faltered. Progress, while appearing slow, has actually been quite good. It's just that in the production of an entirely handmade automobile there is a great deal of time spent making things that are inglorious. It's very difficult to write enthusiastically about creating brackets, hinges, grommets and other sundries that are required to assemble a car.
We are now at a stage where most of that has been done and now we get the fun of starting to assemble all the bits into what promises to be an absolutely outstanding and beautiful Bugatti.
The Aerolithe's body is composed of magnesium, and I have previously written about the problems associated with using this eccentric metal -- so I won't bore you with a retelling. I can say that its use added at least 40% in costs and time. That said, the magnesium gives the car a credibility that would otherwise be impossible to obtain if we had just made an aluminum recreation. After all, Ettore Bugatti claimed the original car was made for magnesium, and it became known as the Electron Coupe.
The car body is so light that two people can pick it up and move it around quite safely, so there was a real advantage to using Electron, especially for a designer such as Ettore Bugatti, who was obsessed with creating ever-lighter cars.
The car's chassis is pretty much finished. It has been dry assembled and the missing fixtures created. It will actually be run up this week and should be capable of moving under its own power. On a project like this, this is a milestone moment. The engine was run on the bench months ago to test it, but this is the first time it will be linked to its transmission, differential and all the other bits that will push this car down the road.
The floors of the car have been created from aluminum plate, the firewall from sheet aluminum and the toe boards from wood. The floor was a critical piece of engineering -- because the Aerolithe has very little headroom, the floor plan had to be quite clever in order to make the car drivable. The seats also had to be modified. However, none of these alterations reaches outside the realms of other special-bodied Bugatti Type 57s. The body itself is nearly fully created and is in the process of being rive ted and screwed together. Some last-minute alterations have had to be made, such as modifying the inside of the wheelwells to avoid conflict between the shock absorbers and the body. But, for the most part, it has been astounding how well the Aerolithe coachwork has mated to the standard Type 57 chassis.
The largest modification from the standard pattern was the set-back of the motor and the grille. In order to drop the hood profile below a standard Type 57, the engine and radiator were moved backward 90 millimetres. On a production Type 57, the bottom of the radiator sat directly over the front axle; the Aerolithe's sits behind and below the axle. This allows the body and the hood to sit significantly lower, giving the car a more aerodynamic appearance.
The Aerolithe has a design feature that was ridiculed when the original car first appeared at the Paris Auto Show in the 1930s, but, over time, this design feature has become a signature of the Aerolithe and the three Bugatti Atlantiques that followed.
The body has a central spine running down it as well as the fenders both front and back. These spines are for riveting the metal shells together. There are literally hundreds of rivets to install, each one carefully applied so that both sides of the rivet are perfect in size and symmetry. This is a fussy and time-consuming job, but, when finished, the riveting makes for a very dramatic appearance. The shame of it is that there are a lot of other rivet lines on the car, but these are flush with the coachwork so the craftsmanship will be lost under layers of paint.
Speaking of paint, we are almost ready to start refinishing panels, and the chassis will be disassembled one last time for its final paint. The next time it goes together, the chassis and mechanicals will be a finished object of art. The body will be mounted shortly thereafter.
The project is almost at the end of the tunnel and, fortunately, the light in the distance is not an oncoming train.
December 12, 2009
New versions of Bugatti Veyron presented
Bugatti, known to present new versions of the Veyron on a regular basis, presents 3 new ones at the Dubai motor show.
Bugatti is bringing along three special Veyrons dubbed Nocturne, Soleil de Nuit and Sang d'Argent, so past experiences point at special paint jobs, unique interiors and fresh wheel designs.
December 12, 2009
3D Bugatti Sketchup drawings
Just found, maybe a nice start for your own drawings, or you can use them as a background in your Sketchup architectural designs. Sketchup can be downloaded for free from Google.
Follow this link.
ATTENTION: I GET REPORTS THAT THIS EXHIBITION IS NOT OPEN YET!
With some Rembrandt Bugatti sculptures.
Museum Beelden aan zee
Harteveltstraat 1/Boulevard
SCHEVENINGEN
February 27 - 28, 2010 Desert Classic Concours d�Elegance La Quinta, Calif., USA
Glamour returns to La Quinta Resort & Club, the legendary Hollywood hideaway in La Quinta, Calif., with the third annual Desert Classic Concours d�Elegance (www.desertconcours.com)
On Sunday, February 28, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the stunning cars, along with a description of each vehicle and its significance, will be displayed on La Quinta Resort & Club�s Mountain Course. Conjuring up images of the popular Palm Springs Road Races during the 1950s, automobile aficionados will be delighted to see incredible racing cars, including the 1955 Jean Behra Porsche 550 and the 1959 Scarab Formula One Car.
In addition to the cars of the 1950s, there will also be dazzling examples from other eras, including the 1939 Shah of Iran Bugatti Type 57.
March 11 - 14, 2010 Retro Classics Stuttgart Stuttgart, Germany
March 12 - 14, 2010 15th Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance USA
March 12, 2010 Gooding & Company auction Amelia Island, USA
1928 Type 35C
Known as the first car that sparked Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson�s love for Bugattis, the 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix is a gem within the rare breed of racing Bugattis, one of the most iconic and historically significant Grand Prix cars ever built. Painted in traditional French Blue, this car was easily spotted over the years at numerous Bugatti tours and Colorado Grand rallies with Dr. Williamson behind the wheel. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell between $1 Million - $1.4 Million.
Type 50 Cabriolet van Vooren
Produced in limited numbers, the Type 50 was one of the most exclusive Bugatti models of all time. After spending a number of years with famed Bugatti enthusiast Col. Giles, this significant car migrated to the United States. Joining the Williamson family in 1964, this rarity has recently been restored and displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d�Elegance�. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell between $1.1 Million - $1.5 Million.
Both Bugattis are from the Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson collection, probably more Bugattis as well, check back here later for more info
Or go to www.goodingco.com
April 7, 2010 HV Auction How Caple Court, Herefordshire, UK
27 lots of Bugatti spares, automobilia and publications.
Catalogue (PDF)
April 7 - 11, 2010 Techno Classica Essen Essen, Germany
April 7 - 16, 2010 Molsheim-built Trippel on auction Munich, Germany
A Trippel Schwimmwagen SG-6 that was built at Bugatti's in 1942 will be on auction at Hermann Historica in Munich between April 7th-16th, 2010.
Viewing will be March 27th - April 01st, 14:00 - 18:00 hours.
The car is taxed � 120 000. The condition seems to be fine.
Thanks to Ralf Scholz
May 1, 2010 RM Auctions, Sporting Classics Of Monaco Grimaldi Forum, Monaco
- Lot No. 253: 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux #57594, Estimate: �300.000-�360.000,
More details : www.rmauctions.com
- Lot No. 254: 1951 Bugatti Type 101 Coup� by Van Antem #101504, Estimate: �500.000-�750.000,
More details : www.rmauctions.com
- Lot No. 283: 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio by Gangloff #57435, Estimate: �420.000-�480.000,
More details : www.rmauctions.com
May 8 - 9, 2010 1st Historisch Waterloo Waterloo, Belgium
Rally and Concours d'Elegance.
See for more info: this PDF file
May 31 - June 6, 2010 International Bugatti Rally 2010 Salzburg, Austria
More info: www.bugatti-club-austria.at
May 29 - 30, 2010 La vie en Blue Prescott, UK
June 3 - 6, 2010 Classic Welt Bodensee, Friedrichshafen Germany
June 5 - 6, 2010 Brooklands double 12 Brooklands, UK
If you haven�t already entered your car for the Brooklands Double Twelve, there are still a few more weeks to go until the class lists close. I am delighted that we already have some great cars entered for this competitive and fun event and am really looking forward to June 5th and 6th when the Double Twelve returns to Brooklands.
There will be 144 cars in total, 12 in each of the 12 classes, invited to compete in the combined Double Twelve Driving Tests and Concours competition in and around the Museum site over the weekend. A new feature this year will be to incorporate some of the original Campbell Mountain Circuit in to the driving tests. There will be more about this when the full test details are announced.
More info from Nic Waller phone +44 (0)787 551 6817 or email me at nic.waller1@virgin.net
June 13, 2010 Classy Chassis - Concours d'Elegance Houston, USA
More info: www.classychassis.org
June 20, 2010 Nationale Oldtimerdag Lelystad, the Netherlands
20 juni vindt de 26e editie plaats van de Nationale Oldtimerdag in de Flevolandse hoofdstad Lelystad.
Graag nodigen wij u uit om met uw Bugatti gast te zijn tijdens deze meeting met 400 veteran, vintage en classic cars.
Er komen gemiddeld 25.000 bezoekers die gratis toegang hebben.
Wij bieden u daarvoor een hotelarrangement voor twee personen in het 4-sterren Apollo Hotel Lelystad City Center inclusief oldtimerontbijt, een welkomstdrankje en een surprise op de kamer.
Tijdens de dag bent u onze gast en zorgen wij voor lunchpakketten, koffie- en consumptiebonnen, deelnemersvaan, rallyschild, deelnemersdraaiboek en een attentie na afloop.
More info: www.oldtimerdaglelystad.nl
July 2 - 4, 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed Goodwood, UK
July 9 - 11, 2010 Le Mans Classic Le Mans, France
August 16 - 22, 2010 U.S. International Bugatti Rally and U.S. Bugatti Grand Prix
A Most Exciting Event is coming in 2010
The 2010 International Rally sponsored by the American Bugatti Club. During the famous Monterey Weekend: The Monterey Historic Automobile Races and the Pebble Beach Concourse �de Elegance (August 13 -15, 2010), the club will sponsor a Bugatti Grand Prix and other events. This will be followed by a Rally-Tour through some of the California coast�s most beautiful scenery. Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and tour the John Muir Woods. You will drive along the cliffs of the Pacific ocean, through back roads of rolling hills and the legendary California Wine Country. Along the way, visiting a Steam Railroad, stopping at a private estate for lunch, tour the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon, stroll and shop at Solvang, a quaint Danish Village, a dinner under the stars at Fess Parker�s Winery.
There will also be stops at Historic California Missions and a tour of the back roads of Santa Barbara. The Rally will end in Oxnard, California, at the beautiful Mandalay Beach Resort on the beach. There will be a reception at a new Museum featuring Bugatti cars, French historical vehicles, and a Bugatti Exposition of Memorabilia. Following, will be a gala dinner at Mandalay Resort. The next morning will be a tour through the Santa Monica Mountains with lunch at a private estate in Malibu.
More info:
Paul Simms, Secretary, 600 Lakeview Terrace. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-5419 USA, E-mail: quiltbug57(AT)sbcglobal.com
August 12 -15, 2010 2010 Monterey Historic Automobile Races USA
Next year�s Monterey-week races at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will feature historic Trans-Am saloons, an all-Bugatti �Grand Prix� and the first appearance of classic NASCAR racers.
The races, which will book-end the annual Pebble Beach festivities, will be held on 7-8 August (Pre-Historics) and 12-15 August (Historics) 2010. The �Featured Classes� for 2010 will be Formula 1 1966-1983, Trans-Am 1966-1972, drum-braked NASCAR Stock Cars 1966-1975 and a �Bugatti Grand Prix�.
For further information, see www.mazdaraceway.com where entry forms can be downloaded.
Please let me know if you know the dates of any Bugatti events in the future.
This page of WWW services is currently maintained by Jaap Horst.
I can be reached by email at J.J.Horst@BugattiPage.com.
Vive La Marque !!
This page exists since February 27, 1995
