The Bugatti Story in 2 Minutes

Bugatti, whose 320 million yen Veyron 16.4 Legend Series “Ettore Bugatti” was featured in OPENERS, is currently a hot topic. The reason these cars sell for such exorbitant prices is, of course, their recognition as sports cars with ultra-level performance, but brand prestige also plays a significant role.

Explaining what Bugatti is to those reading this article might be akin to "teaching your grandmother to suck eggs." Nevertheless, with that in mind, I will attempt to write a very brief Bugatti story that can be read in two minutes.



Founded in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti, an engineer from Milan, the company established its factory in Molsheim, Alsace, a region contested by Germany and France. Its fame was built on exceptional racing cars and the road cars derived from them. Bugatti achieved numerous Grand Prix victories from the 1910s to the 1930s. During that era, many wealthy young men enjoyed racing, and they eagerly drove Bugattis.

Simultaneously, Bugatti also produced luxurious saloons that could be described as ultra-luxurious, becoming the most important cars in high society. To illustrate their extravagance, the "T41 Royale" model was sold at three times the price of a Rolls-Royce at the time. Records indicate that some self-proclaimed "wealthy individuals" who ordered the car were unable to pay for it upon delivery.

What Exactly is Bugatti?

So, what kind of cars were Bugattis? For those interested, I have an excellent exhibition to recommend. The "Art of Bugatti" exhibition is being held at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, near Los Angeles, California. The collection of rare models on display is astonishing, offering a comprehensive overview of Bugatti's remarkable history, including models that produced over 100 horsepower in the 1910s.

“There are two reasons why we titled this exhibition 'Art',” explained the museum's curator.

“Firstly, each Bugatti model is worthy of being called art. Secondly, the Bugatti family, centered around Ettore and his son Jean, included artists like Rembrandt Bugatti, a sculptor, and Carlo Bugatti, a furniture designer, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond automobiles.”



The exhibition is spread across two floors. At the entrance on the first floor sits the eternal dream of car enthusiasts, a 1925 Bugatti "T35C." Beyond it are beautifully displayed the "T41 Royale" (1932), the most luxurious saloon ever built, and its slightly smaller counterpart, the "T46" (1931), known as the "Petit Royale."

Further on, a parade of models rarely seen outside of photo books unfolds, including the "T55" (1932), a formidable rival to Alfa Romeo, and the "T57SC Atlantic" (1936) with its aerodynamic body that seems to blend elegance and engineering. There is even a program dedicated to completing the "T64" (1939), a phantom model of which only three chassis were ever completed.

The second floor features sculptures, paintings, and furniture created by Rembrandt, who designed Bugatti's famous elephant mascot. One is astonished by the sheer volume and the passion of the collector who amassed these works, which are as impressive as the cars themselves.

The American West Coast: A Social Hub for Classic Car Enthusiasts

As evidenced by the Monterey Car Week held every August, the United States has a large population of classic car enthusiasts. While classic car events are typically held in the summer, the classic car facilities on the West Coast are generally open year-round.

Alongside the Mullin Automotive Museum, the most famous is The Petersen Automotive Museum, located on Museum Row in Los Angeles. This museum excels in its exhibitions that explore American cars within a cultural context. Its displays, which include introductions to West Coast automotive culture such as cruising featured in the movie "American Graffiti," are endlessly fascinating.

Near LAX, Los Angeles International Airport, is the Automobile Driving Museum. While its contents are somewhat eclectic, some find that very aspect enjoyable. Alongside its collection of classic Packards, a popular service offered is taking owners for a ride in their cars every Sunday, with guests invited along.

In Pomona, near Los Angeles, lies the NHRA Motorsports Museum. NHRA stands for the National Hot Rod Association. The museum showcases the history and actual vehicles related to hot rods, the modified car races beloved by Americans, and the ultimate speed races, dragsters.

Italian sports cars are among the most beloved by Americans. The Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin features a collection of many Indy racing cars, alongside Ferrari sports cars. Indy racing is also uniquely American. Museums play a vital role in supporting racing culture.

“The Art of Bugatti” Exhibition
Venue | Mullin Automotive Museum
Location | 421 Emerson Ave, Oxnard, CA 93033
Dates | Through March 31, 2015