Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Bugatti

Bugatti is a French high-performance automobile manufacturer founded in 1909 by Italian-born engineer Ettore Bugatti. The brand is renowned for producing cars that combine engineering excellence, speed, and artistic design. From pre-war Grand Prix winners to modern hypercars, Bugatti has consistently been associated with exclusivity, craftsmanship, and performance.

Founding and Early Years (1909–1914)

Ettore Bugatti established Automobiles E. Bugatti in Molsheim, then part of the German Empire (now in France’s Alsace region). His vision was to create cars that were both technically advanced and aesthetically beautiful.

Early Models

• Type 10 – Prototype that set the design tone for future Bugattis.
• Type 13 – First production model, nicknamed “Brescia” after dominating a 1921 race in Brescia, Italy.

The Golden Era and Racing Dominance (1920s–1930s)

Bugatti became a dominant force in Grand Prix racing during the interwar years, combining lightweight construction with precise engineering.

Iconic Racing Models

• Type 35 – One of the most successful racing cars in history, with over 1,000 race wins.
• Type 51 – Advanced twin-cam development of the Type 35.
• Type 57G “Tank” – Won the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Luxury Road Cars

• Type 41 Royale – Ultra-luxury car with a massive 12.7L straight-eight engine, produced in extremely limited numbers.
• Type 57 Atlantic – Streamlined art deco masterpiece, now among the most valuable cars in the world.

Challenges and Wartime Struggles

The Great Depression and World War II significantly impacted Bugatti. In 1947, Ettore Bugatti died, leaving the company without its visionary leader. Post-war models such as the Type 101 failed to revive the marque’s fortunes.

Hiatus and Revival Attempts (1950s–1980s)

Bugatti ceased car production in the mid-1950s, focusing briefly on aircraft components. In the late 1980s, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired the rights to the name and launched a new supercar project.

Bugatti EB110 (1991–1995)

• Quad-turbocharged V12 engine producing over 550 hp.
• Advanced carbon-fiber chassis and four-wheel drive.
• Capable of over 210 mph (338 km/h).

Although technologically impressive, the EB110 was launched during a recession and the company went bankrupt in 1995.

Volkswagen Group Era (1998–Present)

In 1998, the Volkswagen Group acquired Bugatti and re-established its headquarters in Molsheim. VW invested heavily in creating the ultimate hypercar.

Bugatti Veyron (2005–2015)

• 8.0L quad-turbo W16 engine producing up to 1,200 hp in Super Sport form.
• Top speed over 267 mph (430 km/h), making it the world’s fastest production car at launch.
• Hand-built to exacting standards, with unmatched luxury and performance.

Bugatti Chiron (2016–Present)

• Successor to the Veyron, with 1,479 hp and a top speed electronically limited to 261 mph (420 km/h).
• Variants such as the Chiron Super Sport 300+ exceeded 300 mph in testing.
• Focus on combining extreme performance with daily drivability.

Other Modern Models

• Divo – Track-focused hypercar with enhanced aerodynamics.
• Centodieci – Tribute to the EB110, limited to 10 units.
• La Voiture Noire – One-off coachbuilt hypercar inspired by the Type 57 Atlantic.

Craftsmanship and Exclusivity

Bugatti vehicles are hand-built in very small numbers, with extensive personalization options. The brand continues to represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and artistry.

Conclusion

From Ettore Bugatti’s masterpieces of the 1920s to today’s record-breaking hypercars, Bugatti has maintained a unique position in the automotive world — where beauty, luxury, and extreme performance meet. Its heritage of engineering excellence and design innovation ensures its continued place at the top of the luxury performance segment.