Description
The Bugatti Type 41 Royale Coupé de Ville Binder is one of the most exquisite and distinguished examples of the Royale series, representing the peak of custom automotive design and craftsmanship in the early 20th century. Built on the immense Type 41 Royale chassis, this car was bodied by the renowned Parisian coachbuilder Henri Binder, who created a stately and commanding Coupé de Ville body that exuded elegance, power, and opulence.
Like all Royales, the Coupé de Ville Binder was powered by the massive 12.7-litre straight-eight engine, originally designed for aircraft applications. This incredible powerplant produced around 275 to 300 horsepower and delivered exceptionally smooth, effortless performance. Mated to a robust three-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain allowed the Royale to cruise with quiet authority, making the driving experience both refined and commanding despite the car’s immense size.
The chassis of the Royale was extraordinarily large, with a wheelbase exceeding 4.3 metres and a total length of more than 6 metres. This vast platform gave coachbuilders enormous creative freedom, and Henri Binder took full advantage, crafting a body that conveyed regal dignity. The Coupé de Ville configuration featured an enclosed passenger compartment at the rear with a separate, open driver’s area—typical of chauffeur-driven cars of the era. The upright profile, long hood, and elegantly squared-off rear made for a truly imposing silhouette.
Inside, the rear passenger cabin was luxuriously appointed with fine materials, including rich wood veneers, plush upholstery, and detailed fittings. It offered generous space, privacy, and comfort, underscoring the Royale’s role as a car for royalty, dignitaries, or the most elite clientele. The chauffeur’s compartment was more restrained but still finely detailed, with clear instrumentation and elegant metalwork.
This particular Royale is perhaps most famous for its later ownership by cosmetics magnate Charles Revson, before ultimately becoming part of the collection at the Henry Ford Museum in the United States. It remains in exceptional condition and is regarded as one of the most valuable and historically significant cars ever built.
The Bugatti Type 41 Royale Coupé de Ville Binder stands as a testament to Ettore Bugatti’s vision of automotive perfection—an ultra-luxurious, masterfully engineered automobile that represents the pinnacle of pre-war car design and craftsmanship.