Description
The Bugatti Type 41 Royale Park Ward Limousine is one of the six magnificent examples of the Royale chassis, and it represents a unique collaboration between French engineering excellence and British coachbuilding craftsmanship. Bodied by the prestigious firm Park Ward of London, this version of the Royale took on the formal and imposing presence of a limousine, emphasizing stately elegance over flamboyance.
Like all Royales, the Park Ward Limousine was built upon an extraordinarily long and heavy chassis, with a wheelbase stretching over 4.3 metres and an overall length exceeding six metres. This monumental platform was designed to support the weight and proportions of the most luxurious coachwork imaginable while offering a serene ride. The suspension system, utilizing semi-elliptic leaf springs, and mechanical drum brakes at all four corners, ensured capable handling and smooth performance for such a large automobile.
Under the bonnet was the legendary 12.7-litre inline eight-cylinder engine, a technical marvel originally developed for aircraft. Producing approximately 275 to 300 horsepower, the engine delivered immense torque and incredibly smooth operation. The powertrain was coupled with a robust three-speed manual gearbox, enabling effortless cruising at speeds unheard of for cars of this scale and weight in the early 1930s.
Park Ward’s contribution to the Royale’s story came in the form of a sober yet elegant limousine body that reflected British tastes for understated luxury. The design featured a tall, formal roofline, large windows, and a rear passenger compartment separated from the driver’s area—ideal for chauffeured motoring. The detailing was precise and dignified, with a pronounced beltline, classic Bugatti horseshoe grille, and carefully proportioned panels that gave the car its dignified presence.
Inside, the limousine offered a spacious and richly appointed cabin with the finest materials available. The rear compartment was fitted with sumptuous seating, polished wood trim, and subtle ornamentation that spoke to refinement rather than extravagance. The chauffeur’s compartment, while simpler, still reflected the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined the whole car.
The Bugatti Type 41 Royale Park Ward Limousine remains a rare and highly significant vehicle in the history of automotive design. It showcases a fusion of two great traditions—Bugatti’s visionary engineering and British coachbuilding finesse—resulting in a car of unmatched presence, poise, and prestige. Today, it stands as a treasured icon of an era when the automobile was not just a machine, but a statement of art and authority.