Description
The Bugatti Type 41 Royale Roadster Esders is one of the most celebrated and visually arresting examples of the Royale series. Commissioned by French clothing magnate Armand Esders, this extraordinary vehicle was crafted not only to embody the grandeur of Bugatti’s engineering but also to reflect the client’s taste for bold, flamboyant design. Built in 1932, it remains one of the most iconic expressions of pre-war automotive elegance and excess.
At the heart of the Roadster Esders was the same colossal 12.7-litre inline eight-cylinder engine that powered all Royales. This enormous powerplant, originally intended for aircraft use, produced between 275 and 300 horsepower and provided the car with immense torque and effortless acceleration. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain was smooth and powerful, allowing the massive car to move with surprising grace.
The chassis was equally imposing, with a wheelbase measuring over 4.3 metres and an overall length exceeding 6 metres. Despite its size, the Royale was engineered for refinement and composure. The suspension system used semi-elliptic leaf springs, and braking was managed by four large mechanical drum brakes. The combination of these features ensured the car was not only majestic but also capable of confident performance on the open road.
What truly set the Roadster Esders apart, however, was its stunning coachwork. Designed by Jean Bugatti, Ettore’s son, the Esders had a dramatic, sweeping roadster body with no headlights—a striking detail based on the owner’s statement that he never intended to drive the car at night. The flowing fenders, elongated hood, and low windscreen gave it an almost yacht-like appearance. Painted in a vibrant two-tone scheme of green and pale jade, the car was unlike anything else on the road.
The interior matched the exterior in luxury, featuring custom leather upholstery, elegant dashboard instrumentation, and finely detailed metalwork. Every element was tailored to reflect the tastes of Armand Esders, resulting in a vehicle that was not only a technological achievement but also a bespoke work of art.
Although the original Esders body was later replaced with a more conservative coupé design, a faithful replica of the roadster was constructed in the 1990s using original chassis components. This reconstruction allows the world to once again witness the daring vision that Bugatti and Esders brought to life.
The Bugatti Type 41 Royale Roadster Esders remains an enduring symbol of automotive extravagance. It captures the spirit of an era when design, engineering, and personal expression came together in the creation of some of the most unforgettable machines in history.