One of the most mysterious modern supercars is back in the spotlight. The only Bugatti La Voiture Noire, shrouded in rumors for years, is now for sale, and the owner's identity has finally been revealed.

Ownership mystery solved after years
The hypercar turns out to have been purchased by former Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piëch. The transaction actually took place in 2019 but was never officially confirmed, fueling endless speculation - including rumors that various celebrities had bought the car.

After Piëch's death, the car passed to his son Anton Piëch, who has now decided to sell it. This brings an end to the long-running intrigue surrounding one of the most expensive cars in history.

Price rises to 25 million euros
Originally, the La Voiture Noire cost approximately 16.7 million euros, making it already the most expensive new car ever. Since then, the price has risen to approximately 25 million euros, underscoring its status as a true collector's item.

The sale is taking place privately. Potential buyers must demonstrate they have the means, pass vetting, and only then gain access to all details about the car.

A quiet, discreet sale
The organizers of the deal had initially planned to keep everything secret, without any publicity. However, the news leaked out anyway, which only increased interest in the vehicle.

At the same time, attention is also focused on the situation surrounding Piëch Automotive - a project that has still not reached series production. That adds some context: the sale of the hypercar may not be solely about finding a new owner, but could also be linked to broader business decisions.

Ultimately, the story of the La Voiture Noire is entering a new chapter. A car that became a symbol of luxury and exclusivity is returning to the market - now as an asset with a higher price tag and a fully documented history.

From: speedme.ru

It is a two-wheeler though, and has 1/2 horsepower at best...

Bugatti teamed up with the bicycle manufacturer Factor, and presents the Bugatti Factor One, relatively cheap at $23,599 if compared with the 4-wheel Bugatti's. Relatively expensive when compared with other bicycles, even those made by Factor.

Below that what Bugatti has to say about it.

The Bugatti Factor ONE: a radical fusion of hypercar engineering and elite cycling performance
Bugatti has partnered with Factor Bikes, a high-performance bicycle manufacturer and engineering-first brand, in a groundbreaking collaboration that redefines what is possible at the intersection of automotive engineering and high-performance cycling. Founded in Norfolk, UK by former professional cyclist and carbon-engineering pioneer, Rob Gitelis, Factor Bikes is building the fastest UCI-legal racing bikes in the world. Factor designs, prototypes, and manufactures its frames in-house, enabling unmatched speed of innovation and uncompromising control over performance.

Both worlds' greatest races demand the same things: absolute excellence, marginal gains, and the kind of engineering precision and personal dedication that separates victory from defeat. Designed without compromise, the Bugatti Factor ONE melds the DNA of the legendary hyper sports cars brand with the most innovative bicycle engineering to create a bike that exemplifies absolute speed, precision, and exclusivity.

Born from a shared philosophy of obsessive attention to detail and performance without limits, the Bugatti Factor ONE represents a new benchmark in pioneering cycling design. Every element of the bike has been meticulously engineered to deliver uncompromising aerodynamic efficiency, stiffness, and ride quality, drawing directly from Bugatti’s legacy of engineering excellence and Factor’s proven expertise in elite-level bicycle design

Limited to just 250 individually numbered units worldwide, the Bugatti Factor ONE reflects the same exclusivity and attention to detail that defines every Bugatti automobile.

From the Type 35 race car dominating Grand Prix in the 1920s, to the Veyron and Chiron redefining the possibilities in terms of road cars, Bugatti has always aimed at pushing the boundaries to remain incomparable. Similarly, Factor Bikes have been developed to be the fastest, high performance bikes in the world. With the release of the Factor ONE, the world’s fastest UCI-legal road bike, it became clear how much innovation within the rulebook confines of the UCI, cycling's controlling body, could achieve. The Bugatti Factor ONE eschews the rulebook, resulting in a frame with a wider fork stance and lower drag numbers.

Based on trust and mutual respect, the collaboration enabled Factor to pursue the fastest configuration they could validate, regardless of complexity or convention with one philosophy: if a feature does not deliver a measurable advantage, it has no reason to exist.

"The Bugatti Factor ONE is not simply a bicycle. It is a statement. This project challenged us to rethink every assumption and push engineering boundaries in the same way Bugatti has done in the automotive world for over a century."
Rob Gitelis, Founder of Factor Bikes

Advanced carbon construction, sharp aerodynamic profiling, and a fully integrated design language result in a machine that is as visually striking as it is technically sophisticated. The bike features a distinctive two-tone split graphic, a design signature synonymous with Bugatti. This bold visual division accentuates the bike’s sculpted surfaces and aerodynamic forms mirrors the Bugatti’s hyper sports cars.

"The Bugatti Factor ONE is the result of a shared vision between two brands devoted to mastery and ambition. Every element of this bicycle, like the wide fork, for example, has been meticulously engineered to deliver measurable aerodynamic gains, reducing drag through refined shaping and optimized airflow management around the leading edge of the bike. It translates the incomparable attention to detail of Bugatti hypercars into a completely new category. It demonstrates that our pursuit of excellence and craftsmanship extends beyond hypercars, creating a machine that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in high-performance cycling."
Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director Brand & Licensing at Bugatti International

Honoring Bugatti's rich legacy and the brand's successful racing history, the bike is adorned with the famous Bugatti Blue. In the 1920s, when international racing colors were assigned by nationality, this shade represented France, and when Ettore Bugatti's Type 35 dominated Grand Prix racing, it became synonymous with victory itself. That same declaration of intent is carried here, with the prominent white 'BUGATTI' script along the frame ensuring the bike's identity remains unmistakable at speed.

Prominently positioned at the front of the bike is the 'Dancing Elephant', one of Bugatti's most iconic and historic symbols created by artist Rembrandt Bugatti, brother of the brand's founder, Ettore. Reinterpreted for the Bugatti Factor ONE, the emblem serves as a subtle tribute to the marque's artistic heritage, uniting engineering precision with timeless design.

Engineering innovation extends well beyond aesthetics. The front fork has been meticulously designed to reduce drag through refined shaping and enhanced airflow management around the leading edge of the bike. This design not only enhances high-speed efficiency but also improves front-end stability, ensuring precise handling under race conditions.

The collaboration extends deep into component development. Several bespoke components such as the Selle Italia saddle, CARBON-TI rotors and chainrings, and Continental tires have been customised exclusively for the Bugatti Factor ONE, each made to complement the frame's ultra-performance philosophy. At the heart of the specification list are the Black Inc Bugatti Hyper 62 Wheels, conceived as the cycling equivalent of a hypercar wheelset.

Incredibly light at 1298 grams for the pair, the 62 mm rim profile has been optimized for sustained high-speed efficiency, balancing drag reduction with exceptional crosswind stability. The advanced carbon layup has been tuned to maximize torsional stiffness and power transfer under load, while maintaining controlled compliance for refined ride quality. Groundbreaking technological advancements like the co-moulded boomerang spokes, precision-engineered hub internals, and enhanced hub/flange bonding allow for an ultra-bright ride quality that feels lively and direct, with unparalleled efficiency.

The Bugatti Factor ONE reflects shared values of innovation, precision, and performance at the highest level. The result is a bicycle designed for cyclists who demand the extraordinary, both from themselves and their equipment.

Intended for collectors, enthusiasts, and athletes who seek the rarest expression of performance cycling.

More info on the Factor website.

Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions, March 5 - 6, 2026

• 1929 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis 40801, Engine 701, Estimate: $350,000 - $450,000 - Without Reserve, sold for: $240,800
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Vanvooren, Chassis 57742, Engine 516 (Supercharged), Estimate $800,000 - $1,200,000, sold for: $709,000

RM Sotheby's Miami auction, USA, February 27, 2026

• 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4, chassis # VF9SA15BX6M795013: Sold for $2,122,500
• 2024 Bugatti Bolide, chassis # VF9SX0V01RM795008: Sold for $4,955,000

More info

Kraft Auction Service, Valparaiso, USA, February 1, 2026

• Electric Bugatti Children's Size Pedal Style Car, Estimate $25-$10,000: Sold for $50,000 (€42,150)

This is really unbelievable! Where many of the real Bugattis struggle to even reach their lower estimates, see the news of February 1, this Baby replica, different from the original in almost all details with ugly wheels and ditto tires, reaches $50k! How? Did the bidder think it was original?

More info

Caroline Bugatti (on the right at Retromobile 2026) introduces a newly designed jewel, in cooperation with Benjamin Gratia, she explains:

My family history is a fabulous legacy.
Behind the wheel of the Type 35, I've traveled the beautiful roads of France and beyond, creating unforgettable memories and wonderful encounters.

I was eager to share this legacy through an iconic Type 35 piece.
I collaborated on and followed every step of its design, thanks to the expertise of an Alsatian jeweler, Benjamin Gratia.

Today, this piece of jewelry is a nod to the fabulous history of the Type 35 and my grandfather, Ettore Bugatti.

It is available in 6 versions, three metals: silver, white gold and yellow gold, and two types of finish: Polished and Brushed. Personally, I like the brushed silver version best, as it closest resembles the original Type 35 wheel.

Type 35 Heritage
The Type 35 is the founding father of a family of purebred racehorses from Molsheim, a true thoroughbred. When it was presented in 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 represented innovations in terms of technology, design, power, but above all, its consistency and versatility. It alone represents a new era in motor racing. The Type 35 was one of the highest-performing cars of its time and the first to be equipped with revolutionary wheels, cast in aluminum, with removable rims and integrated brake drums specifically designed for racing. These wheels improved suspension performance and brake cooling thanks to the clever orientation of the flat spokes, creating a turbine effect. Beyond being a technical feat, the beauty of these wheels undeniably contributed to the aesthetic success of the Type 35. Two years after launching the Type 35, Bugatti won its first World Sportscar Championship in 1926. With an unparalleled record of over two thousand racing victories, it is not only the most famous Bugatti but also one of the cars that has most significantly shaped automotive history.

For more information and ordering: CarolineBugatti.fr

Artcurial Auction, The Peninsula Paris, January 27, 2026

• 1926 Bugatti Type 37, Chassis no 37201, Engine no 92, Estimate: €600,000 - 800,000: Not Sold
• 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Ex-Works, Chassis N° 51132, Engine N°189 ex-51138, Estimate: €1,300,000 - 2,000,000: Not Sold
• Bugatti vice, First series, Estimate: €8,000 - 12,000: Sold for €15,888 incl. premium
• ca. 1990 Bugatti 35B replica Pur Sang, Estimate: €250,000 - 350,000: Not Sold

RM Sotheby's Paris Auction, January 28, 2026

• 2024 Bugatti Bolide, Chassis no. VF9SX0V08RM795037, Estimate: €4,000,000 - €6,000,000: Sold for €3,998,750 incl. premium
• Bugatti Type 35 Children’s Car, handcrafted by Radek Bina, Estimate: €35,000 - €45,000: Sold for €54,000 incl. premium
• Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Children's Car by the Cyclekart Company, Estimate: €50,000 - €100,000: Sold for €78,000 incl. premium

Gooding Christie's Retromobile Auction, January 29, 2026

• 1928 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis 40662, Engine 586, Estimate: €350,000 - €450,000: Not Sold (max bid €220,000)
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante, Chassis, 57718, Engine 45C, Estimate: €2,250,000 - €2,750,000: Sold for €2,255,000 incl. premium

Gros & Delettrez 100% Automobilia Arts & Cars Auction, January 30, 2026

• Bugatti vice, Estimate: €8,000 - 14,000: Sold for €14,000 plus premium

Bonhams the Paris Sale Auction, January 30, 2026

• 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Galibier, Chassis no. 57140, Engine no. 35, Estimate: €220,000 - €280,000: Sold for €218,500 incl. premium

And it looks exactly like a Veyron

The latest one-off in the "Solitaire" Programme is a hommage to the founder of the Bugatti-rebirth, the then director of Volkswagen, Ferdinand Karl Piëch. Hence the name: F.K.P.

Below the text how Bugatti SAS announces this one-off edition.

The Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage: Honoring the Veyron and its visionary creator

Twenty years ago, the Bugatti Veyron rewrote the rules of automotive possibility. With 1,001 hp, a top speed exceeding 400 km/h, and a level of refinement unheard of in a performance car, it created an entirely new category: the hyper-GT. Today, as the second creation of Programme Solitaire, Bugatti unveils the F.K.P. Hommage – a masterpiece that honors both the revolutionary spirit of the original Veyron and the visionary engineer who made it possible: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch

The story of the Veyron begins not in Molsheim, but on a bullet train in Japan, where Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch sketched the revolutionary W engine configuration that would become the beating heart of Bugatti's renaissance. As Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Piëch had already demonstrated his engineering genius through the development of Volkswagen's unique VR engine architecture – from the compact VR6 that transformed the Golf, through the W8 and W12 that powered Passats and Bentleys, to the ultimate expression: the quad-turbocharged W16.

The W16 engine itself represents a marvel of packaging. By staggering cylinders in a short and wide-bank configuration, engineers compressed what would typically be a meter-long powerplant into just 645 millimeters – enabling the Veyron's remarkably compact 2,700mm wheelbase. This architectural brilliance, combined with all-wheel drive and near-perfect weight distribution, created a hypercar that was as civilized as it was devastating.

“Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch was a man who saw the impossible not as a roadblock but as a challenge. His vision for Bugatti was absolute: 1,000 horsepower, 400 km/h top speed, all-wheel drive, and refined enough to arrive at the opera in a tuxedo or a ball gown. The F.K.P. Hommage celebrates this uncompromising pursuit of excellence, combining the timeless proportions of the original Veyron with two decades of engineering evolution.”

Hendrik Malinowski - Managing Director of Bugatti

When the Veyron debuted at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, designed by a young Jozef Kaban under Hartmut Warkuss's direction, it presented a radically different aesthetic philosophy. Where many supercars still followed the forward-leaning wedge shapes popularized by Gandini, the Veyron reclined. Noble and self-assured – it was a 1,000-horsepower car defined by composure rather than spectacle. This confident, Bauhaus-influenced design language has aged remarkably well, remaining contemporary two decades later.

Built upon the highest evolution of Bugatti's W16 platform, the F.K.P. Hommage features the 1,600 hp quad-turbocharged engine first introduced in the Chiron Super Sport – the very car that fulfilled Piëch's speed ambitions by exceeding 300 mph. This represents the pinnacle of W16 development: larger turbochargers, enhanced intercoolers, upgraded cooling systems, and a reinforced gearbox capable of handling the increased torque.

The exterior showcases a subtle yet significant evolution. While maintaining the Veyron's leaning-back posture and dropping belt line – at a time when supercars were simply repeating the wedge-shaped, forward-angled look – every surface has now been refined. The three-dimensional horseshoe grille, machined from a solid block of aluminum, now flows organically into surrounding bodywork, rather than its original more two-dimensional approach. This new clarity extends to the color division, which aligns precisely with the updated panel layout, creating a more harmonious visual split across the body. Larger air intakes within the front feed the more powerful engine, while the signature air ducts are maintained right behind the occupants’ heads. Updated wheel sizes – 20-inch front, 21-inch rear – utilize the latest Michelin tire technology, improving both performance and visual balance.

Cutting-edge paint technology has made incredible strides in the 20 years since the Veyron’s introduction, and the F.K.P. Hommage sits right at the vanguard of these improvements. A distinctive red exterior finish employs advanced layering techniques: a silver aluminum-based coat beneath a red-tinted clear coat, creating extraordinary depth and three-dimensionality that reveals itself as one moves around the car. Black-tinted exposed carbon fiber – as opposed to standard black paint – provides contrast with a 10% black pigment integrated into the clear coat, offering both visual and tactile richness upon close inspection.

“The Veyron was the first of its kind, and in the world of collectible automobiles, the first and last of a kind are always the most significant. It created an entirely new segment – the million-euro hypercar that could travel to the opera in the evening and break speed records by day. When I first arrived at Bugatti, I was sketching developments of the Veyron, looking at how we could evolve the styling; ultimately these projects never came to fruition, but it feels almost as though Prof. Dr. Piëch could see we would have a need for them one day. If he was still here to see this ‘next opportunity’ made real, I’m sure he would agree that this is the most appropriate celebration of his vision that we could possibly create.”

Frank Heyl - Bugatti Design Director

The F.K.P. Hommage’s interior represents a near-complete revolution compared with any other recent W16 model, including both Chiron and Mistral. A unique steering wheel – circular and Bauhaus in character like the original Veyron – joins a completely bespoke center console and tunnel cover machined from solid aluminum blocks. Custom Car Couture fabrics, woven exclusively in Paris, represent Bugatti's latest advancement in interior personalization, introduced with the Tourbillon – an evolution of the leather-only interiors of the Veyron.

Dominating the dashboard is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon, a 41mm timepiece integrated into this vehicle at the request of the future owner of F.K.P. Hommage. The octagonal watch sits within an “island” finished in engine-turned polish, a technique borrowed from the finishing of Ettore Bugatti's original straight-eight cylinder heads. The watch features an ingenious self-winding mechanism: a gondola that rotates on a diagonal axis several times per hour, powered by the car itself without electrical connection. This unique integration reflects the customer’s personal vision and Bugatti’s ability to accommodate highly individual requests as part of the Programme Solitaire.

"Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch was the ultimate engineer, always demanding that his cars had the very latest and most advanced technology. So for the F.K.P. Hommage we honor his vision with the highest specification engine of 1,600 hp, the reinforced double-clutch gearbox, the latest tire compounds and optimized thermo- and aerodynamics – all the latest developments across 20 years of W16 evolution, wrapped in the timeless shape of a Veyron. It was a tremendous honor to work directly with the client on this project, refining every detail through multiple iterations to create what I consider the ideal, definitive Veyron."

Frank Heyl - Bugatti Design Director

The F.K.P. Hommage joins Brouillard as the second creation of Programme Solitaire, Bugatti's exclusive initiative creating up to two bespoke masterpieces annually. Like all Solitaire projects, it completely reimagines the bodywork, interior details, and delivers ultimate personalization that celebrates the deep stories woven throughout Bugatti's heritage.

Bring a Trailer Auction USA, December 23, 2025

• 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, Chassis no. VF9SW3V34NM795044, Sold for $4,000,000

Oldtimergalerie Toffen Gstaad Auction, December 29, 2025

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Sports Coach by Graber, Chassis: 57443, Not sold

Bring a Trailer Auction USA, December 31, 2025

• 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Chassis no. VF9SA15B46M795041, Sold for $1,350,000

Milleabros auction USA, December 10, 2025

• 1926? Bugatti Baby, "Chassis": 142, estimate: $30,000 - $50,000, Sold for $50,000

Osenat Automobiles de Collection auction, France, December 15, 2025

• "57313" Bugatti Type 51 Pur Sang replica, estimate: 200,000 - 250,000 EUR, Sold for 349,160 EUR incl. premium

The third edition of the Varignana 1705 Concorso d’Eleganza, held on september 27, 2025, celebrated automotive excellence with 37 vintage cars competing and the introduction of the Classic Car Talks. The Best of Show title was awarded to a unique masterpiece that marked a milestone in automotive design history, presented by Corrado Lopresto, while Elad Shraga’s Ferrari 121 LM captivated both the public and experts.

Thirty-seven rare and significant cars competed across six exclusive classes, evaluated by an international jury chaired by historian and author Stefano Pasini.

The class "Vintage Elegance" was won by the 1931 Bugatti Type 49, owned by Silvia Nicolis (Shown at the top of this article).

The Type 49 is the final chassis model designed by Ettore Bugatti himself, combining refined 8-cylinder engineering with exquisite coachwork, epitomizing pre-war French luxury.

The highest honor of Best of Show was awarded to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Berlinetta Pinin Farina (1950), owned by celebrated Italian collector Corrado Lopresto. A one-off masterpiece originally commissioned by Sicilian nobleman Giovanni San Giorgio Gualtieri, this Berlinetta was the first car in history to feature dual headlights, a design breakthrough that influenced generations. With its elegant proportions, 2.4-litre inline-six, and impeccable provenance, the car has earned global recognition and triumphed once again at Varignana 2025.

The People’s Choice Award was won by the Ferrari 121 LM (1955), owned by Elad Shraga. Equipped with a rare 4.4-litre inline-six engine delivering 360 hp, it marked a turning point from Ferrari’s traditional V12s. After debuting at the 1000 km of Buenos Aires and winning the Giro di Sicilia with Piero Taruffi, it raced in the United States with legends such as Shelby, Hill, and Miles. This ultra-rare Lampredi-powered racing car, built in just four examples, received both the People’s Choice Award and the Special Prize from the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, confirming its legendary status in endurance racing.

...with the presentation of a 1937 Bugatti type 57S Atalante

Rétromobile New York kicked off the countdown to its first event dedicated to classic cars, scheduled for November 19-22, 2026, by unveiling a spectacular model on December 4 at Christie’s in Rockefeller Plaza. Displayed in an impressive glass case is a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante, one of only 15 Atalante coupes ever produced. "It is a privilege to officially launch Rétromobile New York and to present our 'showcase' in such an iconic Manhattan location with our partner, Gooding Christie’s, especially during the holiday season," said Gérard Neveu, CEO of Rétromobile New York. “The 1937 Bugatti Atalante is a true masterpiece: original, rare, elegant, and steeped in history." This showcase, along with a remarkable selection of classic cars, will be featured throughout the year at major automotive events across the United States, offering a glimpse of the exceptional vehicles we will bring together in New York this November."

"As we prepare to kick off our activities for the new year, we have launched the Rétromobile New York website and are offering tickets with a 20% discount until December 31, 2025," added Mr. Neveu.

Rétromobile New York will make its debut at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan from November 19 to 22, 2026, bringing the legendary 50-year legacy of the Parisian show to America for the first time. The event will feature curated exhibits, iconic vehicles, and a vibrant community of collectors and enthusiasts.

Retromobile NY is a show organized in partnership between duPont Registry Group and Comexposium.

For more information and early-bird tickets at 20%, visit retromobile.us

and here’s the proof!

By Jean-Pascal Viault

One day at the end of November, grey and rainy, while France was soaking under a colorless sky, my phone rang: it was my son, far away, on the other side of the Atlantic.

— Did you see? Someone wrote to you on Facebook a week ago. He sent you some old photo...
I search, I open, and I discover five black-and-white images, memories from the 1930s and 1950s: children at the wheel of a Baby Bugatti, their smiles as wide as a promise.

Nothing very surprising for me, the freshly finished author of a book devoted to authentic Baby Bugattis around the world. For years, I have hunted for images, stories, precious anecdotes and traces of these magical toys born in the Bugatti workshops.

I examine the photos and immediately write to the stranger who sent them to me: his name is Christian.
I thank him, sincerely and enthusiastically, then share my sadness that I cannot include his photos in the book — it is already at the printer’s. They would have been perfect to further illustrate the joy of children driving this little racing car.

I get in touch with him and ask:
— Do you know anything about this Baby?
The reply comes, gentle and unbelievable:
— Yes. It was my father’s. He won it at Christmas 1929 in a lottery at “Wery”, a large toy store in Strasbourg.
— And do you know what became of it?
— Yes, of course, sir. I still have it. It has been sleeping in my basement for eleven years, since we sold the big family home.

I can’t believe my ears. I ask for photos, number, condition. He sends everything immediately. In the images: the wheels, the bodywork, proudly bearing the same number, 398.

Christian explains that his brother had tried to restore it, but the tires — impossible to find — had stopped the project. Time passed. His brother passed away. The Baby returned to him.

Among the photos is the father — Robert — in front of the big house in the 1930s. Then Christian and his brother Jacky in the 1960s, each at the wheel of the little marvel, repainted green in 1960. "The only available color — my godfather was a painter at the sewing-machine factory in Schiltigheim (FR)."

— I drove miles with it, he says. We crossed Strasbourg to visit our cousins…
We had to recharge the battery to get back!

Then came the question that took my breath away:
— And today, Christian… what do you want to do with this Baby?
— Nothing. I will probably part with it. If you’re interested… I would sell it to you.

Thus, always cherished by the same family since its arrival 96 years ago, delivered on October 1929 to the major Strasbourg store, the Baby Bugatti suddenly came back to life before my eyes, as if emerging from a forgotten treasure box.

And even though the book was finished, two photos of number 398 quickly found their place at the heart of the work, as a reminder that a survivor always deserves to be seen, honored, told, and respected.

The car has joined my collection, and my son from America is arriving for Christmas with my granddaughter. Together we will spend hours examining it, cleaning it, bringing it back to life — but one thing is certain: it will keep that “sewing-machine green” that marks its history, its memories, its traces of life…
Now its memory is preserved… elsewhere!

Yes.
Dreams do exist.
I’ve met one.

Merry Christmas, Jean-Pascal

Porsche's divestment takes shape

In need of cash, the German automaker Porsche is in advanced negotiations with the Croatian Rimac Group to sell its 45% stake in Bugatti. The Croatian group would then own 100% of the Molsheim-based manufacturer.

The deal has been in the works for several months and is now taking shape. Mate Rimac, the founder of the Croatian automotive group specializing in electric hypercars, confirmed on Wednesday at a conference organized by "Automobilwoche" that he is in discussions with Porsche to acquire the remaining 45% stake held by the German group. Porsche held 100% of Bugatti's capital until 2021, when it sold 55% of the shares and created a Rimac-Porsche joint venture. The progress of the negotiations was revealed this Thursday by our colleagues at Les échos, confirming information that had already been circulating in the spring of 2025. "I think it's no secret that Porsche and we are discussing the structure," said Mate Rimac, adding, again according to Les échos, that "for a small brand like Bugatti, which needs to be very flexible and responsive, it's perhaps more difficult within a large group."

Porsche announced a net loss of nearly one billion euros.
Rimac's boss estimated the chances of acquiring Porsche's 45% stake at 3.5 out of 5. This statement was not confirmed by the German manufacturer, with one of its spokespeople indicating that "Porsche is constantly evaluating the potential for optimizing its holdings."

Accustomed to exceptional profitability until recent years, Porsche, hit by the cost of the electric revolution and the drop in sales in China, has just announced a net loss of nearly one billion euros in the third quarter. The situation is obviously being closely watched in Molsheim, home to the world's only Bugatti assembly plant. The site employs 140 people.

According to Les Echos, citing the financial news agency Bloomberg, Rimac has reportedly made an offer to Porsche valuing Bugatti at one billion euros. This means the Croatian manufacturer is said to be prepared to pay 450 million euros to acquire the 45% stake in Bugatti held by Porsche.

While Porsche, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, needs cash, Bugatti Rimac, which employs 450 people in total, is not in exceptional financial health. Because while it can count on over €300 million in advance orders, it lost €152 million in 2024 on revenue of €182 million. This loss, while not exceptional in the luxury sector, cannot be repeated often, especially since the 250 Tourbillon models are sold, at a starting price of €3.8 million each, before they have all been manufactured.

The order book at the Molsheim factory, where a new assembly workshop is under construction, is full until 2030, particularly for the delivery of these Tourbillon models which, thanks to a 1,000 hp V16 engine and three electric motors, boast 1,800 horsepower and a top speed of 445 km/h.

Bugatti's family silver cutlery set.

Each of the 73 pieces, forks and spoons, as well as a large serving spoon, is engraved "EB" on the rear. The set consists of 12 small spoons and 12 small forks, and 24 each of large forks and spoons.

The cutlery set was frequently used by Bugatti when welcoming his guests such as race drivers, clients, co-workers, agents and of course his friends.

Ettore Bugatti ordered this solid silver cutlery set in Paris in 1924. It was bought from the well-known firm Cardeilhac. The Maison Cardeilhac was a renowned French silversmith house that was established in 1804 by Antoine-Vital Cardeilhac. In 1904, Ernest Cardeilhac passed the reins of the company to his two sons, Jacques and Pierre. They continued the legacy of Maison Cardeilhac, upholding the reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs.
In 1951, the Maison Cardeilhac brand was acquired by Christofle, a prominent name in the luxury silverware industry. The acquisition ensured the continuation of Maison Cardeilhac's legacy and its integration into a wider network of renowned silversmiths.

The set followed Ettore from Molsheim to Paris (Rue Boissière), then to Bordeaux shortly before World War II, and then to the Chateau d'Ermenonville. After Ettore passed away, the set went to Roland Bugatti in 1947 (again to the Rue Boissière), later to the south of France (Aix-en Provence) and remained in his possession until he passed away in 1977.

It was then privately bought by somebody from the same village.

An expertise was done by expert Christian Huet in 1993, the total Provenance is known from 1924 until now.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to be able to purchase Ettore Bugatti's personal and historical piece of Patrimony.

Only serious offers will be considered, please contact Jaap Horst, at: J.J.Horst@BugattiPage.com.

RM / Sotheby's London Auction, November 1, 2025

• 1928 Bugatti Type 44 Profilé 'Aérodynamique' by Gangloff, Chassis: 44784, estimate: £250,000 - £275,000, Sold for £207,000

Christie's Art Moderne auction, October 24, 2025

All Rembrandt Bugatti sculptures, naturally. All come from the Collection André Antolini

• Vache meuglant, signed and dated 'Bugatti 1901', Estimate EUR 30,000 - 40,000, Sold for EUR 101,600

• Biche et ses deux faons, l'un tête sa mère, signed, dated, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark 'R. Bugatti 904 (2) CIRE PERDUE A.A HéBRARD', Estimate EUR 120,000 - 180,000, Sold for EUR 279,400

• Gazelle, signed, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark 'R Bugatti (2) CIRE PERDUE A. A. HéBRARD', Estimate EUR 80,000 - 120,000, Sold for EUR 152,400

• Trois pélicans en conversation, signed, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark 'CIRE PERDUE A.A HéBRARD (1) R Bugatti', Estimate EUR 120,000 - 150,000, Sold for EUR 152,400

• Cerf en marche, signed, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark 'R Bugatti CIRE PERDUE A.A. HéBRARD (2)', Estimate EUR 180,000 - 220,000, Sold for EUR 279,400

• Les Yacks au repos, signed, numbered and with the foundry mark 'R Bugatti (2) CIRE PERDUE A.A HéBRARD', Estimate EUR 120,000 - 150,000, Sold for EUR 203,200

• Jaguar accroupi, petit modèle, signed, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark 'R Bugatti (4) CIRE PERDUE A.A HéBRARD', Estimate EUR 90,000 - 120,000, Sold for EUR 114,300

• Petite Panthère, signed, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark 'R. Bugatti (8) CIRE PERDUE A.A. HéBRARD', Estimate EUR 180,000 - 220,000, Sold for EUR 368,300

• Une oie, petit modèle, signed, numbered and with the foundry mark 'R. Bugatti. CIRE PERDUE A.A. HéBRARD (1)', Estimate EUR 25,000 - 35,000, Sold for EUR 50,800

• Flamant en marche, signed, numbered and stamped with the foundry mark '(1) CIRE PERDUE A.A HéBRARD R. Bugatti.', Estimate EUR 70,000 - 90,000, Sold for EUR 114,300

File with images of all sculptures.

Broad Arrow Zoute Concours Auction, October 10, 2025

• 1992 Bugatti EB110GT, Chassis: ZA9AB01G0RCD39053, Estimate 1,500,000 - 1,800,000 euro, Sold for €1.581.250
• 2015 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, Chassis: VF9SV25265M795079, Estimate 1,900,000 - 2,300,000 euro, Sold for €1.862.500

Today I received the following message from the Bugatti Trust:

The most recent memory of Hugh Conway was in 2023, when the photo on the right was taken, together with Angela and myself. I then visited the Trust together with my girlfriend. Hugh had come to the Trust especially to meet with us, in this only 2nd visit to the Trust for me. We had some lively discussions on matters Bugatti, of course, what else.

I vaguely remember one of the first meetings with Hugh, which must have been about 25 years ago, probably at Retromobile or maybe at the Bugatti Festival. Hugh was, as his father Hugh Sr., one of the people who really made the Bugatti community feel more like a family than just a bunch of old car lovers..

Hugh will be much missed, my condolences to the family and to all the team at the Bugatti Trust, as well as the BOC.

Top photo was taken form an article in magzter.com, which in turn took it from Octane magazine

Aguttes AUTOWORLD | Auction & motion Brussels, October 11, 2025

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet Graber, Chassis: 57483, Engine: 360, Estimate 520,000 - 580,000 euro, Sold for 466,012 euro
• 1996 Mark Al Harris Bugatti Type 59, Estimate 5,000 - 10,000 euro, Sold for 10,516 euro

RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction, October 8 - 9, 2025

• 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Paul Née, Chassis: 57156, Engine: 48, Estimate $550,000 - $650,000, Sold for US$759,000

Bring a Trailer Auction, October 3, 2025

• 20?? Bugatti - Pur Sang Type 35B, Chassis: 691PS, Sold for US$202,000 inc. premium

More info

Lanzante Will Create a Road Legal Bugatti Bolide

Bugatti will produce only 40 units of the Bolide, each designed exclusively for track use, but someone has been brave enough to call upon the UK company Lanzante to transform this beast into a road-legal weapon.

Lanzante is responsible for many road-legal conversions in including the latest Porsche 935 and even the highly sought-after Lamborghini Sesto Elemento.

Speaking with CarBuzz at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month, CEO Dean Lanzante explained what’s next. Alongside showing interest in the upcoming Red Bull RB17, he confirmed the Bolide shares enough DNA with other Bugatti models to make a road conversion viable.

Turning a race-bred car into one that meets road regulations isn’t straightforward. Some machines simply can’t be converted, no matter the expertise. As Lanzante put it, track cars used to begin life as road cars modified for racing, but today many are purpose-built race machines with quirks like preheating requirements, bump-start systems, and batteries that drain after only a few attempts. When a car comes into their workshop, they evaluate whether it’s feasible, and sometimes the answer is no.

Even in cases where a conversion is possible, drivability becomes the challenge. Cars that are fragile or too extreme are not worth putting on the road. Still, Lanzante pointed out that regulations leave plenty of room to manoeuvre. You need to pass emissions and meet pedestrian safety standards, but there’s no law on ride height, suspension stiffness, or cabin heat. These are comforts, not legal requirements, which give them flexibility to create cars that remain usable in daily life.

That’s where the Bolide fits perfectly. Despite being one of the wildest creations ever built by Bugatti, it’s unusually well-suited for a Lanzante project. The W16 engine can pass emissions, the gearbox is intuitive, and the overall build quality is high.

Under the skin, the Bolide carries Bugatti’s 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine from the Chiron, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine has larger turbo blades, pushing output to 1,578 hp (1,177 kW).

The future road-legal Bolide will most definitely need more appropriate tyres as they currently cost $8,000 each and last only about 60 km, which won’t quite cut it.

Alain Bouissou, master of 1:43 Bugatti miniatures, passed away on August 10, 2025, after a long illness. What will probably best characterize his incredible talent is the photo of his Atlantic miniature in 1:43, taken at Retromobile 2014, and the comment which I wrote in the Bugatti Revue Retromobile article about this miniature:

I always paid him a visit when at Retromobile, where he had his own display at the Miniature Artisan's corner. We would chat a while, and he would show me the progress of his latest project. I believe the Atlantic was one of his most leaborate miniatures. I also asked him how, how did he put this tremendous detail in these 1:43 scale miniatures? His answer was straightforward and simple: "Just glue".

Bouissou was active in miniature Bugatti building since 1980, becoming recognized for the high level of detail and accuracy soon. A Bugatti specialist, Bouissou was a benchmark in the industry for his ability to combine historical accuracy with artisanal flair. Bouissou's Bugattis were true marvels, light years away from what is considered a luxury item today. Many will have admired those openings carved from sheet metal or those miniature dashboards with a hammered finish.
I now came to know that in 2017 Bénédicte Bouissou made a book about Alain and his miniature models: "Alain Bouissou - Sublimes Bugatti Miniatures". The drawing at the right is featured on the cover of this book, artist unknown.

He was furthermore a very modest man; I could not find a single photo of the man behind these splendid creations. Therefore, I honour him below with some more images of his work.
Unfortunately, his health problems which started in 2017 prevented him from further pursuing his plans for new miniatures, it must have been at Retromobile 2018 that I last met him. At the Artisan's corner, this time without miniatures. Here he told me about his health problems, a very sad encounter that day.

We wish his wife Bénédicte, children and family strength to cope with their loss.

Bonhams' the Quail Auction, August 15, 2025

• "1924" Bugatti - Diatto Avio 8C, Chassis: B1919, Engine: 136. Sold for US$285,500 inc. premium
• 2020 Bugatti Divo, VIN. VF9SD3V34LM795015, Estimate: US$7,000,000 - US$9,000,000, Sold for US$8,557,500 inc. premium
• 2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, VIN. VF9SC3V31MM795008, Estimate: US$3,750,000 - US$4,250,000, Sold for US$3,965,000 inc. premium
• 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, VIN. VF9SW3V31PM795053, Estimate: US$3,500,000 - US$4,500,000 (no reserve) Sold for US$4,460,000 inc. premium

Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction, August 15 - 16, 2025

• 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Supercharged Grand Prix, Chassis: BC035, Engine: 194T (EX-4939), Estimate $625,000 - $850,000, not sold, Asking Price $675,000
• 1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, Chassis: 37103, Engine: 7, Estimate $750,000 - $950,000, not sold, Asking Price $800,000
• 1927 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix, Chassis: 4817, Engine: 126T, Estimate $2,500,000 - $3,000,000, not sold, Asking Price $2,500,000
• 1927 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport, Chassis: 43172, Engine: 12, Estimate $1,500,000 - $2,250,000, not sold, Asking Price $1,600,000
• 1928 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis: 40661, Engine: 565, Estimate $375,000 - $450,000, sold for $401,000
• 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux, Chassis: 57297, Engine: 151, Estimate $250,000 - $325,000 / Without Reserve, sold for $224,000
• 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Drophead Coupe James Young, Chassis: 57236, Engine: 136, Estimate $400,000 - $550,000, sold for $434,000
• 1994 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport, Chassis: ZA9BB02E0RCD39012, Engine: 086, Estimate $3,000,000 - $3,500,000, sold for: $2,755,000
• 2019 Bugatti Chiron Sport, Chassis: VF9SP3V3XKM795168, Estimate $3,250,000 - $3,750,000, not sold, Asking Price $3,450,000
• 2024 Bugatti Bolide, Chassis: 001, Estimate $4,500,000 - $6,000,000, Withdrawn

RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction, August 16, 2025

• 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio by Gangloff, Chassis: 57597, Engine: 82C (ex 57809), Estimate $700,000 - $800,000, not sold, Asking price $700,000

Pebble Beach is traditionally the time where the highest bids are received on the classic Bugatti's. This year not so, only a few Bugatti's were actually sold, and mostly those without reserve.

So this is it! The new One-off by Bugatti, which is called Brouillard, after Ettore Bugatti's favourite horse. See the picture on the right, of Ettore riding the "real" Brouillard. The French word Brouillard means Fog by the way, thus continuing the weather-inspired names of the most recent Bugatti's, the Mistral and Tourbillon (the latter means "Whirlwind"). So now we have to clarify something, 3 days ago I wrote (from various sources) that the name would be Solitaire, but Solitaire is the name for the new Bugatti one-off programme, of which this Brouillard is the first.

This one-off was ordered by the famous Dutch entrepreneur and Bugatti collector, Michel Perridon. He already has in his stables six of the "VW" Bugattis, one EB110 SS and a few dozen of the original Molsheim products from the time that Ettore Bugatti himself held the reins there. Added to those is the largest (worldwide) collection of Carlo Bugatti furniture, and many beautiful Rembrandt Bugatti sculptures, as well as a load of other stuff and automobilia.

The car indeed, as said 3 days ago, is powered by the last iteration of the VVR16 engine (sometimes called W16 erroneously), delivering an amazing 1600HP from it's quad turbo 8 liter 16 cylinder engine. When looking at Brouillard, the car, especially from the front, it is much like a Mistral fitted with a roof. And, a glass-roof at that, with a V-like shape. Of course, there are plenty of details which are different, mostly purely optical or minor aerodynamic changes.

Apart from the wheels, with five horseshoes each, there are no references to horses on the outside. There even is an image of the balancing elephant on the sides, reference to the radiator mascot delivered with the Bugatti Royale, and made after a sculpture by Ettore's brother Rembrandt. I guess that a prancing horse would have been quite a sight there, upsetting maybe some guys in Maranello...

On the inside however, there are horses everywhere on the green pasture. In the gear lever even, and there is limited use of specially made fabrics which refer to some of the cloths associated with horses and their riders.

Many wonder at what price such a one-off would cost, maybe we will never know for sure... However, the "la Voiture Noire" was €16.7 million, this one, "La Voiture Verte" may even be a bit more....

Below the news release by Bugatti themselves, 7-8-2025

The art of coachbuilding has flowed through Bugatti's DNA for over a century. From the timeless automotive designs of Jean Bugatti to the masterful sculptures of Rembrandt Bugatti, the pursuit of singular automotive artistry has defined the marque since its inception. Today, Bugatti unveils the Programme Solitaire, an exclusive new offering dedicated to creating truly bespoke, one-of-one vehicles that celebrate the brand's rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of personalization and craftsmanship.

The inaugural creation of Solitaire – an expansion beyond even the highly bespoke world of Bugatti Sur Mesure – is Brouillard, a breathtaking Coupé that pays homage to Ettore Bugatti's beloved horse. Named after the faithful companion who could open his own stable door through a special mechanism designed by Ettore himself, this car celebrates the founder’s great love of horses, and his favorite horse of all. A majestic thoroughbred with a coat as white as the first snowfall, speckled with the subtle shades of a summer morning mist, Brouillard was no ordinary horse; he was the embodiment of everything Ettore admired: speed, beauty, and unparalleled grace.

"The Programme Solitaire allows us to authentically explore the unique visions of our clients, giving us more flexibility to explore different interpretations of long-established Bugatti design elements. On a one-of-one, we have much more freedom in the reinterpretation of what a Bugatti is, while maintaining the same absolute dedication to perfection in every detail; there will be no compromise to performance, quality or design. Each precious Solitaire will be unique and peerless, offering a level of attention to detail not found in even the most exclusive automotive creations.”

Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director of Bugatti

The Programme Solitaire is inspired by Bugatti's coachbuilding roots, a tradition that flourished in the early 20th century when the most beautiful automotive bodies were created through collaboration between car companies and specialist coachbuilders. Jean Bugatti revolutionized this approach by bringing the craft in-house, enabling the creation of icons like the Type 57 SC Atlantic. Although that car may be most famous, the Type 57 chassis was adorned with numerous in-house bodies, including Galibier, Stelvio, Ventoux and Atalante, offering options from four-door saloon to two-door convertible and coupé.

For the modern-day incarnation of this approach, Brouillard is built upon the pinnacle of Bugatti's W16-powered platform featuring the 1,600 PS iteration of the legendary quad-turbocharged engine. It represents the highest evolution of the W16 program, incorporating nearly two decades of engineering excellence and refinement.

"The bond between Ettore and Brouillard was deeply special. He saw in Brouillard a mirror of his own creations; the curves of the horse's body, the muscular flanks, the perfect proportions – these were all elements he tried to capture in the steel and aluminum of his cars. So here, the aesthetics of this car abstain from sharp lines in favor of more reflection-based surfaces that mimic a kind of athletic muscle, like a trained horse. It's heavily focused on sculptural surfaces and organic shapes, as the vision of a tendon underneath the skin. Enormous power and complexity, hidden by a veil of dignified simplicity."

Frank Heyl, Bugatti Design Director

The proportional mastery of Brouillard follows principles akin to classical art, where the relationship between elements creates immediate visual appeal. Through careful consideration of volume distribution, the lower third of the vehicle is rendered in dark tones that visually connect to the car's shadow. Much of the perception of a car comes from its upper two-thirds, helping in this case to create the perception of a lighter, more dynamic silhouette – appearing both lower and longer – while making the wheels appear proportionally larger.

“To make something look simple is actually incredibly complex. The design has to integrate all of the technological aspects needed, all of the thermodynamics and aerodynamics of a 1,600hp hyper sports car, while also following a core ethos – established both by us and the client – that the Brouillard was imbued with dignity.

The aerodynamic philosophy seamlessly integrates functional elements into the sculpted bodywork. Air intakes feed through radiators creating a pressure drop for more air flow through the radiators to optimize cooling efficiency, while the fixed ducktail wing provides aerodynamic balance and enhances the car's elegant silhouette. The rear diffuser maximizes the functional surface area through innovative exhaust packaging, representing the culmination of W16 platform development.

Interior craftsmanship reaches new heights with the Brouillard, featuring an extraordinary combination of materials that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Custom-woven fabrics sourced from Paris incorporate tartan patterns, while green-tinted carbon fiber is paired with an increased number of machined aluminum components. The glass roof creates an airy, cathedral-like experience, while the center spine flows seamlessly from exterior to interior, visible through the transparent panel above.

An absolute dedication to the finest artisan craftsmanship is evident in the Brouillard’s details, including embroidered horse motifs in the door panels and seat back rests. The seats themselves are customized and shaped to the owner’s preference, finished with a unique leather patch layout. The gear shifter is machined from a single block of aluminum and features a glass insert containing a miniature hand-crafted sculpture of Ettore’s favored horse and this car’s namesake. In every respect the Brouillard is a work of automotive haute couture, imbued with the limitless creativity of the entire Bugatti design, engineering and materials craftspeople.

The commissioning owner of Brouillard is an enormously passionate Bugatti collector, not just of cars – both old and new – but also of the eclectic furniture of Carlo Bugatti and the beautiful bronze sculptures of Rembrandt Bugatti. The owner wanted to bring together all of the craft and artistry of the Bugatti family in a masterpiece that celebrated a core inspiration of Ettore Bugatti’s approach to automotive design: his love of his horses. In these many bespoke details, the owner’s broad and detailed appreciation for Bugatti's rich automotive history, the Bugatti family and Ettore’s unique bond with his favorite horse is celebrated.

The Bugatti Brouillard will be officially unveiled during Monterey Car Week as the first project of the new Programme Solitaire. Each year, Solitaire will create a maximum of only two masterpieces, ensuring that each receives the complete attention and craftsmanship that it demands. Solitaire commissions will use existing Bugatti powertrains and chassis – just as Brouillard uses the 1,600hp W16 and latest corresponding carbon fiber and aluminum chassis – while focusing on bespoke bodywork and interior details.

Bugatti cars in the exhibition:
Type 13 Roadster, Type 13 Brescia 1925, Type 23 Boat-tail 1925, Type 35, Type 35B, Type 37, Type 40 Jean Bugatti Roadster 1929, Type 44 Roadster by Gangloff, Type 44 rolling chassis 1931, Type 46 Limousine 1930, Type 55 Sport 1933 (55223), Type 57 Galibier 1934, Type 57 Ventoux 1936, Type 57 Stelvio 1939, Type 57 Atalante 1939, Veyron, Chiron.

More info

• 1929 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis 40801, Engine 701, Estimate: $350,000 - $450,000 - Without Reserve
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Vanvooren, Chassis 57742, Engine 516 (Supercharged), Estimate $800,000 - $1,200,000

1929 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis 40801, Engine 701
There are few such appealing collecting opportunities as the barn find of a major marque, arguably none more so than a Bugatti. And yet, here is one: an original-bodied, matching-numbers-engine Type 40 Grand Sport emerging after more than 60 years of ownership – and many decades of slumber.

Hailing from late in the production sequence, published registry records document that chassis 40801 was built in May 1929 and fitted with the marque’s iconic Grand Sport bodywork. Cleverly echoing the appearance of Bugatti’s hugely successful Grand Prix cars – albeit with space for passengers – the design offered competition-bred flair in a road-going format. Ordered by Dache Pilot & Cie of Valence in southern France, the car was completed on August 1st of that same year and registered for the road as “6207 FA,” although the identity of the original buyer remains unknown.

The Bugatti is recorded to have been moved south to the coast, passing through a sequence of owners in the Marseille area before returning to Valence in 1952. By 1955, it resided in Paris with M. Balieu, a butcher who entrusted famed Bugattiste Henri Novo with its sale. Although briefly owned by Dennis Talbot, a British man based in Holland, it quickly passed to Jean De Dobbeleer, the Bugatti dealer well-known for supplying numerous Pur Sang to the US.

As with many Bugattis that passed through his agency, 40801 was imported to the US by Gene Cesari and John O’Donnell, who in turn sold it to Robert Bramley, based in Rumson, New Jersey, in 1958. Bramley refurbished the Type 40 and reported his work to the Bugatti Trust in 1960; however, it is said that the distractions of marriage and flying soon curtailed his interest. In 1964, Robert J. Chevako of New York acquired 40801, and retained it until his passing in 2024.

Mr. Chevako used the Bugatti at select events in the 1960s, but it otherwise remained largely off the radar – so much so that it was not included in the American Bugatti Club’s register for 1988. Nevertheless, the Bugatti was certainly cherished and, while it aged gently through use and later long-term storage, it has retained its intrinsic purity. Today, it presents with the ever-popular “oily rag” look, such that, once recommissioned and if carefully preserved, it would no doubt prove a considerable draw at a wide range of events.

A Type 40 balances all the marque’s wonderful ingredients during this period in its design and is eminently usable in club events. Owing to its period use, chassis 40801 carries the additional benefit of being eligible for the 1000 Miglia Storica by definition, subject to Registro acceptance.

Please note that this vehicle is titled 1928. Please also note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to road use.

1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Vanvooren, Chassis 57742, Engine 516 (Supercharged)
Introduced in 1934, the Bugatti Type 57 represented the fullest expression of Jean Bugatti’s creative and engineering vision. Powered by a jewel-like 3.3-liter, twin-cam straight eight and constructed with the marque’s customary delicacy, the Type 57 embodied all that defined Molsheim’s artistry: exceptional mechanical refinement, extraordinary aesthetics, and an unmistakable sense of exclusivity.

As production evolved, Bugatti continually refined the Type 57 chassis, incorporating strengthened rear-axle components, a cross-braced frame, rubber engine mounts, and upgraded braking systems. In 1937, these improvements culminated in the introduction of the supercharged Type 57C. Equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and enhanced instrumentation, the Type 57C produced approximately 160 hp. Performance was formidable for the era, with top speeds comfortably exceeding 100 mph, accompanied by impressive braking ability and high-speed composure.

While Bugatti offered an array of bodies designed and built in-house at Molsheim, the Type 57 chassis also served as a platform for Europe’s most esteemed coachbuilders, including Gangloff, Corsica, and Vanvooren. These bespoke bodies allowed discerning clients to further individualize what was an already rare and sophisticated automobile.

According to the American Bugatti Register and Data Book, chassis 57742 was completed at Molsheim in November 1938, fitted with engine no. 516 and originally clothed in factory-built Galibier berline coachwork. On May 31, 1939, the car was ordered by Garage Carnot on behalf of its first owner, M. Saint Martin, with delivery arranged through Bugatti agent G. Groslambert in Besançon, France, near the Swiss border.

Little is known of the Bugatti’s history until the 1960s, when it was acquired in unrestored condition by French collector Jean Serre. Within M. Serre’s private collection was also a sporting Vanvooren cabriolet body that had originally been fitted to another Type 57, chassis 57430. That car had been supplied new to Prince Louis Napoleon, a direct descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as an enthusiastic Bugatti patron and amateur racing driver.

Founded in 1888 by Achille Vanvooren in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, Carrosserie Vanvooren earned renown for its elegant, lightweight, and finely constructed coachwork.

The firm reached its zenith during the 1930s, producing refined bodies for elite manufacturers including Hispano-Suiza, Delage, and Delahaye. Vanvooren’s designs are celebrated for their subtle proportions, restrained ornamentation, and modern sensibility – as exemplified by this handsome Cabriolet body seen here.

M. Serre retained both chassis 57742 and the Vanvooren cabriolet body until 2000, when they were sold as a package to prewar French car specialist Charles Bronson. Under his ownership, the Vanvooren coachwork was mounted onto chassis 57742, and the original engine was fitted with a supercharger. Notably, the chassis already featured the factory indentation required for supercharged specification, allowing the upgrade without the need for structural modification.

In 2005, this Bugatti was displayed by Dutch classic car specialist Tony Paalman at Techno-Classica Essen, after which it was sold to Bugatti specialist Competition Motors of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Ownership subsequently passed to noted collector Howard Fafard, who commissioned an extensive concours-quality restoration. Documented by invoices and photographic records on file, the restoration was completed in the tasteful black and aubergine color scheme seen today, complemented by an exquisitely tailored interior trimmed in exotic ostrich leather.

Completed in 2012 at a reported cost exceeding $800,000, the Bugatti was reacquired by Competition Motors and debuted that year at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Later in 2012, it was professionally photographed for Ralph Lauren Purple Label advertising for the Fall collection.

In 2023, chassis 57742 joined a prominent East Coast collection and returned to Pebble Beach in 2024, where it was displayed in Class J-2, European Classic Touring Late. Carefully maintained, the Bugatti presents today in outstanding concours condition and would be an ideal candidate for future concours events or vintage rallies, including those organized by the American Bugatti Club.

A desirable late-production Type 57 retaining its matching-numbers engine, enhanced with a supercharger, clothed in original Vanvooren cabriolet coachwork, restored by marque specialists, and twice exhibited at Pebble Beach, chassis 57742 stands as a compelling and versatile example – one that embodies both the artistry and performance that define the very finest vintage Bugattis.

Please note that this vehicle is titled 1937.

Further info

• 1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, Chassis # 37226, Engine # 125, Estimate: €1.000.000 - €1.300.000
• 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys, Chassis # 43248, Estimate: €2.500.000 - €3.500.000

With its 1.5-liter straight-four engine, featuring a single overhead cam and three valves per cylinder it produced only 60 horsepower less than the Type 35's eight-cylinder engine and thanks to its lighter weight, the Type 37 was nevertheless almost as fast reaching a top speed of 150 km/h.

Of the 270 examples ever produced, three Type 37s were sold in November 1926 to William Sorel, Bugatti's official dealer in London, including chassis number 37226 fitted with engine 125.

The Brighton County Borough Council Vehicle Licensing Register reveals, via an archivist in a letter dated 2001, that the registration UF 2314 was assigned to the Bugatti of a certain Mr. Moore in July 1927, most likely Mr. Moore of Limited Motor Engineers in Brighton. It is under this registration, inseparable from its history, that chassis number 37226 would be traced in competitions, in the hands of its various owners in England over the years.

According to the 1995 David Sewell Report accompanying the car, it is believed since many years by word of mouth, that the vehicle was entered in competitions from its earliest days by Malcolm Campbell, the renowned British racing driver, who set nine records between 1924 and 1935 and notably won the 1927 Grand Prix de Boulogne behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 39A.

In 1929, shortly after the founding of the Bugatti Owners' Club, Jack Lemon Burton, a founding member and its President, acquired the car for £200 to replace his racing Brescia. On his very first official outing behind the wheel of UF 2314, his excitement was immortalized at the B.O.C. Hillclimb in Chalfont St. Peter, in a famous photograph reproduced in Hugh Conway's Magnum Bugatti. He would later claim to have reached the symbolic milestone for British enthusiasts of 100 miles per hour, about 160 km/h, at its wheel.

He would later sell it to Ken Hutchison, who would do it proud when not behind the wheel of his Alfa Romeo P3, notably setting a 10-lap class record at Donington in 1933 driving 37226.

The Sewell Report also notes a certain John Ching as one of the car's owners prior to the United Kingdom's entry into the war.

After the war, its original logbook, dating from 1948 and still preserved with the car, records the same registration, UF 2314, as well as the original engine number, 125, which remains in the car to this day. At that time, the logbook lists Arthur Donald Underwood as the owner, followed by John Craven Wilkins.

John Henry Pratt, who acquired the car in the mid-20th century, returned it to the racing circuits and, twenty-four years after it left the factory, secured two consecutive victories at the Bugatti Race at Silverstone in 1950 and 1951. The logbook records Pratt's successive changes of address, with a final registration in his name in 1956, before the car passed into the hands of Philip Ashley Mann, the last owner listed in this valuable record of owners and registrations. The Sewell Report notes that Mann reportedly achieved several victories behind its wheel in events organized by the Vintage Sports-Car Club.

In 1964, Joseph Murcott acquired chassis 37226 and kept it until his death in 1985, after which it was inherited by his son, Alan. Who then entrusted the car to Bugatti specialist Ivan Dutton for a comprehensive overhaul.

After 31 years in the same family, the car was acquired by John Gurney in 1995. That year, David Sewell wrote in his report: "To this day, the car remains remarkably original in all respects, retaining its original engine, front and rear axles, gearbox and coachwork. There are very few surviving Grand Prix Bugattis today which can claim to retain such a high proportion of their original components, and therefore this fine example must rank among the most desirable of its type."

Gurney then decided to undertake a major restoration, carefully preserving the car's originality. The impressive file of invoices, notes, drawings, and correspondence, dating from 1996 to 1998, accompanies the car and is available for review.

At the dawn of the 21st century, it was acquired by Michael Benwell, who enjoyed it alongside his son Nicholas, both pre-war car specialists. They entrusted it once again to Ivan Dutton in 2001, with the detailed invoice for the work included in the file.

A Vintage Sports-Car Club eligibility document, dated August 2002, confirms that all the main components are original from 1926 and that, in detail, the car conforms to standard specifications, with the exception of modified carburetors. In June 2003, it was sold in a public sale in London, where the current owner acquired it. Dutch by nationality, they brought 37226 from England to the continent and registered it with the Bugatti Club Nederland.

This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bugatti Type 37, chassis number 37226, which left the Molsheim factory in 1926. The car survives in a rare, near-original condition, with matching numbers and a comprehensive history file.

1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys, Chassis # 43248
1927 was the year that saw Charles Lindbergh complete his first solo flight between New York and Paris, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry fly daily over the Mediterranean and the Sahara, and Robert Benoist, a former fighter pilot, win four of the five Championship Grand Prix. During that same year Ettore and Jean Bugatti presented to the world the fastest road car of its time: the Bugatti Type 43.

The 1920s embodied an era of cultural liberation, optimism, celebration, artistic avant-garde, and industrial modernization. This effervescence found its echo in the rise of two major sectors, automobiles and aviation, which would illuminate the decade with feats both on the road and in the air. The Type 35B that would win the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, driven by William Grover-Williams, needs no introduction and the Type 35B owes its numerous successes, not only to the daring drivers who piloted the cars, but also to the power produced by its supercharged engine. It was this legendary engine that was fitted at the heart of the chassis of the Bugatti Type 43.

The engine in the type 43 was the same 2.3-litre inline eight-cylinder overhead camshaft engine from the Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix, albeit with a slightly more civilized compression ratio. From the Type 38 road-tourer, it borrowed the front and rear axles, steering system, and gearbox, with the gearbox's one-piece cast housing bolted directly to the chassis for added rigidity. This combination made the Bugatti Type 43 the brand's first road car with a supercharger, producing 120 horsepower and reaching 160 km/h, the fastest road car of its time.

Although intended for touring use, and despite a price equivalent to that of the Bugatti Type 35B, owners and even the factory soon began entering The Type 43 in competition. Three cars took the start of the 1928 Mille Miglia, raced by Tazio Nuvolari, Pietro Bordino, and Gastone Brilli-Peri, who finished 6th, 13th, and 16th respectively. That same year, three others entered the RAC Tourist Trophy, one of them driven by Louis Dutilleux and entered by the factory, finishing 9th.

Chassis Number 43248
Of the approximately 160 examples produced, the Bugatti Type 43 chassis number 43248 was assembled in the Molsheim workshop and invoiced to the Belgian Bugatti agent Joseph Reinartz for the amount of 95,940 francs, then delivered new with a temporary two-seater body on 15 January 1929, to its first owner, Frédéric Deflandre, in the Sauheid-lez-Chênée region near Liège, Belgium.

The chassis was entrusted in the early 1930s to the care of Belgian coachbuilder Eugène Matthys in Brussels, who bodied 43248 into a unique two-seat roadster with quintessentially early-1930s lines that foreshadow the later graceful Bugatti Type 57.

Before receiving the Matthys coachwork it still wears today, 43248 was fitted with a temporary body in its early years — was most likely of a sporting type. Upon close inspection of the original floorboards on the passenger side one can see that there was once fitted an auxiliary oil tank and hand pump, giving rise to the theory that the car may have been employed for light competition use early on, although the details of this are yet to be explored.

A great enthusiast of the marque, of which he would own at least five models, Frédéric Deflandre likely kept his roadster until the purchase of his new two-seater Bugatti Type 57 cabriolet in 1936.

Evidenced by a motor vehicle tax disc dated 1 October 1948, it appears that after the Second World War, the Bugatti roadster was located in the neighboring village of Angleur, in the hands of Edouard Hanquet. The roadster was then described as a “Chevrolet type 43,” owing to the fact that it was by this point temporarily powered by a six-cylinder Chevrolet engine.

In 1965, during a classic car rally in the Belgian Ardennes, two young participants and collectors were approached by a man who told them of a Bugatti he was willing to let go for a modest price. André Monin, one of the two young men —still with us today to recount the story— went to the home of this gentleman, who turned out to be none other than Edouard Hanquet, to acquire the roadster. Living in Brussels, Mr. Monin loaded the Bugatti onto a trailer and brought it away from the region where it had remained since new.

Monin, the owner of one and later two Type 38s, one of which was fitted with the original windshield from 43248, retained the Type 43 for over a decade, later parted with it in 1978, selling it to coachbuilder Luc Janssens. The latter soon sold it to British dealer Keith Butti, who in turn passed it to the specialist in fine British cars Roland J. B. Duce in 1980, who then offered it for sale himself.

Spotted by one of England's greatest collectors of classic automobiles for its remarkable originality, Bugatti Type 43 chassis 43248 joined, in April 1981, the collection to which it still belongs today through family descent. The car was then presented with its one-off Eugène Matthys bodywork, the leather of its seats and doors in a most elegant burgundy shade, its chassis frame stamped 93, its brass identification plate engraved 43248, its front axle, both sides of its bulkhead, its rear axle stamped 95, its gearbox and cover numbered 93 and its radiator—all original, as per the accompanying Laugier report.

In order to restore its mechanical integrity and replace the Chevrolet engine that had been fitted to the roadster, its owner acquired from Hugh G. Conway, a prominent Bugatti authority whose legacy is still referenced today, a Type 43 engine, built from parts bearing different numbers, including an upper crankcase from a racing model numbered C28.

Over the past thirty years, it has undergone a series of carefully documented interventions, the full list of which is available in the file, including two new cylinder blocks, a rebuilt rear axle, a repaired wooden trunk floor, a replacement fuel tank, renewed iron drums, a radiator wiring harness, and a full repaint. The original leather was entrusted to The Leather Conservation Centre in Leicester, UK, for preservation rather than retrimming, with only a few minor patch repairs. Such comprehensive care ensures the car looks and performs beautifully today.

For the first time in nearly half a century, the Bugatti Type 43 chassis number 43248 is being offered for sale, an exceptional opportunity for Bugatti enthusiasts to acquire this unique roadster, with its sublime lines, unmatched performance, and rare authenticity.

Further info

We invite owners of prewar Bugatti cars to join us for an eventful week, where the keywords will be fine hotels, hills, heathland, seaside, lakes, forests, castles, museums, ships, craft & production, churches, gastronomy, entertainment and surprises.

For the 2026 International Bugatti Meeting Bugatti Club Denmark has spared no effort in creating a truly enjoyable and memorable event for the participants and their classic Bugatti cars.

By holding the meeting in late June, we hope to take advantage of a lovely Danish summer, with weather, landscapes and cities at their most beautiful.

Over six days of driving, we will cover approximately 1,000 km along scenic country roads, passing through varied landscapes and charming villages.

Along the way, participants will experience some of Jutland’s most notable highlights, enjoy exquisite meals and drinks, all in good company—and with relaxed driving, since Denmark’s highest point reaches only 170 metres above sea level.

During the event we will be based in two cities: Kolding and Silkeborg.

Near Kolding, from Sunday to Thursday, participants will stay at the elegant Hotel Koldingfjord, beautifully situated on the shores of the Kolding Fjord.

On Thursday, a transfer drive will take us to the historic Hotel Gl. Skovridergaard, where we will spend the last three nights.

Hotel Gl. Skovridergaard is surrounded by picturesque grounds with magnificent old trees close to the river Gudenåen, the woods and Silkeborg city centre.

Please follow this link to sign up (Until September 30, 2025!)

More information about the IBM 2026

And, of course, we will visit our birthplace, the Nürburgring. The get-together in the historic paddock and the laps on the ‘Historic Nordschleife’ exclusively for Bugatti enthusiasts will be a special experience. Bugatti-Club Deutschland is already looking forward to welcome many Bugatti enthusiasts to its anniversary meeting.

The registration starts at the beginning of November. We will inform the clubs in good time.

Further Information: info@bugatti-club-deutschland.de

Participants will experience scenic rally routes through the Czech countryside, the historic Zbraslav-Jílovište hillclimb, and exclusive access to Prague Castle.

More info and to register

For additional information on routes, lodging and sights follow this link - American Bugatti Club - International Bugatti Meet 2026.

Before the IBM begins, you do not want to miss the 12th US Bugatti Grand Prix™.

12th US Bugatti Grand Prix September 4 - 6
The 12th US Bugatti Grand Prix will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6, as part of the 'Columbia River Classic’, managed by SOVREN, before the beginning of the IBM on Sept. 8. Portland International Raceway is only 30 miles from the start of the IBM at the Allison Inn and SPA in Newberg, OR. Three days of events will culminate in the Bugatti Grand Prix on Sunday where 20 – 25 Bugattis are anticipated. Those participating in the IBM are invited to attend as spectators with their Bugattis where they will be able to take tour laps of the track at lunchtime.

There are a limited number of entries available, so please react using the below Intent of Interest form as soon as possible.

The 2026 International Bugatti Meet Organizing Committee welcomes your participation in this special Bugatti tour. For questions or application forms, contact: Paul Simms, Registration Coordinator, abcpcsimms@gmail.com