What was the primary focus of Automobiles Ettore Bugatti?

Automobiles Ettore Bugatti was a French manufacturer primarily focused on producing high-performance automobiles, renowned for their design beauty and numerous race victories.

When and where was Automobiles Ettore Bugatti founded?

The company was founded in 1909 in Molsheim, Alsace, which was then part of the German Empire.

Who founded Automobiles Ettore Bugatti?

The company was founded by the Italian-born industrial designer Ettore Bugatti.

What familial artistic influence contributed to Bugatti's design aesthetic?

Ettore Bugatti's father, Carlo Bugatti, was an important Art Nouveau furniture and jewelry designer, which influenced the artistic manner in which Bugatti automobile designs were executed.

What are some of the most famous models produced by Automobiles Ettore Bugatti?

Famous Bugatti automobiles include the Type 35 Grand Prix cars, the Type 41 "Royale," the Type 57 "Atlantic," and the Type 55 sports car.

How did the deaths of Ettore and Jean Bugatti impact the company?

The death of Ettore Bugatti in 1947 was a severe blow, and the earlier death of his son Jean in 1939 meant there was no successor to lead the factory, contributing to the company's struggles.

What was the approximate number of cars produced by the original Bugatti company?

The original company produced no more than about 8,000 cars.

What happened to the original Automobiles Ettore Bugatti company in 1963?

The company struggled financially and was eventually purchased for its airplane parts business in 1963 by Hispano-Suiza.

When did the original incarnation of Bugatti cease operations?

The original incarnation of Bugatti ceased operations in 1952, making its last appearance as a business at the Paris Motor Show in October of that year.

How did World War I affect Ettore Bugatti and his factory?

During World War I, Ettore Bugatti was relocated, first to Milan and then to Paris. After the war, he returned to his Molsheim factory and managed to secure a stand at the 15th Paris motor show in October 1919, exhibiting cars based on pre-war designs.

What specific models did Bugatti exhibit at the 1919 Paris motor show?

Bugatti exhibited three light cars at the 1919 Paris motor show: the Type 13, Type 22, and Type 23, all featuring a 4-cylinder, 1,368cc overhead camshaft engine with four valves per cylinder.

What was the significance of the Bugatti Type 35?

The 1924 Bugatti Type 35 is considered one of the most successful racing cars of its era, developed with engineer and driver Jean Chassagne.

What racing achievements did Bugatti cars accomplish in the 1920s and 1930s?

Bugatti cars achieved significant success, including winning the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, winning the Targa Florio for five consecutive years (1925-1929), and drivers like Jean-Pierre Wimille winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice (1937 and 1939).

Who were the drivers that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Bugatti?

Jean-Pierre Wimille won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Bugatti: in 1937 alongside Robert Benoist, and in 1939 with Pierre Veyron.

What was Ettore Bugatti's involvement in aeroplane design?

In the 1930s, Ettore Bugatti became involved in creating a racer airplane, the Bugatti 100P, designed by Louis de Monge, with the aim of competing in the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize, though it never achieved flight.

Besides cars and airplanes, what other type of vehicle did Bugatti design?

Ettore Bugatti also designed a successful motorized railcar known as the Autorail Bugatti.

What specific event marked a turning point in the company's fortunes after Jean Bugatti's death?

The death of Jean Bugatti on August 11, 1939, while testing a Type 57 tank-bodied race car, marked a turning point, as he was the intended successor to lead the factory.

How was the Molsheim factory affected by World War II?

The Molsheim factory was left in ruins after World War II, and the company lost control of the property.

What were some of the design characteristics that made Bugatti cars distinctive?

Bugatti models were known for their focus on design, featuring hand-scraped engine blocks for flat surfaces (eliminating the need for gaskets), intricate guilloché finishes on exposed engine parts, and safety wires on fasteners. They also employed an elegant design where springs passed through openings in the axles, reducing the number of parts.

How did Ettore Bugatti view the design philosophy of competitors like Bentley?

Ettore Bugatti famously described Bentley's cars as "the world's fastest lorries," indicating his belief that Bentley focused too much on durability at the expense of lightness, as he famously stated, "weight was the enemy."

What was the Bugatti Type 52?

The Type 52 was an electric racer designed for children, reflecting the company's broader approach to automotive engineering and design.

What notable Bugatti car was recovered from Lake Maggiore?

A 1925 Bugatti Brescia Type 22, which had been submerged in Lake Maggiore for 75 years, was recovered and later sold at auction.

What revival attempt was made in the mid-1950s, and what was its outcome?

Roland Bugatti led an attempt at revival with the mid-engined Type 251 race car, designed with assistance from Gioacchino Colombo. However, the car did not perform as expected, and the company's automobile production efforts were halted.

How did Virgil Exner attempt to revive the Bugatti brand in the 1960s?

Virgil Exner designed a revival car as part of his "Revival Cars" project. A show version was built by Ghia using the last Bugatti Type 101 chassis and displayed at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, but funding for the project did not materialize.

Who acquired the Bugatti brand in 1987, and what did they establish?

Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired the Bugatti brand in 1987 and established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., initiating a revival of the marque.

Where was the factory for Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. located, and who designed it?

The factory was built in Campogalliano, Modena, Italy, and was commissioned by Romano Artioli, designed by architect Giampaolo Benedini.

What were the key technical specifications of the Bugatti EB110 GT?

The Bugatti EB110 GT featured a 3.5-litre, 5-valve per cylinder, quad-turbocharged 60° V12 engine, a six-speed gearbox, and four-wheel drive.

Who were the designers involved in the early stages of the Bugatti revival under Romano Artioli?

Paolo Stanzani and Marcello Gandini, known for their work on Lamborghini models like the Miura and Countach, were involved in the initial plans for the new Bugatti revival.

What significant change did Nicola Materazzi implement in the EB110's design?

Nicola Materazzi replaced the aluminium chassis with a carbon fibre one and altered the car's torque distribution from 40:60 to 27:73.

Who was a famous owner of the Bugatti EB110?

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher was a notable owner of the Bugatti EB110.

What economic factors contributed to the failure of Bugatti Automobili S.p.A.?

Poor economic conditions, specifically recessions in the North American and European economies when the EB110 came to market, caused the company to fail.

What happened to the EB110 license and parts stock after Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. ceased operations?

The EB110 license and remaining parts stock were purchased by the German firm Dauer Racing in 1997.

What company was formed by former Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. employees, and what car did they create?

Former vice-president Jean-Marc Borel and ex-employees Federico Trombi, Gianni Sighinolfi, and Nicola Materazzi established B Engineering and created the Edonis, using the chassis and engine from the Bugatti EB110 SS.

What was the first concept vehicle commissioned by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. under Volkswagen Group ownership?

The first concept vehicle was the EB118 coupé, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, which debuted at the 1998 Paris Auto Show and featured a W-18 engine.

When did Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. begin assembling its first regular-production vehicle, and what was it?

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. began assembling its first regular-production vehicle, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, in September 2005.

What were the key specifications of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4?

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 was a supercar with 1001 PS, featuring an 8-litre W-16 engine with four turbochargers.

When was the last Bugatti Veyron sold?

The last Veyron, named La Finale, was sold on February 23, 2015.

What is the successor to the Bugatti Veyron?

The successor to the Bugatti Veyron is the Bugatti Chiron.

Who designed the Bugatti Chiron?

The Bugatti Chiron was designed by Achim Anscheidt.

When was the Bugatti Chiron first revealed to the public?

The Bugatti Chiron was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1, 2016.

What powertrain will Bugatti's successor to the Chiron feature?

Bugatti announced in February 2024 that the successor to the Chiron will utilize a V16 hybrid-electric powertrain.

What is the name of Bugatti's successor to the Chiron?

The successor to the Chiron was confirmed in June 2024 as the Bugatti Tourbillon.

What is the significance of the Musée National de l'Automobile de Mulhouse in relation to Bugatti?

The Musée National de l'Automobile de Mulhouse houses the Schlumpf Collection, which includes many Bugatti cars.

What was the purpose of the safety wires used on Bugatti fasteners?

Safety wires were intricately laced through most fasteners on Bugatti cars, likely as a measure to prevent loosening under the stresses of high performance and racing, contributing to the marque's reputation for meticulous engineering.

What is the meaning of Ettore Bugatti's quote "weight was the enemy"?

Ettore Bugatti's statement "weight was the enemy" reflects his design philosophy, prioritizing lightness and agility over sheer durability, which contrasted with competitors like Bentley whom he called "the world's fastest lorries."

What was the Bugatti 100P?

The Bugatti 100P was a racer airplane designed in the 1930s by Louis de Monge, with Ettore Bugatti's involvement, intended to compete for the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize, but it never achieved flight.

How did the Bugatti Type 35 contribute to the brand's racing legacy?

The Type 35, developed with Jean Chassagne, became one of the most successful racing cars of its era, securing numerous victories, including five consecutive Targa Florio wins.

What is the significance of the Bugatti Type 41 "Royale"?

The Type 41 "Royale" is noted as a luxurious and large touring car, representing a high point in Bugatti's pre-war production, with only a few examples ever made.

What was the fate of the Campogalliano factory after Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. closed?

The Campogalliano factory was sold to a furniture-making company that became defunct before moving in, leaving the building unoccupied.

What is the Bugatti Trust?

The Bugatti Trust is an organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Bugatti automobiles.

Bugatti Wiki: Bugatti: Engineering Elegance and Automotive Excellence

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The Genesis of a Legend

Ettore Bugatti: The Visionary

Founded in 1909 in Molsheim, Alsace (then part of the German Empire), Automobiles Ettore Bugatti was the brainchild of Italian industrial designer Ettore Bugatti. Drawing inspiration from his father, Carlo Bugatti, a renowned Art Nouveau artist, Ettore infused his creations with both exceptional engineering and artistic flair.

War and Resilience

The company's trajectory was significantly impacted by global conflicts. During World War I, Ettore Bugatti relocated, but swiftly returned to Molsheim post-hostilities. Despite the challenges, he managed a timely return to the Paris Motor Show in 1919, showcasing refined pre-war designs like the Type 13, Type 22, and Type 23, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Racing Dominance

Bugatti established an formidable reputation in early Grand Prix motor racing. The marque achieved notable victories, including the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix in 1929 with a Type 35. The Type 35 itself became one of the most successful racing cars, dominating events like the Targa Florio for five consecutive years (1925-1929). The pinnacle of this racing success was the 1937 and 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, achieved under challenging circumstances.

Iconic Marque Models

The Royale: Unrivaled Grandeur

The Type 41, known as the "Royale," stands as a testament to Bugatti's pursuit of ultimate luxury and performance. Intended for royalty, only a handful were produced, each a unique masterpiece of automotive engineering and design.

Type 57 Atlantic: Art in Motion

The Type 57, particularly the Atlantic variant, is celebrated for its breathtaking Art Deco-inspired design. With its distinctive riveted 'spine' and flowing lines, it remains one of the most aesthetically significant automobiles ever created.

Type 35: The Racing Champion

The Type 35 is arguably Bugatti's most successful racing car. Its innovative engineering, including a lightweight chassis and powerful engine, led to countless victories, solidifying Bugatti's place in motorsport history.

Design Philosophy: Precision and Artistry

Ettore Bugatti's design philosophy centered on minimizing weight and maximizing elegance. This was evident in meticulous details, such as hand-scraped engine blocks requiring no gaskets and axles forged with integrated spring mounts, embodying a "less is more" approach to engineering.

Bugatti's commitment to detail extended to intricate finishing touches, including guilloché patterns on engine components and carefully laced safety wires on fasteners. This dedication to craftsmanship set Bugatti vehicles apart from contemporaries, which Ettore famously dismissed as "fastest lorries."

Notable Models Overview

The Bugatti lineage encompasses a range of significant vehicles, from early prototypes to legendary road and racing cars. Below is a summary of key models across different eras.

The following table outlines notable Bugatti models by type and era:

Prototypes	Racing cars	Road cars
Type 2 Type 5 Type 10 "Petit Pur Sang" Type 36 Type 45/47 Type 56 (electric) Type 64 (coupe) Type 73C Type 252	Type 13 / Type 15 / Type 17 / Type 22 Type 16 "Bébé" Type 29 "Cigare" Type 32 "Tank" Type 35 / 35A / 35B / 35T / 35C / 37 / 39 "Grand Prix" Type 52 (electric racer for children) Type 57G "Tank" Type 50B Type 53 Type 51/51A / 54GP / 59 Type 251	Type 13 Type 18 Type 23 / Brescia Tourer Type 30 / 38 / 40 / 43 / 44 / 49 (touring car) Type 41 "Royale" Type 46 / 50 / 50T (touring car) Type 55 (roadster) Type 57 / 57S / 57SC (touring car) Type 101 Type 252

The Art of Automotive Engineering

Aesthetic Prowess

Bugatti vehicles are renowned not merely for their performance but for their exquisite design. Ettore Bugatti's artistic lineage profoundly influenced the marque's aesthetic, resulting in cars that are considered rolling sculptures, blending mechanical precision with unparalleled visual harmony.

Innovative Construction

The engineering of Bugatti cars prioritized elegance and efficiency. For instance, engine blocks were meticulously hand-scraped to achieve perfect sealing without gaskets, and axles were forged as single units with integrated spring mounts. This approach minimized parts and complexity, reflecting Ettore's mantra: "weight was the enemy."

Motorsport Heritage

Grand Prix Victories

Bugatti's racing pedigree is undeniable. The company achieved significant success in Grand Prix racing, including victories at the Targa Florio and the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix. The legendary Type 35, in particular, became synonymous with racing excellence.

Le Mans Triumph

The marque's endurance racing prowess was highlighted by two victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Jean-Pierre Wimille secured wins in 1937 and 1939, demonstrating the robustness and competitive spirit of Bugatti vehicles even with limited resources.

Aviation Aspirations

Beyond automobiles, Ettore Bugatti ventured into aviation design, conceptualizing the Bugatti 100P racing airplane in the 1930s. Although this ambitious project never achieved flight, it underscored the company's innovative drive across multiple engineering disciplines.

The Enduring Spirit: Revivals

Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. (1987-1995)

Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli revived the Bugatti brand in 1987, establishing Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. in Campogalliano, Italy. This era saw the development and production of the EB110, a technologically advanced supercar featuring a quad-turbocharged V12 engine and a carbon-fiber chassis. Despite its innovation, economic downturns led to the company's eventual cessation of operations.

Volkswagen Group Era (1998-2021)

Volkswagen Group acquired the Bugatti brand in 1998, ushering in a new chapter of hypercar production. This period was defined by the development of the Veyron 16.4, a groundbreaking vehicle that redefined automotive performance with its 8-liter W16 engine and unparalleled top speed. The Veyron was succeeded by the Chiron, continuing the legacy of extreme engineering and luxury.

Bugatti Rimac (2021-Present)

In 2021, a significant shift occurred with the formation of Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture between Rimac Group and Porsche AG. This new entity aims to blend Bugatti's heritage of luxury and design with Rimac's expertise in electric hypercar technology, promising an exciting future for the iconic brand.

Deepen Your Understanding

Key Concepts

Explore the core elements that define Bugatti's legacy: Ettore's design philosophy, the significance of specific models like the Type 35 and Royale, and the evolution through different ownership eras.

Ettore Bugatti's Philosophy: Emphasis on lightweight construction, artistic design, and meticulous engineering.
Iconic Models: Type 35 (racing), Type 41 Royale (luxury), Type 57 Atlantic (design).
Brand Revivals: Understanding the transitions from Ettore's era to Artioli's, Volkswagen's, and the current Bugatti Rimac era.
Motorsport Impact: Bugatti's significant contributions to Grand Prix and endurance racing.

Visual Archive

While direct image display is restricted, the historical context is rich. Recall the visual elegance of the Atlantic, the imposing presence of the Royale, and the racing prowess of the Type 35.

The gallery section in the source material highlights key vehicles:

1913 Bugatti 22, 3 seat Vinet
Bugatti Type 50 i
1938 Type 57SC Atlantic
1933 Type 59 Grand Prix racer
Bugatti Type 43 Cockpit

These models exemplify the marque's design evolution and engineering excellence.

Scholarly Sources

Foundational Texts

The information presented is synthesized from established automotive historical records and encyclopedic sources. For detailed verification, please refer to the original citations.

Wood, Jonathan. Bugatti, The Man and the Marque. The Crowood Press, 1992.
"Michel's Missing Bugatti". Driven To Write. 2021-04-01.
"A Movie About the Founding of Bugatti is in the Works". Prestige Online. October 29, 2024.
"Automobilia". Toutes les voitures françaises 1920 (Salon [Oct] 1919). 31. Paris: Histoire & collections. 2004.
L’Automobiliste, 1971 P. 7
"Bugatti Model 100 at the EAA Museum". EAA Museum.
"Bugatti Aircraft Association – 100P Airplane". Bugattiaircraft.com.
Hearst Magazines (December 1934). "Streamlined Auto-Rail Car Used in France". Popular Mechanics. p. 885.
"The birth and too-soon death of Jean Bugatti remembered". ClassicCars.com Journal. 2022-01-15.
"Automobilia". Toutes les voitures françaises 1953 (Salon Paris oct 1952). 14. Paris: Histoire & collections. 2000.
"A closer look at the Bugatti Chiron's design". CNET.
Kew, Ollie. "The world's first diesel Bentley is here. And it's fast". Top Gear.
Georgano, G.N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930. London: Grange-Universal, 1985.
"1937 Bugatti Atalante Supercar, One of 17, Found in English Garage, Associated Press, January 2, 2009". The Huffington Post. 2009-01-02.
Benedini, Giampaolo; Artioli, Romano. "Un progetto nello spirito Bugatti; Quasi un sacrilegio". Associazione Italiana per la storia dell'automobile, conference 100. Schio, Milan, 12 November 2011. (PDF).
Barlow, Jason (16 August 2019). "Bugatti Centodieci". Top Gear.
Cironi, Davide (15 August 2015). "Edonis e il fallimento Bugatti". Drive Experience.
Horst, Jaap. "Bugatti EB110 Race Successes". Bugatti Revue.
Copyright. Est February 2003. "Bugatti on TradeTwentyfourSeven website". Trade-247.com.
Ciferri, Luca (13 December 2005). "B Engineering". Autonews.
"Bugatti: 1,001 horsepower, $1.24 million". CNN. 2005-09-16.
"Manufacturing the Veyron". Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. 2011-11-30.
Sorokanich, Robert (23 February 2015). "The very last Bugatti Veyron has been sold". Road and Track.
Wewer, Antje. "Porsche Achim Anscheidt, B AA 9117 H". Porsche AG.
Branman, Miles (2015-11-24). "Bugatti's world-challenging Chiron supercar will let you take its roof off". Digital Trends.
Taylor, James (2016-02-29). "Bugatti Chiron revealed at Geneva 2016: the world has a new fastest production car". CAR Magazine.
"2016 Geneva Auto Show – Auto Show". Car and Driver.
"Official: Bugatti Chiron replacement to swap W16 engine for V16". Autocar.
Communications, Bugatti (2024-06-21). "The Bugatti Tourbillon: an automotive icon 'Pour l'éternité' – Bugatti Newsroom". newsroom.bugatti.com.

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References

Georgano, G.N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886â1930. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Bugatti Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended as a supplementary resource and not a definitive academic publication.

This is not automotive advice. The information provided herein should not substitute professional consultation regarding automotive history, restoration, or technical specifications. Always consult primary sources and expert opinions for critical decisions.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

Bugatti: Engineering Elegance

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Genesis of a Legend 🌟

🇮🇹 Ettore Bugatti: The Visionary

⚔️ War and Resilience

🏆 Racing Dominance

Iconic Marque Models 🚗

👑 The Royale: Unrivaled Grandeur

💎 Type 57 Atlantic: Art in Motion

🏁 Type 35: The Racing Champion

⚙️ Design Philosophy: Precision and Artistry

📊 Notable Models Overview

The Art of Automotive Engineering 🎨

✨ Aesthetic Prowess

💡 Innovative Construction

Motorsport Heritage 🏁

🏆 Grand Prix Victories

endurance Le Mans Triumph

✈️ Aviation Aspirations

The Enduring Spirit: Revivals 🔄

🇮🇹 Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. (1987-1995)

🇩🇪 Volkswagen Group Era (1998-2021)

🇭🇷 Bugatti Rimac (2021-Present)

Deepen Your Understanding 📚

💡 Key Concepts

🖼️ Visual Archive

Scholarly Sources 📖

📜 Foundational Texts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Genesis of a Legend

Ettore Bugatti: The Visionary

War and Resilience

Racing Dominance

Iconic Marque Models

The Royale: Unrivaled Grandeur

Type 57 Atlantic: Art in Motion

Type 35: The Racing Champion

Design Philosophy: Precision and Artistry

Notable Models Overview

The Art of Automotive Engineering

Aesthetic Prowess

Innovative Construction

Motorsport Heritage

Grand Prix Victories

Le Mans Triumph

Aviation Aspirations

The Enduring Spirit: Revivals

Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. (1987-1995)

Volkswagen Group Era (1998-2021)

Bugatti Rimac (2021-Present)

Deepen Your Understanding

Key Concepts

Visual Archive

Scholarly Sources

Foundational Texts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice