B u g a t t i

Bugatti owners know that the other best part of owning a Bugatti is actually driving a Bugatti. The Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. also knows this. And to heighten the consciousness every Bugatti driver feels, the company has introduced lessons geared towards “Feeling the Road.” Yes, Bugatti owners now have the opportunity to learn how to respond in critical situations such as high-speed racing and driving thru heavy rain. And to enthuse Veyron owners a little bit more, students of the said program would train with no other than Bugatti official pilot, Pierre-Henri Raphanel. For those not familiar with the legacy, Raphanel was a former Formula One racer before joining the Bugatti brand.

The classes will take a whole day or some 300 kilometers. It would be held on the magnificent Anneau du Rhin track in Colmar, France. The track is alongside one of most stunning French wine route, positively adding to the already striking experience.

Scholars of the said programs will undergo a discussion on the Bugatti beast Veyron 16.4 from Rapahnel himself. This would be followed by a one-on-one crash course on the nature of racetrack driving. The course includes lessons on full acceleration, maneuvering and slalom (zigzagging between obstacles). These lessons would be carried out under different tarmac conditions. The program will even use artificial rain to effectively simulate the stipulation. After mastering these lessons, drivers could then proceed to a smaller track where they could practice in private. The training will be capped by an adrenaline pumping high-speed race on the larger track.

Participants of the exclusive event would then be debriefed and presented with certificates. Partakers who haven’t had enough of the training could also dine with Raphanel, with the possible opportunity of engage him in a discussion on the day’s experience.

Accommodations for possible participants could be arranged by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.. Fans of the brand opting for a more nostalgic inducing experience could also visit Bugatti’s first factory in Molsheim. The experience is limited to individual basis. Interested Veyron owners could contact Bugatti thru their e-mail: contact@bugatti.com

Bugatti has recently introduced a more comprehensive additional warranty that covers up to four years after delivery. The optional warranty program does not only cover the mechanical and electrical parts, it also extends to the vehicle’s body. The warranty even includes the paintwork and a guarantee against rust through out the entire car.In case of mechanical or electrical failure, the extended Bugatti warranty will provide for the delivery of the replacement part/s anywhere in the world. Another noteworthy clause in the warranty states that in case of technical breakdown, Bugatti ensures that the driver will still reach his/her destination. It also guarantees immediate breakdown services i.e. towing fee to the nearest Bugatti service partner. The owner of the Bugatti ride would then be provided a temporary replacement vehicle of standard to the equally worthy Audi A8.

And finally there is the “anti-inconvenience check” that is supposedly aimed to minimize the owners discomfort upon Bugatti breakdown. The check can be used to pay for expenses resulting from the breakdown like hotel and travel accommodations. Also, the clause doesn’t require the owner to produce receipts.

To accommodate any Bugatti breakdown problem, the company set up a 24/7 customer care hotline. The operations of this contact centers are personally managed by a Bugatti customer service personnel. In the event of a Bugatti being sold, warranty could be transferred to new owner. However, only specific Bugatti models are covered in the extended warranty.

Notoriously known as the “Tank,” a very rare Bugatti Model T 57 will be up for auction this coming January 18. The Model 57 is the epitome of Bugatti’s dedication to beauty and performance. The auction is organized by RM Auctions, known auctioneer of classic and rare rides.

The Tank that they are offering has a chassis number 57440. It has the engine 328 mounted on it with a Stelvio coachwork design. The Stelvio design was presented with the model 57 through out its production from 1934 to 1939. The Tank they are offering has an invoice dated October 17, 1936 to a M. Garnier. It is also speculated that the car was eventually owned by famous Bugatti historian, and collector, Hugh Conway.

The organizers of the auction claim that the T 57 they are offering “had benefited from comprehensive mechanical restoration.” To be specific, the engine in the up-for-grabs tank has the trademark Bugatti double overhead camshaft. There are modifications, however. For example, the gearing of the engine was moved to the rear. The previous owner has installed a traditional clutch and transmission system. The restored engine, as the auctioneer claims, would provide “more power, less noise, reduced vibration, and improved reliability and durability.”

The car interior was also restored, although it is claimed that the original fitting made of dark tan leather is still there. New paint, chrome and top also grace this model 57. The Tank that is auctioned has a “subtle” pin stripping motif which compliments the dark purple tone. The seats are still presentable despite evidence of old age.

The running price for the 1937 Bugatti T57 Stelvio is $450,000 – $550,000. The Tank will have a lot number of 181. Interested parties should contact RM Auctions for more details.

Specifications:

135hp

3,257 cc

twin-cam inline eight-cylinder engine

semi-elliptic leaf spring front suspension

quarter elliptic leaf spring rear suspension

four-wheel mechanical brakes

Wheelbase: 3,300mm

There are probably only five lucky persons in this world. And those five are probably driving a two-tone carbon and aluminum themed Bugatti. Yes, these significant few have managed to get their hands on one of the most exclusive cars in the world today – the Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang. The Pur Sang (French for “Pure Blood”) is the latest Veyron modification released by Bugatti under Volkswagen AG.

The Pur Sang still follow the traditional Bugatti dual-tone theme. The only difference, however, is that the Pur Sang isn’t painted. The two tones compromise of pure, unadulterated aluminum alloy and dark, solid carbon fiber monocoque. No paint touched this ride. This dark and light theme is evident even in the interiors. Of course, we could expect nothing less than perfection from the craftsmanship involved in the details of the Pure Blood.

Aesthetics isn’t the only significant modification in the Veyron Pur Sang. Volkwagen opted to reduce the original Veyron weight in the Pur Sang version. Pure Bloods weigh in at 1,888 kg, 90 kg lighter than the template. However, the reduction in weight took its toll on the acceleration. The 2.5 second run to 60 mph isn’t possible with the Pur Sang.

Having made only five cars, the Pur Sang was sold out in less than 24 hours after it was first revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Pur Sang’s going rate was said to be 950,000 liras or 1.4 million euros. Alas, we could only wonder how it feels to handle a Pure Blood.

Jealousy is both reasonable and belongs to reasonable men, while envy is base and belongs to the base, for the one makes himself get good things by jealousy, while the other does not allow his neighbour to have them through envy.
-Aristotle, The Art of Rhetoric, sect. 6, ch. 2.11.

Here is the contunition of the Bugatti timeline. This section covers the post World War I Bugatti ventures to the death of “Le Patron.”

1921- 1923 – Bugatti enjoyed numerous success in the race track. Bugatti headed the Voiturettes Grand Prix in Brescia in 1921. The Bugatti Model 13 was forever etched in racing history. And to commemorate this success, every 16 valve Bugati engine carried the Brescia name. In 1923 Bugatti introduced yet another revolutionary car design. The Tank has a blade profile covered wheels for its short covered wheel base. This 8 cylinder beauty finished third in the race.

1924 – The Model 35, considered the most successful racing car of all time was introduced to the market. Ettore opted to go traditional for the 35, offering customers a more striking racer. The 35 is also the first car to run on the now famous aluminum hoop-spoked wheels.

1927 – Ettore realized his dream of building the most luxurious car ever with the Royale. Unfortunately, luxury wasn’t an option for most of the public during the Great Depression. The unit only sold three models sending Bugatti to shaky financial grounds.

1932 – 1934 – Ettore proved himself a genius by adapting the precisely superior Royale engine to high speed trains. The French government was again pleased with Bugatti. Royalties from the endeavor helped stabilize the company’s dangerous financial standing. Bugatti had its last production success with the Model 57.

1937 – Bugatti drivers Jean Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist won the Le Mans with the Model 57 G “Tank.” The victory is reminiscent of Buggati’s racing success in the 1920’s

1939 – Jean, Ettore’s son was able to convince his father to enter the Le Mans despite the company’s financial trouble. The Bugatti’s entered a car with a chassis much similar to the Tank, but this time equipped with a compressor. The racer won the race with Wimille and Benoist still behind the wheels. The 1939 Le Mans would be the last racing victory of Ettore Bugatti. He would later proclaim Jean as the next “Patron.”

August 11, 1939 – Jean Bugatti died during a test-run in the same car they used in the Le Mans 1939. Days after, the Second World War would begin.

August 21, 1947 – The great artisan, Ettore Bugatti died of lung infection. Before this, Bugatti made several unsuccessful attempts to resume production at the Molsheim factory. However, the financial side of production got the better of him. During his time, Ettore was able to produce only about 7,900 cars. Despite this, the Bugatti is revered as one of the best car to set its wheels both in the race track and on the streets. And the maverick genius Ettore Bugatti would be etched in automotive history forever.

Finishing races is important, but racing (itself) is more important.
Dale Earnhardt

The changing of the year does bring nostalgia. For this post I am going to provide a timeline of our beloved Bugatti – its rise, eventual decline, resurrection and everything in between.

September 15, 1881 –Bugatti founder Ettore Bugatti was born. The Ettore’s father was an important Art Nouveau furniture and jewelry designer. His grandfather was an architect and sculptor. Despite his artistic background, Ettore decided that he would be more successful as an engineer. However, Ettore’s artistic background would eventually manifest in his creations the Bugatti cars.

1899 – Ettore finally got financial backing after being recognized winning races with the car he designed. He was 19 when he produced his first car which is quite an accomplishment. Ettore’s name and sensational design spread all over Europe. Consequently, our fiery genius was flooded with offers. As early as then Ettore was already considered ahead of his time.

1909 – Ettore acquired a huge piece of land in Molsheim, Alsace that later be the Bugatti factory. It was here where Ettore started his pet project, a small, four cylinder, 660 pound racer – the Model 10.

1911 – The racer Ettore designed appeared at Le Mans (French Grand Prix) and looked like a dwarf compared to the other “heavyweights.” The car competed with the likes of Fiat, Dietrich, and Excelsior. Ettore’s car finished second affirming the mastery behind the design. The year also saw the production of the Bebe Peugeot Bugatti Model19 engine. The Model 19 was installed in thousands of automobiles

1914 – War is coming. Ettore fled to Italy with his family. But before the exodus, Ettore managed to bury three of his racing cars under the cellar of his house.

During the war Bugatti, together with Rolls Royce and Mercedes, designed planes for the Allied Forces. Licensing fees from the venture funded the re-opening of the Molshiem factory. It is also said that Bugatti influenced the introduction of straight-eight engine in America six months after the war.

The post-war Bugatti history will be concluded after the holidays. Please enjoy. And remember:

The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet. ~Damon Runyon, “More Than Somewhat,” in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”