In Retrospect (2nd of 2 parts)
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
