Bugatti Royale at The Classic Motor Show
The recently concluded Classic Motor Show is already quite impressive in itself, as said auto show not only celebrates the future of the automotive industry, it also pays tribute to its colorful history and evolutions. Nevertheless, the auto show managed to further boost its appeal with the inclusion of the Donington Collection’s Bugatti Royale.
This Bugatti Royale, as the regality of its name implies, is a faithful recreation of one of only six originals. Recreation as it may, it took more than 11,000 hours to construct, and has a cost of £1.6 million. On the other hand, its original counterparts still exist to this day, reportedly wearing varying bodies due to enhancements over the years. Three of these six authentic Royales were marketed to external consumers, purchased for staggering prices ranging from £5.5 million to a still-to-be-confirmed $17 million dollars. The remaining three were reserved within the company, where one actually became the personal car of Ettore Bugatti, the brand’s legendary manufacturer, for the remainder of his days.
As it goes, the Classic Motor Show truly got a star attraction in its hands. It also commanded quite a space in the show, what with an overall measurement of 21 feet long, seven feet wide, and a 1693.-inch wheelbase. Stuart Forrest, Classic & Sports Car’s Publishing Director, even shared an anecdote on how the organizers were able to bring in the prized Royale in the auto show grounds: “The car is so big that it required a specialist moving company even to bring it into the hall!”
“We’ve driven the car in our latest issue, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Donington Collection, where the car can normally be seen, to display it on our stand at the Classic Motor Show. It is an incredible car to see, and there are so few of these vehicles in the world,” Forrest asserted as conclusion.
The Classic Motor Show is undisputedly the United Kingdom’s biggest and best classic motoring event. It boasted an enormous display of over 1,000 spectacular cars from all eras and generations. It came equipped with a live stage, restoration theater, 200 prestigious car clubs, and 300 traders and dealers. The show successfully ran from November 9 to November 11. Too bad for all those who missed the actual action, but to recompense, the show’s website has documented the events various episodes. Please visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.
