Ettore Bugatti, born on September 15, 1881, in Milan, Italy, was a visionary automotive engineer and founder of the iconic Bugatti automobile brand. Coming from a family of artists, Bugatti inherited a passion for design and aesthetics, which he uniquely blended with his engineering prowess. This combination led him to establish the Bugatti brand in 1909 in Molsheim, then part of the German Empire and now located in France.
Bugatti’s approach to car manufacturing was revolutionary. He was less concerned with mass production and more focused on creating mechanical works of art, where form and function were equally important. This philosophy produced some of the most beautiful and technically advanced automobiles of the early 20th century.
Bugatti Type 13
One of Bugatti’s early masterpieces was the Type 13, which set the stage for the brand’s reputation for speed and elegance. Introduced in 1910, the Type 13 was a small, lightweight car with exceptional handling and speed, earning the nickname “Pur-Sang” or “Thoroughbred.” It dominated racing in its era, notably winning the 1921 Brescia Grand Prix, which solidified Bugatti’s reputation in motorsport.
Bugatti Type 35
In 1924, Ettore Bugatti introduced the Type 35, arguably the most successful race car in history. The Type 35 won over 1,000 races, including the prestigious Targa Florio, five consecutive times from 1925 to 1929. Its iconic horseshoe-shaped grille and sleek design became synonymous with the Bugatti brand, and it remains a symbol of automotive excellence to this day.
Bugatti Royale
The Bugatti Royale, also known as the Type 41, showcased Bugatti’s ambition to create the most luxurious and powerful car in the world. Introduced in 1927, the Royale was a massive vehicle, equipped with a 12.7-liter engine initially designed for aircraft. Only six Royales were ever made, each tailored to the exact specifications of its wealthy owner. The Royale epitomized Bugatti’s belief that cars were more than just transportation—they were status symbols and expressions of personal taste.
Bugatti Type 57
Among the most mysterious and sought-after Bugattis is the Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. Designed by Ettore’s son, Jean Bugatti, in the late 1930s, the Atlantic Coupe is a masterpiece of automotive art. Only four were ever made, and one of them, the 1938 Atlantic, has been missing since World War II, adding to its mystique and allure. The missing Atlantic is often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of cars” due to its rarity, beauty, and the mystery surrounding its disappearance. The remaining Atlantics are among the most valuable cars in the world, with one reportedly selling for over $30 million in a private transaction. Maybe you’ll find the missing Bugatti?
Ettore Bugatti’s dedication to artistry in engineering and his relentless pursuit of perfection left a lasting legacy. His cars were not just vehicles but symbols of what happens when art meets engineering. Bugatti died on August 21, 1947, in Paris, but his name lives on as a benchmark of luxury, speed, and exquisite design. Today, Bugatti continues to produce some of the world’s most exclusive hypercars, maintaining the spirit of its founder who believed that “nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive.”
