Categories: This Day

January 15, 1909 – Jean Bugatti is born

Gianroberto Bugatti was born in Germany on this day in 1909, the same year his father Ettore founded Automobiles E. Bugatti. By his early 20s, Jean, as he had become known, was making quite the impact at his father’s company. At 23, he led the design of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale. He later designed four separate bodies for the Type 57, often regarded as one of Bugatti’s finest touring models. 


1936 Bugatti Type 57G Tank at the 1937 Le Mans which was driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, the type of car Jean was killed in. Top: Jean Bugatti standing next to the Royale Esders Roadster prototype in 1932

It was, unfortunately, his love of the automobile that would cause his death. On August 11, 1939, Jean died test driving a Type 57 tank-bodied car that had won a Le Mans race. He lost control of the vehicle after hitting a cyclist who had snuck onto the test track, resulting in a devastating impact with a tree.

Do you know where the missing Bugatti Type 57 is? If so, you could be rich! Don’t forget to sign up for the This Day in Automotive History newsletter at the top of this page and have the history of cars delivered to your inbox.

#DriveHistoryEveryDay


Brian Corey

Recent Posts

October 31, 1957 – The Chevrolet Impala is announced

After debuting an Impala show car at the 1956 GM Motorama, Chevrolet used the name…

5 days ago

October 30, 1911 – Little Motor Car Company is founded, later becomes part of Chevrolet

The Little Motor Car Company, founded on October 30, 1911, in Flint, Michigan, is a…

5 days ago

October 29, 1932 – Safarikar builder Bruce Mohs is born

Bruce Mohs with his Opera Sedan following its restoration. (autobild.de) Perhaps you've heard of the…

7 days ago

October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens

First generation Daihatsu Charade. By Charles01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 The annual Tokyo…

1 week ago

October 27, 1937 – Second generation Cadillac V-16 is introduced

1940 Cadillac V16 90 Town Car To build the ultimate automobile, Cadillac began development of…

1 week ago

October 26, 1966 – Toyota introduces what will become the best selling car ever, the Toyota Corolla

1966 Toyota Corolla debut (Toyota) The Toyota Corolla, one of the most iconic and enduring…

1 week ago