The History of Bugatti - Motor Sport

The History of Bugatti

Learn a little about the history of Bugatti, this important French car manufacturer

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Bugatti, a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, has its headquarters in Molsheim, France. The company was established in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian engineer and designer who chose France as his home.

Throughout its history, the company has stood out for producing cars for both racing and everyday use, characterised by exceptional performance and elegant design.

The brand's first vehicles gained notoriety for their innovative design and application of advanced engineering.

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During the 1920s and 1930s, the marque became a dominant force in motor racing, winning renowned competitions such as the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

After the challenges faced during the post-World War II period, Bugatti faced financial difficulties and went through several changes of ownership, culminating in its paralysation in 1956. However, in 1987, Volkswagen AG acquired the brand and began the process of resurrecting it.

The actual rebirth took place in 2005 with the launch of the Veyron model.

Since then, Bugatti has introduced other high-performance cars such as the Chiron and the Divo, maintaining its reputation for automotive excellence in terms of performance and exclusive design.

The brand remains a benchmark for innovation and luxury in the world of sports cars.

The most exclusive model

Bugatti La Voiture Noire, an exclusive high-performance specimen, was initially presented as a concept at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show and subsequently produced in a limited edition of just one car.

Derived from the Bugatti Chiron model, La Voiture Noire stands out for its unique features, including a body made entirely of carbon fibre and a design that pays homage to the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic, one of the rarest and most iconic cars in the brand's history.

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Under the bonnet, the car houses an 8.0-litre W16 engine equipped with four turbochargers, generating an impressive 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque.

With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 261 mph, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a masterpiece of automotive performance.

Recognised as one of the brand's most expensive productions, La Voiture Noire has a selling price of over 12 million dollars, solidifying its position as a symbol of exclusivity and luxury in the automotive world.

In addition, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is another jewel of the brand, being an enhanced version of the Bugatti Veyron. Equipped with a 1,200 horsepower engine and reaching a top speed of 267 mph (431 km/h), the Veyron Super Sport is considered the pinnacle of the brand's exclusivity, with only 30 units produced and sold at prices of over 2 million dollars each.

Bugatti and racing

Bugatti built up a remarkable history of success on the race tracks during the first half of the 20th century. Its cars excelled in various street competitions and endurance races, winning impressive victories in renowned events. Some of the most notable races in which the company's cars triumphed include:

Targa Florio (Italy): The legendary Italian street race was won by Bugatti cars in 1926, 1927 and 1929, demonstrating the brand's skill in challenging competitions.

24 Hours of Le Mans (France): The prestigious endurance race at Le Mans saw the victory of the Bugatti T35B in 1926 and 1927, marking the brand's dominance on this stage.

Mille Miglia race (Italy): Another street race in Italy, the Mille Miglia, was won by the Bugatti T35B in 1927 and 1930, further consolidating the brand's reputation for long-distance racing.

In addition to these impressive feats, Bugatti cars also triumphed in several other prominent races, including events at Monza, Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring.

It is crucial to note that these victories took place before the Second World War. Bugatti later turned its attention to producing luxury and high-performance cars, moving away from motor racing.

Curiosities

A Bugatti is a renowned brand in the automotive world, recognised for its distinctive features that make it stand out as a great automaker. Some of the notable features include:

Foundation and Founder: Founded in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti, a renowned Italian engineer and designer who became a French citizen.

Super Sports Cars: The company is known worldwide for its super sports cars, characterised by exceptional speed, elegant design and meticulous craftsmanship.

Acquisition by Volkswagen: Initially a French brand, Bugatti was acquired by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, giving it a new dynamic.

Bugatti Veyron: The iconic Veyron is recognised as one of the fastest cars in the world, reaching an impressive top speed of 253 mph (407 km/h).

Famous Cars: Among the brand's most iconic models are the Type 35, Type 55 and Type 57, each of which has contributed to the company's history and reputation.

Luxury collaborations: The company has established exclusive collaborations with luxury brands such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton, adding even more sophistication to its vehicles.

Racing tradition: The brand has a long and illustrious history in racing, with notable victories in street races and endurance events, standing out as a force in automotive competitions.

Renewal and Exclusive Models: In recent years, the brand has undergone significant renovation and launched some of the most exclusive and expensive cars in the world, including the Bugatti Chiron and Divo, demonstrating a continued commitment to excellence and innovation.

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Clara Fonseca
Clara Fonseca
Artigos: 37