The French blessed the world with Bugatti
- Tim Jackson
- Jan 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3, 2023
The Bugatti car company is a French luxury car manufacturer that has been around since 1909. It was started by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian-born engineer and designer who had a passion for creating high-performance automobiles. The company was initially based in Molsheim, a small town in the Alsace region of France.
Bugatti quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most innovative and stylish cars of the era. Its early models were known for their sleek lines, powerful engines and exceptional handling. Bugatti's cars were also popular among racing enthusiasts, and the company won several prestigious races, including the Targa Florio and the Grand Prix de l'ACF.
Over the years, ownership of the Bugatti car company has changed hands several times. In the 1950s, the company was sold to the Hispano-Suiza Group, and later to the French car manufacturer, Renault. In the 1980s, Bugatti was purchased by the Italian entrepreneur, Romano Artioli, who set out to revive the brand with a new line of high-performance sports cars.
Despite Artioli's efforts, the Bugatti brand struggled financially and was eventually acquired by Volkswagen Group in 1998. Under Volkswagen's ownership, Bugatti has continued to produce some of the most exclusive and expensive cars in the world, including the Veyron and the Chiron. These cars are known for their exceptional performance, luxurious features and unique design elements.
Movies and TV shows featuring Bugatti cars:
- The Great Gatsby (2013): A Bugatti Type 57 is featured in the opening scene.
- The Thomas Crown Affair (1999): A Bugatti Type 41 Royale is stolen in this film.
- Top Gear (2002-2015): Bugatti Veyron and Chiron have been reviewed and tested on this popular car show.
Famous people who own Bugatti cars:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The soccer star owns a Bugatti Veyron.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.: The boxer owns a Bugatti Veyron and a Bugatti Chiron.
- Jay Leno: The talk show host and car enthusiast owns a Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic and a Bugatti Veyron.
- King Leopold III of Belgium - Owned a Bugatti Type 44
- Roland Garros - French aviator and tennis player who owned a Bugatti Type 35
- Prince Rainier III of Monaco - Owned a Bugatti Type 57C
- Ralph Lauren - Fashion designer who owns a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
- Simon Cowell - TV personality who owns a Bugatti Veyron
- Cristiano Ronaldo - Soccer player who owns a Bugatti Veyron
- Tom Brady - NFL quarterback who owns a Bugatti Veyron
Today, the Bugatti car company is still based in Molsheim, France, and continues to be a symbol of luxury and innovation in the automotive industry. Its cars are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world, and the brand remains an icon of French engineering and design.