Bugatti, the epitome of automotive excellence, is set to deliver its extraordinary track-only masterpiece, the Bolide, to a fortunate group of 40 passionate owners.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, Bugatti welcomed these future custodians to its prestigious home in Molsheim for an exclusive, motorsport-inspired experiential journey. This bespoke visit not only showcased the meticulous craftsmanship behind every Bugatti but also delved deep into the brand’s rich racing heritage, which served as the driving force behind the creation of the awe-inspiring Bolide.
Embracing the Vision at Château Saint Jean
The discerning Bolide customers arrived at the historic Château Saint Jean, the revered home of Bugatti since 1928. This iconic location served as the perfect backdrop to immerse themselves in the visionary spirit and legacy that shaped this exceptional vehicle. The Bolide was designed as the ultimate embodiment of the W16 engine, combining the pinnacle of engineering excellence with a century of unrivalled motorsport triumphs.
Throughout the day, guests embarked on a journey through the brand’s illustrious racing history, gaining insight into the brilliance of Ettore Bugatti and drawing inspiration from the skilled craftsmen of Molsheim. The pinnacle of their visit culminated in a personalized session with Bugatti’s esteemed designer to refine the final bespoke design of their Bolide, influenced by the profound experiences gained at Bugatti’s hallowed home.
Unveiling the Racing Legends
The immersion into Bugatti’s remarkable racing past began with an exhilarating on-road experience in the Bugatti Type 35, widely regarded as the most successful racing car of all time. Guided by Luigi Galli, Specialist Heritage and Certification at Bugatti, customers donned race suits reminiscent of the late 1920s motorsport era, complete with leather helmets.
This extraordinary journey allowed them to witness the groundbreaking nature of Type 35 firsthand and appreciate its enduring performance capabilities. In its prime, the Type 35 stood unrivalled with its lightweight design, stripped-down aesthetic, and unparalleled driving experience. Even in the modern era, it remains a testament to Bugatti’s timeless DNA and a symbol of automotive perfection.
A Glimpse into Bugatti’s Historic Victories
Returning to the Château, guests were treated to an intimate exploration of Bugatti’s greatest historic motorsport successes, brought to life through bespoke sketches created by the design team. Among the showcased triumphs were the legendary Type 57G ‘Tank’ that triumphed at Le Mans in 1937, the unbeatable Type 35 driven by Elisabeth Junek in the 1929 Targa Florio, and the iconic Type 13 Brescia.
Furthermore, the illustrious Type 59/50B III, a Bugatti race car developed under the tutelage of founder Ettore Bugatti, which achieved remarkable success from 1938 onwards, was also on display, captivating visitors with its timeless beauty and storied legacy. Luigi animatedly narrated the innovative features, heroic stories of the drivers, and the historic victories each car attained. This unique motorsport journey demonstrated Bugatti’s relentless commitment to innovation over the past century, forming a direct lineage leading to the birth of the Bolide.
Crafting the Perfect Bolide
Armed with a profound understanding of Bolide’s inspiration, guests embarked on a collaborative journey with Jascha Straub, Bugatti’s Sales and Design Executive, to refine and perfect their individual Bolides. With a foundation built on immense trust, Jascha, intimately familiar with each Bolide customer, guided them through the process, discussing historic colour combinations and paying homage to Bugatti’s past motorsport liveries. Some customers chose a two-tone Bugatti Blue with a dark blue split, reminiscent of the Le Mans Type 57 G Tank, as a testament to Bugatti’s racing heritage.
Once the design decisions were made and subtle personalized touches added, guests experienced their first seat-fitting, ensuring maximum support and comfort within the Bolide’s cockpit. In a car capable of generating up to 2.5G of lateral force, driver security is paramount. Seated at the forefront of the sleek interior, customers gained a tantalizing glimpse into the extraordinary performance awaiting them on the track.
The final decision for buyers lay in choosing between the race-focused Alcantara and suede materials or the luxurious allure of leather, along with selecting the colours for the Bolide’s seats and steering wheel. One of the colour options paid tribute to Bugatti’s historic French Racing Blue, further emphasizing the brand’s rich heritage.
Unleashing the Bolide Virtually
With their imaginations ignited, guests had the opportunity to experience the Bolide’s breathtaking performance virtually, thanks to a state-of-the-art simulator that played a crucial role in the car’s development. With the Bolide’s aerodynamic wheel arches stretching before them, guests could feel the raw power of the W16 engine as they raced down the long straight of Monza or navigated the infamous high-speed elevated bend, Eau Rouge, at the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, experiencing the unrivalled stability provided by its advanced aerodynamics.
Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director of Bugatti Automobiles, expressed his delight, stating, “Welcoming customers here in Molsheim, the home of Bugatti, is always a great pleasure. The Bolide is an era-defining moment—a modern track car powered by our legendary W16 engine. To celebrate this, we curated a unique journey that pays homage to the vision behind the Bolide and its profound inspirations from our legendary racing heritage. Creating truly unique experiences for everlasting memories is what drives us every day.”
A Place in Bugatti’s Illustrious Racing Legacy
Having completed their design and personalization journey, the Bolide customers departed Molsheim, knowing that they are now an integral part of Bugatti’s revered on-track history. With each passing milestone, their motorsport-inspired bespoke Bolide masterpieces, the first and only modern-day Bugattis exclusively designed and developed for track use, move closer to completion. The Bolide stands as a testament to Bugatti’s unwavering pursuit of automotive excellence, and the fortunate owners will forever be intertwined with this unparalleled legacy.
In conclusion, the bespoke journey into Bugatti’s motorsport heritage and the unveiling of the extraordinary Bolide has left an indelible mark on the fortunate customers who embarked on this unparalleled experience. From immersing themselves in the visionary world of Bugatti at Château Saint Jean to witnessing the historic racing legends firsthand, every moment served as a testament to Bugatti’s unwavering commitment to perfection and innovation.
With each step taken, these customers now stand on the precipice of joining Bugatti’s illustrious racing legacy, as their Bolides move closer to becoming a reality. As the lucky owners prepare to unleash the Bolide on the track, their journey serves as a reminder of the extraordinary craftsmanship and passion that drives Bugatti forward, creating everlasting memories for generations to come.