With the picturesque Lake Como providing an idyllic backdrop, Bugatti seamlessly blends the classic and the contemporary, as well as the past and the future, by showcasing their unrivalled heritage in crafting the most exquisite open-top hyper sports cars at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.
Bugatti’s Unparalleled Legacy at Villa d’Este
Establishing Bugatti’s unparalleled and revered legacy at Villa d’Este were two iconic examples of Bugatti craftsmanship: the W16 Mistral, the brand’s ultimate modern-day roadster, and the Type 57S Roadster, a magnificent open two-seater masterpiece coach built by Corsica in 1936.
W16 Mistral: Where Freedom and Performance Converge
Perfectly complementing its stunning natural surroundings in an event dedicated to elegance and design, the W16 Mistral effortlessly captures the prestigious atmosphere and the thirst for adventure.
This roadster, named after the powerful wind that sweeps through the south of France, radiates freedom, elegance, and high performance, encapsulating the very essence of Bugatti. The W16 Mistral’s eye-catching X-themed taillights and sleekly refined quad headlights beautifully illuminated Lake Como during this exclusive gathering.
“The W16 Mistral continues Bugatti’s legacy of creating some of the world’s most extraordinary roadsters. Each surface and component of the W16 Mistral has been meticulously crafted not only to set new standards of beauty but also to elevate the performance to unprecedented levels, making it a befitting tribute to our legendary W16 engine,” commented Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles.
Legacy-Defining Roadsters: The W16 Mistral and the Type 57S
The W16 Mistral proudly joins an illustrious series of iconic roadsters designed and developed throughout the ages by Bugatti. This year, alongside the W16 Mistral, a rare Type 57S Roadster coach built by Corsica competed in the ‘Grande Vitesse: Pre-War Weekend Racers‘ series at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Between 1933 and the onset of World War II, the Type 57 was Bugatti’s sole production vehicle. Jean Bugatti unveiled his masterpiece, the Type 57S, at the Paris Auto Salon in 1935. A total of 40 Type 57S roadsters were produced by Bugatti between 1936 and 1938.
The car showcased at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, initially owned by the renowned British racing driver Nicky Embiricos and now under the stewardship of its third owner, features many original components, exemplifying the true gem that embodies Bugatti’s legacy. The Type 57S embraces the same principles of freedom, elegance, and performance that lie at the heart of the W16 Mistral.
A Longstanding Relationship: Bugatti and Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
The Concorso d’Eleganza for automobiles was inaugurated at Villa d’Este in 1929, and since then, Bugatti has enjoyed a long and fruitful association with this gathering.
Recent years have witnessed remarkable achievements, including the Bugatti Bolide and La Voiture Noire securing the top prize in the ‘Concept Cars & Prototypes’ category at the last two events.
Bugatti’s esteemed models from the past, such as the 1938 Type 57SC Atlantic, the 1937 Type 57S Cabriolet coach built by Vanvooren, and the 1934 Type 59 Grand Prix car, have all received significant accolades at Villa d’Este, underscoring the brand’s rich heritage and ongoing commitment to excellence.
In the realm of timeless elegance and extraordinary performance, Bugatti’s roadsters continue to captivate hearts and minds, representing the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and design.
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este serves as a splendid stage where Bugatti’s legacy is celebrated and revered, solidifying its rightful place as a true icon in the world of automobiles.