A remarkable private collection showcases the history and artistry of Molsheim’s famed creations
The Bugatti marque has long inspired a fervent following, but very few enthusiasts can match a secretive American collector who, since the age of 14, has sought out all manner of artefacts and automobilia relating to the famous family. Inside a grand home in Connecticut, a special room housed a remarkable display dedicated to the Bugatti dynasty. From Ettoreʼs birth certificate to the super-rare ʻYou-Youʼ motorboat, the collection is directly connected to key figures in the Bugatti story, from Le Patron to works driver René Dreyfus.
As a student in the 1950s, this compulsive character placed ʻwantedʼ adverts in local Molsheim papers for anything related to Bugatti. Now, after 70 years, these treasures have moved to Gooding & Coʼs offices in California ahead of a no-reserve online auction.
“This is a museum-quality collection that tells the whole Bugatti story,” enthuses Goodingʼs David Brynan, who has curated the auction. “This is one personʼs passion, and the collection has never been shown to the public. Only family and a few friends have seen the special room in which 1800-plus items were carefully displayed. When I first visited four years ago I was blown away.”
Among the many highlights is a highly original 1933 Type 52 ʻBébéʼ with ownership lineage back to the founding family. “This was Roland Bugattiʼs own ʻBébéʼ,” says David, “and was later owned by AMG stylist Dick Teague, who acquired it from Roland. It has never been restored.”
The toys inspired by the French marqueʼs dramatic range of transport include every variation of the Railcars, all in original packaging. Among the kits is a March Models Type 51 Grand Prix miniature, which was produced at Goodwood during the 1940s.
The most colourful aspect is the remarkable consignment of mint posters. “Itʼs a huge set of original lithographs,” says David. “Among them is a spectacular design featuring a red Brescia roaring up a mountain pass. The oldest lots include advertising posters for the Italian bicycle company Prinetti & Stucchi, where Ettore did his apprenticeship.”
The collection also features the most comprehensive range of facto
