Gooding & Company, a leading auction house in the classic car market, has done it again. From November 7th to November 18th, their newest edition of Geared Online—aptly titled Bugattiana Automobilia—offers a significant collection of Bugatti-related memorabilia. It is a stunning sale, boasting everything from the Bugattis’ personal correspondence to never-before-seen factory records; produced by a collector who joined the Bugatti Owners’ Club in the 1950s, one can be assured that each lot is a beauty. See but a few of the highlights below, and be sure to peruse their catalog!
Bugatti Type 75 You-You Boat, c. 1946
This endearingly unfinished boat was hand-designed by Ettore Bugatti, and built in his Maisons-Laffitte shipyard following World War II. Originally meant to be produced by the dozens, the construction of the You-You Boat ground to a halt after Bugatti’s death in 1947. Fewer than thirty had been made. Today, only a handful remain in good condition, and this lot is one of them: it truly is a moment to own history.
Motsch Fils Top Hat Owned by Ettore Bugatti with Original Box
Look up “iconic apparel” in the dictionary, and this top hat may very well appear. It is the headwear worn by Ettore Bugatti in nearly every photo taken of him. Made by famed millinery Motsch, now owned by Hermes, the hat remains in lovely condition. Bugatti’s initials are found within the crown, and his name and address are written inside the hat box, a wonder of a conversation starter. Having such a piece must make one feel like the automotive creator himself.
1937 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner's Trophy
24 Heures du Mans is but one of the Triple Crown, and by far the most unique of the three. Won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours, Bugatti dominated the race for years in the 20th century. 1937 was no different. It claimed a victory for Roger Labric and drivers Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, driving a Bugatti Type 57G Tank. They triumphed over Bentley and Alfa Romeo, then their strongest competition. To own only a piece of that triumph is an amazing opportunity indeed.
1930 Monaco Grand Prix Photo Album
Every winner of the Monaco Grand Prix was gifted a photo album of the race. In 1930, that victor was René Dreyfus, driving a Bugatti T35B. Dreyfus, as many an automotive enthusiast will know, was an icon of the race in the 20th century. After beginning his career at a very young age (learning to drive before nine!), he went on to win 36 races across Europe, becoming a national hero of France. Each win was tallied while behind the wheel of a Bugatti. The album itself is a beautiful piece, made even better by the hands that held it.
