History of Bugatti in Timeline
Ettore Bugatti was a French car manufacturer founded in 1909 in Molsheim, Alsace, by Italian-born Ettore Bugatti. The company was known for producing high-performance vehicles with exquisite design, achieving numerous racing victories. Notable models include the Type 35 Grand Prix, Type 41 "Royale," Type 57 "Atlantic," and Type 55 sports car.
1909: Founding of Automobiles Ettore Bugatti
The automobile company that bears Ettore Bugatti's name was founded in 1909 in Molsheim, Alsace.
October 1919: Bugatti's Return to the Paris Motor Show
Following the end of World War I, Ettore Bugatti returned to his factory and quickly secured a spot at the 15th Paris Motor Show in October 1919. He showcased three new light car models, all based on pre-war designs and featuring a 1,368cc four-cylinder engine.
1924: Introduction of the Bugatti Type 35
The Bugatti Type 35, developed in collaboration with engineer and driver Jean Chassagne, debuted in 1924 at the Lyon Grand Prix. It went on to become one of the most successful racing cars ever.
1925: Production of the Bugatti Brescia Type 22
Bugatti produced the Brescia Type 22 in 1925. One of these cars would later be submerged in Lake Maggiore, only to be recovered in 2009.
1925: Bugatti's First Targa Florio Win
Bugatti's racing prowess was on full display as they secured their first victory at the Targa Florio in 1925, marking the beginning of a dominant run in the prestigious race.
1929: Bugatti's Fifth Consecutive Targa Florio Win
Bugatti's dominance at the Targa Florio continued with their fifth consecutive victory in 1929, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in motorsport.
1929: Bugatti's First Monaco Grand Prix Victory
In 1929, a privately owned Bugatti achieved a historic win at the first-ever Monaco Grand Prix, solidifying the brand's reputation for racing excellence.
1937: Bugatti's First Le Mans Victory
Bugatti celebrated a major motorsport triumph in 1937 when Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist drove their car to victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
1937: Production of the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante
Bugatti produced the Type 57S Atalante in 1937. One of these rare and remarkable cars, originally owned by British racing driver Earl Howe, would later be discovered in 2009 among the belongings of the late Dr. Harold Carr.
August 1939: Tragic Death of Jean Bugatti
Tragedy struck Bugatti again in August 1939 when Jean Bugatti, Ettore's son, died in a tragic accident while testing a Type 57 race car. This loss was a major turning point for the company.
1939: Bugatti's Second Le Mans Victory
Bugatti's racing dominance continued with another victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1939, this time with Jean-Pierre Wimille and Pierre Veyron at the wheel.
1939: Bugatti's Final Racing Triumph at Le Mans
In a remarkable feat of determination and skill, Jean-Pierre Wimille and Pierre Veyron secured Bugatti's final racing victory at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans, using limited resources and a single car.
1939: Death of Jean Bugatti
Tragedy struck Bugatti in 1939 when Ettore's son, Jean Bugatti, died while testing a race car.
1940: Death of Carlo Bugatti
Ettore Bugatti's father, Carlo Bugatti, an influential Art Nouveau designer, died in 1940.
August 1947: Death of Ettore Bugatti
Ettore Bugatti, the founder of the company, died in August 1947.
1947: Death of Ettore Bugatti
Ettore Bugatti, founder of the prestigious car company, passed away in 1947. This was a significant setback for the company.
October 1952: Bugatti's Final Motor Show Appearance
Bugatti made its last stand as an independent company at the Paris Motor Show in October 1952. The company had been struggling since Ettore Bugatti's death, and this marked the end of an era.
1952: Bugatti Ceases Operations
After years of decline, Bugatti officially ceased operations in 1952, marking the end of an era for the pioneering automaker.
1963: Bugatti Sold to Hispano-Suiza
Bugatti's shift from automobiles to airplane parts continued with its sale to Hispano-Suiza, another former automaker turned aircraft supplier, in 1963.
1963: Bugatti Sold for Airplane Parts Business
Struggling financially and without a clear successor, Bugatti was sold in 1963. The company was purchased primarily for its airplane parts business, marking a significant shift for the once-renowned automaker.
1965: Virgil Exner's Bugatti Revival Car
In 1965, designer Virgil Exner unveiled a Bugatti revival car at the Turin Motor Show. Built by Ghia on a Type 101 chassis, the car was a testament to Exner's vision, but financial constraints prevented further development.
1968: Snecma Takes Over Hispano-Suiza
Snecma, a French aerospace company, acquired Hispano-Suiza in 1968, further solidifying Bugatti's integration into the aviation industry.
1977: Formation of Messier-Bugatti
Snecma merged its subsidiaries Messier and Bugatti in 1977, creating Messier-Bugatti, a prominent player in the aircraft landing gear and braking systems market.
1987: Bugatti Brand Revived
An Italian entrepreneur, Romano Artioli, purchased the Bugatti brand in 1987, marking the beginning of its revival. Artioli established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., aiming to restore the brand to its former glory.
1987: Romano Artioli Acquires Bugatti Brand
Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired the Bugatti brand in 1987, taking a significant step towards reviving the legendary automaker. He established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. and set in motion plans to restore Bugatti to its former glory.
1988: Construction Begins on New Bugatti Factory
Construction commenced on a new Bugatti factory in Campogalliano, Modena, Italy, in 1988. This marked a tangible step in Romano Artioli's ambitious plan to revive the brand.
1989: Presentation of the New Bugatti Revival Plan
Paolo Stanzani and Marcello Gandini, renowned designers of Lamborghini Miura and Countach, presented their vision for Bugatti's revival in 1989. Their plan aimed to recapture the brand's essence while incorporating modern automotive advancements.
June 1990: Nicola Materazzi Joins Bugatti
Following disagreements with Paolo Stanzani, Romano Artioli brought in Nicola Materazzi as a replacement in June 1990. Materazzi, known for his work on Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, implemented significant changes, including replacing the aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber one.
1990: Inauguration of the New Bugatti Factory
The new Bugatti factory in Campogalliano, Italy, was officially inaugurated in 1990, paving the way for a new chapter in Bugatti's history.
1992: Nicola Materazzi Leaves Bugatti
After making significant contributions to the Bugatti EB110, Nicola Materazzi departed from the company in late 1992.
August 1993: Romano Artioli Purchases Lotus Cars
Romano Artioli, through his holding company ACBN Holdings S.A., purchased Lotus Cars from General Motors in August 1993, expanding his influence in the automotive industry.
1993: Bugatti Presents the EB112 Prototype
Bugatti unveiled the EB112 prototype, a large saloon, in 1993, showcasing its ambition to expand its model lineup and reestablish itself as a luxury car manufacturer.
1994: Michael Schumacher Purchases a Bugatti EB110
Formula One legend Michael Schumacher bought a Bugatti EB110 in 1994, bringing significant attention to the newly revived brand. Schumacher later sold the car after it was repaired following a severe accident.
1994: Mauro Forghieri's Tenure as Technical Director
Renowned racing car designer Mauro Forghieri served as Bugatti's technical director from 1993 to 1994, bringing his expertise to the company during a period of revival.
September 1995: Bugatti Ceases Operations
In September 1995, Bugatti was forced to cease operations due to the challenging economic conditions in North America and Europe.
1997: Bugatti Assets Acquired After Liquidation
Following Bugatti's liquidation, Lotus Cars was sold to Proton of Malaysia, and German firm Dauer Racing acquired the EB110 license and remaining parts to produce five more EB110 SS vehicles in 1997.
1998: Volkswagen Group Acquires Bugatti
The Volkswagen Group acquired the Bugatti brand in 1998, marking a turning point for the company.
1999: Bugatti Unveils the EB18/3 Chiron Concept Car
In a tribute to legendary driver Louis Chiron, who achieved numerous podium finishes driving Bugattis, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. introduced the EB18/3 Chiron concept car in 1999.
1999: Bugatti Unveils Concept Cars
Under the ownership of Volkswagen Group, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. debuted its first concept car, the EB118, at the 1998 Paris Auto Show. They followed this with the EB 218 and 18/3 Chiron concepts in 1999.
September 2005: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Production Begins
Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. began assembling its first regular-production vehicle, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, in September 2005 at its Molsheim, France assembly "studio."
July 2009: Recovery of a Bugatti Type 22 from Lake Maggiore
In July 2009, a 1925 Bugatti Brescia Type 22 was recovered from the depths of Lake Maggiore, where it had been submerged for 75 years.
2009: Discovery of a Rare Bugatti Type 57S Atalante
In 2009, a rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante, previously owned by Earl Howe, was discovered among the possessions of the late Dr. Harold Carr. The car's remarkably intact condition made it a significant find in automotive history.
2010: Sale of the Recovered Bugatti Type 22
The 1925 Bugatti Brescia Type 22, recovered from Lake Maggiore, was sold at auction for $351,343 to the Mullin Museum in California in 2010.
2011: Dauer Racing Ends Production, Toscana-Motors GmbH Acquires Remaining Parts
In 2011, Dauer Racing ceased production of Bugatti vehicles, and the remaining parts were acquired by Toscana-Motors GmbH of Germany.
February 2015: Final Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Sold
Bugatti sold the last Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, called La Finale, in February 2015, marking the end of an era for the iconic supercar.
March 1, 2016: Bugatti Chiron Unveiled
The Bugatti Chiron, designed by Achim Anscheidt as the successor to the Veyron, was unveiled on March 1, 2016, at the Geneva Motor Show.
February 2024: Bugatti Announces Chiron Successor
In February 2024, Bugatti announced the development of the Chiron's successor, featuring a V16 hybrid-electric powertrain.
