Bugatti Coupe Napoleon

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In the golden age of automotive engineering, few vehicles have captured the imagination quite like the Bugatti Coupe Napoleon, a masterpiece of luxury and technological innovation that emerged from the legendary Bugatti workshops in Molsheim, France. This extraordinary automobile, part of the Type 41 Royale series, represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The Birth of a Legendary Automobile

The Bugatti Coupe Napoleon was more than just a car - it was a statement of engineering brilliance by Ettore Bugatti. Chassis number 41100, this specific vehicle was a testament to the extraordinary vision of its creator. Initially fitted with a Packard body, it was later rebodied by the renowned Parisian coach builder Weymann as a two-door fixed head coupe.

Extraordinary Engineering Details

What made the Coupe Napoleon truly remarkable were its incredible specifications:

• Engine: A massive 12.8-liter inline-eight cylinder powerplant
• Power Output: Approximately 300 horsepower
• Top Speed: Around 200 kilometers per hour
• Weight: Up to 3.5 metric tons

A Unique Historical Journey

The car’s history is as fascinating as its engineering. In a dramatic twist of fate, Ettore Bugatti himself crashed the vehicle in 1930 or 1931 after falling asleep while driving from Paris to Alsace. This incident necessitated a major rebuild, adding to the car’s already legendary status.

Survival Through Turbulent Times

During World War II, the Coupe Napoleon was bricked up alongside two other Bugatti vehicles at the Bugatti family home in Ermenonville to protect it from Nazi commandeering. This act of preservation would ensure the car’s survival through one of the most challenging periods in European history.

Remarkable Provenance

The car’s journey continued through several notable collections:

• Remained in the Bugatti family’s possession until 1963
• Acquired by Bugatti collector Fritz Schlumpf
• Became part of The Harrah Collection
• Sold at auction in 1986 for 6.5 million</li> <li>Purchased by Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan for 8.1 million
• Currently resides in the Musée National de l’Automobile de Mulhouse

Today, the Bugatti Coupe Napoleon stands as a remarkable testament to automotive excellence, embodying the extraordinary vision of Ettore Bugatti during an era of unparalleled luxury and engineering innovation.