The three-day event honored the life, legacy, and innovations of Ettore Bugatti with an array of classic and modern hyper sports cars.
Every September, the quaint town of Molsheim transforms into a high-octane sanctuary celebrating one of the automotive world’s most iconic figures—Ettore Bugatti. The Bugatti Festival, now in its 40th year, honors the man whose imaginative engineering, relentless pursuit of perfection, and artistic influences have propelled the brand to legendary status. This festival, hosted by Enthousiastes Bugatti Alsace, is more than a retrospective. It’s a living embodiment of Bugatti’s transcendent legacy, attracting fans, collectors, and automotive experts from around the globe.
While the festival traditionally kicks off with a visit to Ettore’s final resting place, it doesn’t merely memorialize him but celebrates his lifelong work. This year, Bugatti aficionados had the honor of starting their engines and rolling their classic and modern masterpieces through the historic gates of Château Saint Jean. The sprawling chateau grounds buzzed with excitement as it showcased not just Bugatti cars, but also a curated exhibition featuring the artistic works of Carlo Bugatti and Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore’s family members who profoundly influenced his design sensibilities.
From the Bugatti Type 13, Ettore’s first masterpiece, to the modern marvels like the Chiron Super Sport, the festival serves as a testament to Bugatti’s enduring relevance in the luxury sports car market. Even the Bugatti Autorail, a high-speed luxury train developed by Ettore, made a rare appearance, reminding us that his influence extends far beyond four-wheeled wonders.
No Bugatti event would be complete without a nod to the brand’s motorsports heritage. The festival showcased Grand Prix cars like the Type 57G Tank and the Type 35, bringing the brand’s storied racing history to life. Making its grand debut was also the model of Bolide—the modern track-only Bugatti hyper sports car that made waves during its first public appearance at Le Mans this past June.
Ettore’s influence is not confined to static displays; it’s in the roar of engines, the craftsmanship of every hand-assembled detail, and the thrill of performance. Festival goers had the chance to drive through Alsace’s picturesque Wine Route, exploring charming towns that seem to have leapt straight from the pages of a storybook. Finally, they converged for a public exhibition in Parc des Jésuites, a sight that left spectators in awe of Bugatti’s time-tested allure.
The festival culminated in an awards ceremony presided over by Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles. Awards like the Grand Prix Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. and the Trophée Lalique were handed out, highlighting the cars and individuals who best encapsulated the Bugatti ethos.
Events like the Bugatti Festival prove that Bugatti has evolved from simply being a brand or a manufacturer, and has with its rich history become a symbol of automotive excellence and an aspiration for car enthusiasts the world over. And Molsheim continues to live out its historical purpose as the place where the soul of Bugatti continues to thrive. The Bugatti Festival is a pilgrimage, an annual homecoming for everyone united by their passion for this extraordinary brand.
Image Source: Bugatti