Alsace is the ancestral home of Bugatti cars, however, it has changed hands between Germany and France a dozen times since medieval times. It was 8 decades ago that Germany invaded, with officers and generals treating themselves to a new Bugatti along the way. After the war, these amazing cars were scattered across the globe, but one wealthy enthusiast sought to bring them home. This is how the world’s biggest Bugatti collection returned to France.
Bugatti La Voiture Noire Price, Specs, Photos & Review
Fritz Schlumpf bought his first Bugatti in 1928 at the age of 22. After the war he and his brother rebuilt the French textile industry and began buying evey Bugatti they could find. He struck gold in 1962, finding 30 rough survivors in Illinois. Including Ettore Bugatti’s daily driver. It took years to negotiate the purchase, but he bought the entire collection for $85,000 in 1964. It equates to $720,000 in today’s dollars, the best bargain of all time. This labor of love evolved into a collection of over 100 cars, including 2 of the 6 Type 41 Royale models. They can be seen at the “Cité de l’Automobile” National Museum in Alsace, the perfect reason for a French vacation. Stay with us for all your Bugatti news.
