1929 Bugatti Type 41 Royale

When did you first see a 1929 Bugatti Type 41 Royale? And what makes it so special? As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Christoph Ritterson, Berkley One’s Senior Vice President Marketing, tells us why he loves the Bugatti Type 41 Royale.

Prefer to read a text version of the above graphic? We’ve got you covered below!

The Car

The 1929 Bugatti Type 41 Royale is known by its craftsmanship and immense size. The car was 21 feet long and weighed 7,000 pounds. The extravagant vehicle is a manual three speed car that features a powerful 12.7 liter straight-eight engine. It embodies elegance and speed, producing 300 hp and reaching top speeds near 100 mph. Each was built uniquely with a different coachbuilder, coming in a coupe or limousine style. The interiors were built with high-end wood, leather, and velvet. These were considered the most luxurious and expensive materials of the pre-war era.

The Collector

With a target audience of royals and the super wealthy, each model was individually built and designed. The designers planned to produce 25 of the exclusive vehicles, but just six made it through production. Only three were sold to the public. The remaining three belonged to the car’s creator Ettore Bugatti. The car’s hood ornament (a dancing elephant) was designed by renowned sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti. This model is the only Bugatti to have ever had a hood ornament.

The Love

When I was a kid, this was one of the first model car kits that I built and painted by myself. The model car with its two-tone paint job remained in my bedroom as I grew up. I have always had a thing for history and this car’s story captures my imagination to this day. The legend of the Bugatti Royale, and its limited release near the global financial crisis of the 20’s, makes it a rare classic.

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Contributed by Christoph Ritterson

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5,

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.