Bugatti: Swiss collection comes to Molsheim
RARITIES A collection of unrestored Bugatti models, carefully cared for in Switzerland for many years, has found a new owner. The valuable cars are now being overhauled at the brand's headquarters in Molsheim.
Swiss-born Hans Matti has dedicated his life to building this collection and has amassed original photographs, magazine articles, books, and factory bulletins about the cars. As archivist of the Bugatti Club Suisse, Hans Matti is one of the world's most knowledgeable experts on Bugatti Grand Prix cars.
Negotiations with granddaughter Caroline
The collection includes a Bugatti Type 51, a well-preserved Type 37A, a Type 49 faux convertible with bodywork by Jean Bugatti, a Type 35B, and a Type 35A with the only surviving engine, chassis, and rear axle components of the Type 36.
Hans Matti was reluctant to part with this unique collection. Talks about the purchase of the cars went on for two and a half years, and even Caroline Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti's granddaughter, was involved in the negotiations.
Testimonies of the history of Bugatti
The car collection is now entering its third era. The first began with the sale of the new cars, the second the cars spent under the care of Hans Matti. Now they are preserved in their original, unrestored state as important testimonies to Bugatti's history. When they were all gathered at Château Saint Jean, it was as if they had never been away. The château had been bought by Ettore Bugatti to receive his customers.
Invaluable vehicles
Christophe Piochon, President Bugatti Automobiles: "We are a brand that always returns to the genius of our founder for inspiration. The most important aspect of a Bugatti for Ettore was that it was incomparable. This collection and the stories of the cars are invaluable, and we are honored to welcome them to the home of Bugatti. As we move into a new era, these models will serve as our inspiration."
