1927 Bugatti Royale: Before the Veyron, There Was the Royale
The Bugatti Royale, a majestic beast of a car, was unveiled in 1927 and was touted as the most luxurious and extravagant vehicle of its time. This stunning automobile was the brainchild of Ettore Bugatti, the founder of the renowned French luxury car brand. Long before the Veyron, the Royale was the epitome of opulence and excess, a true marvel of engineering and design.
The Birth of the Royale
In the 1920s, Ettore Bugatti was determined to create a car that would surpass all others in terms of luxury and sophistication. He wanted to build a vehicle that would be fit for royalty, hence the name "Royale." Bugatti spared no expense in designing and crafting this masterpiece, pouring his heart and soul into every detail.
Design and Features
The Bugatti Royale was an imposing car, measuring over 21 feet in length and weighing a staggering 7,000 pounds. Its massive size was matched only by its extravagant design, featuring a long, sleek hood, a curved roofline, and a stately grille adorned with the iconic Bugatti horseshoe emblem. The Royale's body was crafted from the finest materials, including aluminum and steel, and was finished in a rich, lustrous paint job.
Inside, the Royale was a palace on wheels, boasting opulent interiors adorned with the finest leathers, woods, and metals. The car featured a lavish cabin with a sprawling rear seat, perfect for accommodating royalty or dignitaries. The dashboard was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring intricate gauges, chrome accents, and a stunning wooden steering wheel.
The Powerplant
Under the hood of the Royale lay a behemoth of an engine, a 12.7-liter, inline-eight cylinder powerhouse that produced a staggering 300 horsepower. This massive motor was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the Royale to reach speeds of up to 120 mph, a remarkable feat for its time.
The Six Royales
Ettore Bugatti originally intended to build 25 Royales, but due to the economic downturn of the 1930s, only six were completed. Each of the six Royales was unique, with its own distinct features and design elements. The cars were sold to a select group of wealthy patrons, including European aristocrats and American industrialists.
Legacy of the Royale
The Bugatti Royale was a true innovation of its time, a testament to Ettore Bugatti's unwavering commitment to excellence and luxury. This majestic car paved the way for future generations of high-performance vehicles, including the Veyron, which would later become a benchmark for speed and sophistication. Today, the Royale remains an iconic symbol of French elegance and engineering prowess, a reminder of the magic that can happen when creativity and craftsmanship come together.
Specifications
- Length: 21 feet 4 inches
- Width: 6 feet 7 inches
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Wheelbase: 15 feet 9 inches
- Engine: 12.7-liter, inline-eight cylinder
- Power: 300 horsepower
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- Top Speed: 120 mph
- Production: 6 units
