1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage: The Epitome of Luxury and Engineering
The Golden Era of Bugatti
The 1930s were a golden era for Bugatti, with the French luxury car manufacturer creating some of the most iconic and sought-after vehicles of all time. Among them, the 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage stands out as a masterpiece of engineering, design, and opulence.
A Royal Car for the Elite
The Bugatti Royale was designed to be the ultimate luxury car, catering to the needs of royalty and the ultra-wealthy. Only six Royales were ever built, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive cars in the world. The Berline de Voyage was a bespoke model, designed specifically for long-distance travel in style and comfort.
Design and Features
The Royale Berline de Voyage was a majestic creation, measuring over 21 feet in length and featuring a massive 12.7-liter, 8-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. The car's body was designed by Jean Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti's son, and boasted a sleek, aerodynamic shape with a signature Bugatti grille and ornate chrome accents.
The interior was a symphony of luxury, featuring the finest materials and craftsmanship of the time. The car was equipped with a spacious cabin, complete with velvet upholstery, intricately carved wood trim, and a lavish dashboard adorned with art deco motifs.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: 12.7-liter, 8-cylinder
- Horsepower: 300
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Length: 21 feet 4 inches
- Width: 6 feet 9 inches
- Height: 6 feet 5 inches
- Wheelbase: 15 feet 9 inches
The Price of Exclusivity
The Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage was priced out of reach for all but the wealthiest individuals. In 1931, the car's price tag was a staggering 3 million francs, equivalent to approximately $100,000 today. Adjusted for inflation, that would be around $2 million in today's currency.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage is considered a holy grail among classic car collectors. In 1987, one of the six Royales sold at auction for $8.7 million, setting a record for the most expensive car ever sold. In 2019, another Royale sold for a staggering $18.9 million, solidifying its status as a true treasure of the automotive world.
The 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage remains an iconic symbol of luxury, innovation, and French elegance, a testament to the genius of Ettore Bugatti and his vision for the ultimate driving machine.
