This museum exhibits the only Bugatti railcar in the world

Bugatti is a famous and prestigious brand, renowned for its luxury cars and sports cars. Founded in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti, this manufacturer has had time to present a number of cars and innovations, ranging from the Type 13 to the Chiron. More recently, he is even working on the manufacture of a vehicle approved for courses LMD et LMDh of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

On the other hand, Bugatti is less known for its railcar production. The fact that this part of the luxury manufacturer’s industrial history is so little known is not surprising. Only 88 examples were produced in the 1930s, in the Molsheim factories. Thus, the brand had a brief stint in train production, which a museum recently wanted to recall.

A Bugatti autorail exhibited on the occasion of the 40th Bugatti Alsace Festival

The 40ᵉ Festival Bugatti Alsace de Molsheim, which takes place from Friday September 15 to Sunday September 17, is exhibiting a railcar produced by Bugatti. It is even the only example still existing among the 88 to have been built in the 1930s. However, this is not the first time that this piece has been exhibited. Usually she can be seen at the Mulhouse train station.

But for this festival, this time, this railcar has been moved. It must be said that the event is of particular importance for Bugatti. On this occasion, owners of the brand’s cars travel from the four corners of Europe to pay a short visit to Molsheim. It is also about pay homage to the founder of the company.

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A unique story

It may seem surprising to learn that Bugatti had launched into railcar manufacturing. Originally, the brand had actually marketed the Royal, a large luxury car. However, this marketing failed, so that the company found itself with many large surplus engines. To sell them, it decided to build these railcars, each operating with four engines.

The dimensions of the Bugatti railcar are imposing. It is long 24 metersweighs 24 tons and develop 800 horsepower thanks to its four engines. The example exhibited during the 40th Bugatti Alsace Festival is an exceptional piece, since the 87 other examples ended up in scrap metal after their withdrawal from circulation in 1958. According to France Bleuthe Mulhouse train city considers it one of its centerpieces.