Timeless Bugatti Roadsters Radiate Elegance within Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como, Bugatti once again demonstrated its ability to seamlessly blend the classic with the contemporary, and the past with the future. The renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy provided the perfect stage for Bugatti to showcase its unrivaled heritage in crafting the most exquisite open-top hyper sports cars. Taking center stage at Villa d’Este were two iconic exemplars of Bugatti craftsmanship: the W16 Mistral, a modern-day ultimate roadster, and the Type 57S Roadster coachbuilt by Corsica, an emblematic masterpiece from 1936.
Perfectly suited to its idyllic surroundings, the W16 Mistral effortlessly captured the essence of elegance and the yearning for adventure that defined this gathering dedicated to grace and design. Competing in the “Concept Cars & Prototypes” class, this roadster, named after a powerful wind in the south of France, epitomized freedom, elegance, and performance, truly embodying the spirit of Bugatti. With its striking X-themed taillights and refined vertical four headlights, the W16 Mistral cast a luminous glow upon Lake Como, illuminating this exclusive event. “The W16 Mistral continues Bugatti’s remarkable legacy in creating some of the world’s finest roadsters. Every surface and component of the W16 Mistral has been meticulously crafted to not only redefine standards of beauty but also play an integral role in achieving unprecedented levels of performance—a fitting tribute to our legendary W16 engine,” remarked Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles.
The W16 Mistral stands as the latest addition to Bugatti’s lineage of iconic roadsters that have left an indelible mark throughout history. Joining the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este this year was a rare Type 57S Roadster coachbuilt by Corsica, competing in the “Grande Vitesse: Pre-War Weekend Racers” category. Produced between 1936 and 1938, Bugatti crafted a total of 40 Type 57S roadsters—a remarkable feat during a period dominated by limited production. Introduced by Jean Bugatti at the Paris Auto Salon in 1935, the Type 57S represented his masterstroke. The vehicle showcased at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, originally owned by the famed British racing driver Nicky Embiricos and now under the stewardship of its third owner, boasts many of its original components. As a true gem of Bugatti’s legacy, the Type 57S encapsulates the very principles that lie at the heart of the W16 Mistral: freedom, elegance, and performance.
The Concorso d’Eleganza for automobiles debuted at Villa d’Este in 1929, and since then, Bugatti has enjoyed a long-standing and fruitful association with this prestigious event. Recent years have witnessed remarkable achievements, with the Bugatti Bolide and La Voiture Noire taking top honors in the “Concept Cars & Prototypes” category. Bugatti’s illustrious past has also received well-deserved recognition at Villa d’Este, with milestones awarded to models such as the 1938 Type 57SC Atlantic, the 1937 Type 57S Cabriolet coachbuilt by Vanvooren, and the 1934 Type 59 Grand Prix car.
Once again, Bugatti’s presence at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este exemplifies the brand’s unwavering commitment to exquisite design, unrivaled performance, and the preservation of its timeless heritage. Against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Como, these roadsters stand as true testaments to Bugatti’s enduring legacy in the realm of luxury automotive craftsmanship.