When Ettore Bugatti announced the completion of Armand Esders’ Royale, he stated that 25 examples of the Type 41 would be built. The run of engines was built, even though the completed cars were not. The first engines in the series had dual ignition, but Bugatti reconsidered the design and the later engines had single ignition. This change corresponds in time with the shift from dual ignition of the Types 46 and 49 to single ignition of the Type 50. Due to lack of orders for the Royales, the later engines, including this one, were used in the single ignition Autorails.

While the early history of the Bugatti Autorail engine on offer here is not known, it was acquired by the Mullin Collection in 2009. A custom stand was fabricated and the engine was displayed in the Mullin Automotive Museum’s Bugatti exhibit and later as part of the Schlumpf Reserve Collection display at the museum. Highly prized by collectors and rarely available for purchase, this historic Autorail Engine represents a truly unique opportunity to any Bugatti aficionado.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.