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Jean Bugatti, the eldest son of Bugatti founder Ettore, is one of the most distinguished figures in the company’s long and proud history. Having become the creator of the most iconic Bugatti vehicle and leading his father’s company at the age of only 27, he tragically suffered a fatal accident in 1939. On January 15, he would have turned 110 years old, coinciding with the celebrations of the 110th anniversary of Bugatti.

On January 15, 1909 Jean was born in Cologne, Germany where his father Ettore worked as head of the production department of Gasmotoren-Fabrik Deutz AG (it is worth noting that Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were also associated with Deutz). Jean’s full name, Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti, reflected his family’s Italian roots, yet he was called Jean due to his French home. For it was in the fall of the same year of his birth that the Bugatti family moved to Molsheim. In the small Alsatian town, Ettore Bugatti opened his own company in a disused dye works, before officially signing the tenancy agreement for his factory on the 1st of January 1910.

Since he was a child, Jean was highly interested in his father’s business, spending most of his free time around the workers in the factory. When he was a teenager, he already showed to be very skilled in different crafts and took on more and more tasks and responsibilities. By the late 1920s, Jean Bugatti was already an essential part of the Bugatti company. He even succeeded his father as the head of Bugatti at the age of 27 in 1936.

Jean is best known, however, for designing many of the brand’s most renowned models, complementing his father’s engineering skill and making Bugatti one of the greatest names in automobile manufacturing. The revolutionary and legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic was Jean Bugatti’s most iconic creation. It featured flowing coupe lines and a unique riveted spine and a chassis with significantly lower ground clearance. It is considered to be one of the world’s most exclusive and astonishing sport coupés. With only four units built and only two surviving with original parts, it is one of the most expensive vintage models.

The second Atlantic out of the four was the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC – Aéro Coupé, a car that would be known as “La voiture noire”; it is maybe the most mythical car in history. After having been built, its elegant, iconic appearance was used for internal brochures as well as different motor show exhibitions in France. It is said to never have had a registered owner, but it was used as the personal car of its creator Jean Bugatti who only permitted his race driver friends like Mr. William Grover-Williams, and sometimes his wife, to drive. The last certain mention of the vehicle was on an inventory list of a train that Ettore Bugatti used to send some of his most valued possessions to Bordeaux, trying to escape from Nazi-occupied France. What happened to “La voiture noire” after this is a matter of legends. The most common theory is that the Nazis got hold of the vehicle and towards the end of WWII and having dismantled it, they used its aluminum components for their last desperate war efforts. There are rumors that it survived, and, hopefully, time will reveal the truth.

Jean Bugatti himself didn’t live to see the dramatic loss of his beloved “La voiture noire”. On August 11, 1939, at the age of only 3,0 he was driving on one of his usual test drive routes not far from the factor,y near the village of Duppigheim. A cyclist got through a hole in a tree fence and abruptly crossed the road. Jean tried to avoid hitting the cyclist and lost control over his vehicle, crashing into a tree, fatally. Today, a monument at the site of the accident reminds us of this tragic loss. Jean’s final resting place is at the Bugatti family plot at the municipal cemetery in Dorlisheim. Very close, at the Château Street Jean and on the Bugatti premises his and his father’s legacy lives on to this day.

This summer’s Silverstone Classic will celebrate Bentley’s 100th birthday with a very special anniversary race dedicated to honoring the British marque’s most significant historical milestone. To be staged on Saturday evening at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars comes almost exactly 100 years after the legendary W.O. Bentley founded the company that carries his name on 10 July, 1919.

To mark the momentous occasion, it is hoped that a record turn-out of more than 30 iconic racing Bentleys will line up, as in period, in a hugely evocative field also packed with pre-war Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Bugattis, Fraser Nashes, Lagondas and MGs all dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.

It was in competition that the hallowed brand first earned its reputation, winning the coveted Le Mans 24 Hours no fewer than five times in seven years between 1924 and 1930, topped by an all-conquering 1-2-3 podium clean sweep precisely 90 years ago in 1929.

Furthering the appeal, the notoriously rugged cars – then being built at Cricklewood in north London and once described by competitive rival Ettore Bugatti as ‘the fastest trucks in the world’ – were raced by an alluring group of wealthy British drivers nicknamed the ‘Bentley Boys’.

Adding to the unmissable Bentley centenary celebrations, a special track parade for car clubs representing the distinguished luxury brand is also scheduled for Saturday at the Classic. Once again, huge numbers are expected to join the historic 100th birthday party.

Full details on general admission tickets and hospitality experiences can be found at silverstoneclassic.com.

Following the record-breaking run at the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the ID. R – Volkswagen’s fully-electric sports car – has now set its sights on another record in the summer of 2019: the lap record for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, which is regarded as the toughest racetrack in the world. The ID. R is the sporty ambassador to an entire range of electric vehicles, which Volkswagen plans to launch from 2020 onwards. The ID. R’s motorsport assignments are a declaration of Volkswagen’s commitment to electromobility and underline the huge potential power that the E-drive can deliver on regular roads in the future. “After the record on Pikes Peak, the fastest time for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is the next big challenge for the ID. R,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. “A lap record on the Nordschleife is a great accolade for any car, whether a race car or a production car.”

The ID. R, which is being further developed for the record attempt at the Nürburgring, is powered by two electric engines with a system capacity of 500 kW (680 hp) and weighs less than 1,100 kilograms, including the driver. “Above all, we will modify the aerodynamics of the ID. R, in order to cope with the conditions on the Nordschleife, which differ greatly from those on Pikes Peak,” says François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport. Unlike the US classic on Pikes Peak, which starts at an altitude of 2,862 meters and ends at 4,302, the Nordschleife winds its way through the Eifel region at between 320 and 617 meters above sea level. The iconic German circuit has a very unique characteristic, not least thanks to the long Döttinger Höhe straight. “As part of our meticulous preparations for the record attempt, we will put the ID. R through an intense test and development program at various racetracks in the spring,” Demaison adds. The record attempt is planned for the summer. The multi-talented Romain Dumas will be at the wheel again for the record attempt. He won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the ID. R Pikes Peak in June 2018 and, with a time of 7:57.148 minutes, became the first driver in over 100 years of this iconic race to go under eight minutes. The Frenchman also has four victories in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring to his name.

“The thought of driving the ID. R on the Nordschleife is already enough to give me goosebumps. I know the track very well, but the ID. R will be a completely different challenge, with its extreme acceleration and huge cornering speeds,” says Dumas. “I can hardly wait for the first tests. Breaking the existing electric record will certainly not be a stroll in the park.” The current record for fully-electric vehicles stands at 6:45.90 minutes – at an average speed of almost 185 km/h – and was set in 2017 by Britain’s Peter Dumbreck in an NIO EP9.

On May 15th, I had my first experience at the 1000 Miglia – and it was amazing! There were some of the most incredible cars of the automotive history on the road today and I think 1000 Miglia is an ode to the golden times of the automobile.

Words and images by Alexberlinetta from Carphiles

For this opportunity, I was invited by the team of DRIVERSHALL to take photos and join them for the Ferrari Tribute. DRIVERSHALL is a community of people who are connected by a passion for supercars, as well as an exclusive members club for car aficionados that own and know how to drive a supercar and want to connect and pursue their hobby with like-minded awesome people.

Starting on the streets of Desenzano the race took two days and featured an exquisite selection of some classic and contemporary Ferraris. The DRIVERSHALL team participated with a stunning red F40, and we were lucky to follow them until Milano Maritima capturing the race with the camera.

Following the strict standards of the 1000 Miglia, every car that is being part of it must have an impeccable provenance. You will get to see some of the finest, most exclusive and rare classic cars that exist.

On the second day of the race, I woke up very early at around 5 am to have the chance to see all the cars on the streets in front of the hotels just sitting there for your enjoyment. It also gave me the chance to see all the other cars that were part of the main 1000 Miglia race, besides the Ferrari Tribute.

It was an amazing sensation to be surrounded by all these beautiful masterpieces when the race took off – and to hear all the engines roaring is quite an unforgettable impression.

Here is my selection of photos that capture the magical moments of the race. Enjoy!

The British company Ginetta has confirmed that an all-new supercar is on the way. Full details will be announced soon, with highlights including a carbon-fiber tub chassis, full carbon fiber body, race-derived 600+ hp naturally aspirated V8 alloy engine designed and manufactured in-house, a sequential gearbox and a race-derived aerodynamic package. Ginetta has a long history of manufacturing lightweight, high-power road cars to production-based race cars such as the G55 GT4 (producing almost 400 to date, more than any other global manufacturer) and competition cars for the highest level of prototype racing.

The new supercar utilizes this leading race technology and precision engineering to create a true driver’s car. This is not another supercar from a car company: this is a supercar from a top-tier motorsport manufacturer. Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson commented: “We’ve come a long way in 60 years but we still believe Ginetta has great untapped potential. In the 1960s our G10 was a giant killer on and off the track, regularly beating Jaguar E-Types. Sixty years on, we’re again applying knowledge and technology from our racing programs to build an uncompromised yet utterly capable road-going supercar.”

Founded in 1958 by the four Walklett brothers, Ginetta has a long and successful history of producing hand built road and race cars. Beginning with the G2, enthusiast favorites such as the G4, G10, G12, G40, and G55 followed in a varied lineup. Acquired by Le Mans winner and entrepreneur Lawrence Tomlinson in 2005, the company is now known globally for its motorsport activities. Ginetta operates a network of racing series, from nurturing young talent through the Ginetta Junior program (one graduate of which is McLaren F1™ driver Lando Norris) through to prototype racing such as LMP1.

Every car is hand-built in a state-of-the-art factory just outside Leeds in West Yorkshire. The company has continuously developed its technology and manufacturing capabilities, with the factory equipped with autoclaves, CNC machining capability, and extensive design facilities. As a result, Ginetta now carries out more original engineering than any other UK car company of its size and has produced more GT4 cars than any other global manufacturer (over 400 to date). Translating this expertise and manufacturing capability into an all-new supercar, 2019 will see Ginetta return to the company’s roots in ultra-lightweight, high-power road cars.

Overview

The 997 is fairly new, but it proves the old truth that every 911 generation is easier to drive than the one preceding it. It also proves that the Porsche company is a world champion in creating stripped-down cars which cost less to build, but bring in enormous amounts of revenue, with pries for the GT3, GT3 RS and similar cars reaching stratospheric heights.

The first 997 cars were already a big improvement over the outgoing 996, but the first-generation four-wheel drive was not a great success with experienced Porsche customers: in extreme situations and the PSM stability control off, the car would not react in an intuitive fashion. The early cars are better had with two-wheel drive. This was corrected after the 2009 facelift. Every 997 is an everyday supercar and can be driven in any weather. Later cars with direct-injection engines and the PDK gearbox are very frugal, and, when staying within speed limits, an average fuel consumption figure of 9-10 l/100 km is realistic. The Targa is the least pleasant to drive, markedly top-heavy. The Turbo is explosive, but manageable. Normally aspirated GTS, to be had for 70-90k euros, probably the best choice.

Engine

All engines are very reliable if properly maintained. Insist on a full service history, preferably from a Porsche dealer or an independent specialist. Check what was done recently. Cars with higher real-world mileages may be more reliable, as no Porsche likes being stored for long periods.

The engine in the GT3 is still stronger, and a real marvel, especially the 4.0 unit in the RS special series.

Check the condition of the fron radiators and coolers. They may be damaged by stones and other road debris, and leaves often rot in the openings if the owners do not remove them in a timely fashion.

Gearbox

The manual gearboxes are extremely reliable, and so is the PDK twin-clutch unit. Make sure their maintenance is up to date, and that the car has not suffered undisclosed accident damage which may have resulted in gearbox failure or damage. Test drive the car and look for any problems with the gearshift.

Bodywork

There should be no rust on the car, period. If there is any, the car has been crashed, perhaps heavily, and repaired away from authorized Porsche Centers. Crashed cars are unfortunately often offered at attractive prices, but the polyester filler and the paint will not save your life in case of an accident. Avoid cars with any gaps in their history, if in any doubt, buy only from Porsche Centers or from marque specialists who you trust. Check for damage to front spoiler and the sills from speed bumps and underground/multi-story parking lot ramps. Check for stone damage on windshields and headlights.

Chassis

Any untoward sounds from the suspension mean that it needs immediate work, and that also means that somebody had skimped on maintenance. This is a seriously rapid car with a powerful engine, whatever the version, and the suspension needs to be perfect in order to be able to keep you alive. Ditto for brakes. Cars left sitting for a long time may develop seized brakes, among other problems.

Interior

Good quality materials wear well, unlike on early 996s, but still check that everything works, including a full range of seat adjustment. Check if the wear on the steering wheel, driver’s seat and the pedal rubbers matches the claimed mileage. Misaligned interior panels may hint at hidden accident damage. Do not buy a suspiciously cheap car, as there are no bargains in this business!

History

2004: 997 introduced
2005: four-wheel drive versions introduced
2006: GT3 and Turbo launched
2009: range updated, direct injection engines and PDK transmissions introduced
2010: 408-hp normally-aspirated versions introduced
2011: Speedster and GT3 RS 4.0 introduced
2012: end of production

Specifications

Porsche 911 GTS 2010 with PDK
Power: 408 hp
Top speed: 302 km/h
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.4 s

The DRIVERSHALL Verdict

The best 997 cars are the late ones. The early Carrera 4 has a very unpleasant algorithm controlling the AWD system, it makes the car unpredictable with the PSM off. Later cars had new software which was designed to mimic the behavior of the viscous coupling of the 996 Carrera 4. As an investment, the RS 4.0 prices have reached a crazy level, but there may be a drop coming soon. The GT3 is fantastic to drive, and the later Turbo can survive many launch control starts without any damage to the PDK gearbox, which means you can challenge motorbikes to a traffic light Grand Prix.

All 997 versions are practical to drive and to own, and will not lose value over time, if maintained and cherished. The only 911 superior to a late 997 is the normally-aspirated 991 which succeeded it. The best 997? For everyday driving, the Sport Classic or a GTS with 2wd and a manual transmission.

Overview

As the 993 is the last of the air-cooled Porsches, it carries the cachet of the most purist 911, and the last “true one”. It was produced only for five years, and the number of units made is 69,000. A short production span and limited numbers, plus real-life qualities mean that the 993 will never be cheap. The very sophisticated rear axle layout made it easier to control than previous 911 iterations, but the essential rawness of the iconic Porsche is still present.

The better suspension and better steering make the car more exploitable in various conditions than its predecessor. The engine likes to rev, and above 4000 rpm the exhaust note hardens to a metallic rasp. Very addictive. Make sure the maintenance records are gapless, and that all invoices are present, as well as the records of previous ownership. A car with gaps in its history will bring less money at resale.

Contrary to opinions expressed in online reviews by “experts:, the all-wheel-drive Turbo will also slide under power in the dry, albeit the slide is rather shallow. You simply have to be going fast enough for it to work.

The newer, liquid-cooled 911 models are easier to drive for a novice, but the 993 remains a benchmark for all Porsche aficionados. They claim that the disappearance of the metal dash, the left-hand side fuel filler, and the standing pedals made all the newer models a form of sacrilege, but this is a very extreme view. Test drive a 993 to see if it is really the car for you.

Engine

Almost all 993 Porsches are powered by two-valve-per-cylinder air-cooled flat six engines with a capacity of 3.6 or 3.8 liters, reaching an output of 450 in the top turbocharged version. Almost, because unofficially the factory built 14 Turbo Cabriolets powered by the turbocharged engine of the 964.

Generally, the engine is very strong and vice-free, and with proper maintenance and correct warming up procedures (11.5 liters of engine oil need time to warm up fully) engines last up to 300,000 km before an overhaul is needed. Engines like to leak oil in the area around the timing chain, and timing chains plus tensioners must be replaced at least every 150,000 km. The engine maintenance is less labor-intensive than on earlier models due to the introduction of hydraulic tappets in the valvetrain. Exhaust systems must be examined, and special induction control flaps on VarioRam engines cause uneven running when faulty. When looking at a car you wish to buy, start the engine from cold, looking for smoke and expensive noises. After warming up, run the car through the gears, the engine should pull cleanly and register 5 bar oil pressure when hot. After the drive check the engine at idle for smoke and leaks. Turbo engines have to cope with higher thermal loads, and display symptoms of wear more quickly.

Gearbox

The manual gearbox is based on the very robust G50 transmission, but has six speeds instead of five and requires less effort when shifting. Due to the engine’s flexibility, the 4-speed Tiptronic also acquits itself well, but was not available with AWD, and robs the engine of some of its spontaneous edge. The four-wheel drive system divides the torque with 31% going to the front and 69% to the rear and is much superior to the one on the 964. Clutch assemblies weaken with age and use, and replacements are expensive. A clonking sound may mean that the dual-mass flywheel needs replacement.

Chassis

Cars built before 1996 should not have 18-inch wheels (although owners often install them!), as they lack a special strengthening member next to the steering gear: if it is not installed, and such wheels are used, the steering will be expensively damaged. All parts, especially bushes and shock absorbers, must be replaced periodically even if the car is not driven. Check the condition of front wishbone bushes, balljoints, shocks, top mounts, as an overhaul can cost several thousand euros. The same applies to the rear suspension, and driving the powerful 993 with worn-out suspension means asking for trouble. Lack of use can cause pistons to seize inside brake calipers.

Bodywork

Zinc-coated body usually rusts only when non-Porsche-approved crash repairs have been performed. If there is major rust and no written record of crash repairs, walk away. Somebody isn’t telling you the truth. Japanese-market cars, reimported to Europe, are usually very badly repaired if damaged. The only area which tends to rust by itself is the windshield surround, and the rear window surround. Soft tops on Cabriolets must be checked in minute detail (check the electric operation!), the same applies to the glass-topped Targas. None of them should permit water ingress in an automatic car wash, at least that is how the Germans test them. Door limiter straps may corrode around their mounting points, and fail.

Interior

Check the electrics, as things begin to go wrong due to age, including electric window lifters, and the motors of the Targa roof. Most parts are available, but at a high price. Check for interior wear (seats, pedals, steering wheel, handles, switches) that does not match the declared mileage. Find the best interior you possibly can. Some parts can be sourced via owners’ clubs. Check that the correct tools and the tire inflator are present in the front baggage compartment.

The Story

1993: The 993 series launched in Frankfurt
1994: Cabriolet available, later the AWD Carrera 4
1995: the flat six now produces 285, and not 272 horsepower, Carrera 4S launched, RS launched, GT2 with 430 hp launched, novel Targ introduced
1996: Carrera S supplements the Carrera 4S, the RS model no longer available
1997: the water-cooled 996 is launched, but the 993 Turbo, Carrera 4S, Carrera S and Targa remain in production; Porsche Exclusive builds 345 examples of the 993 Turbo S with 450 hp
1998: in March the last air-cooled Porsche leaves the Zuffenhausen production line

Specifications

Porsche 911 Turbo WLS
Power: 430 hp
Top speed: 297 km/h
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.3 s

The DRIVERSHALL Verdict

The 993, without a doubt, is one of the best investments in the world of classic cars. Not only can it be expected to keep rising in value, but it is also intensely satisfying and entertaining to drive. It is less critical on the limit than both the G-series and the 964, due to its sophisticated rear suspension, but of course it has no electronic aids like the later models. To keep it in good shape, it must be regularly exercised, and not just kept in a garage.

Air-cooled Porsches deteriorate quickly when parked for long periods of time! Just starting the engine is not sufficient, the car has to be driven, and the drivetrain has to go through several heat cycles to remain healthy. American and Japanese cars differ from European cars in detail, and may prove more expensive to repair when faulty. My favorite model remains the 911 Carrera 4S, with its Turbo-wide body, Turbo suspension and brakes, but the 285 hp normally aspirated engine. The prices of this model are rising, but it is also immensely enjoyable to drive!

Goodwood has announced that the theme for the 2019 Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard, which takes place from 4-7 July, will be “Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers”.

Motorsport has always been about pushing man and machine to the very limit, and this year, Goodwood will celebrate the people and machinery that set the benchmark or raise the bar. The focus will not just be on the Land Speed Record, but on every area of record breaking in motorsport, from the most consecutive wins, to most championships, fastest laps, most poles set by a manufacturer and many more. This year marks 20 years since Nick Heidfeld took the outright record up the Goodwood Hill, covering the 1.16-mile course in 41.6 seconds at the wheel of a McLaren MP4/13. In 2018, the electric Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak car came close to taking the crown; 2019 could be the year we celebrate a new record holder.

Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motor sport take part with some of the most legendary figures from the sport as well as international celebrities regularly attending. Highlights include FoS Future Lab, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 paddock, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance, Aviation Exhibition and Bonhams Auction.

Head of Motorsport Content, Will Kinsman said “We are delighted with this year’s theme, as it offers an opportunity to celebrate the ultimate heroes of motorsport past, present and future. The team are working hard to ensure the paddocks are bursting with the most talented drivers and riders alongside the most iconic road and race machines in the world. They are also delving into the more obscure corners of the motorsport world to ensure the Festival of Speed maintains and enhances its reputation as the greatest motorsport show on earth.”

Away from the Hill, there will be several changes made to the event this year, with the relocation of some attractions, and the introduction of new ones. These changes, and the Central Feature, will be announced over the coming weeks and months.

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are available from www.goodwood.com

Aston Martin is set to launch a brand new program in 2019, where customers can enjoy exhilarating race track experiences at iconic circuits, with expert guidance available through the AMR Drivers’ Club. This customer-focused driving academy will offer various levels of tuition to suit each driver, from exploring the capabilities of their own Aston Martin to finding the limit in some of the marque’s most extreme track cars, for those with aspirations to race. The Aston Martin track programme will initially offer three key pillars of experiences, each containing various levels as outlined below.

AMR Experience
The entry level of AMR Experience is called Discovery and it provides an introduction to the brand and products, with 1-to-1 tuition from a dedicated Aston Martin instructor. The next level is known as Performance, an opportunity for owners to fully explore the capabilities of their own Aston Martin with the additional option of a dedicated instructor to provide appropriate guidance.

AMR Academy
Drivers will train with professional Aston Martin instructors and experience the latest Aston Martin models, working from Level 1 to Level 3 for one and a half days per level. As they develop their track capabilities, the customer will then progress to the next level, until they are ready for the AMR GT Academy.

AMR GT Academy
One and a half days of 1-to-1 tuition in a race-prepared GT4 Aston Martin awaits customers with the desire to push their driving skills on to new levels. For those with ambitions to compete, our AMR GT Academy provides the perfect platform to support you in working towards your racing licence.

The track experiences in 2019 will take place at nine significant race circuits, many of which have hosted famous F1 races and each with their own unique layout. The programme will commence with Algarve International Circuit on 19/20 March. Customers can also enjoy visits to the challenging Spa-Francorchamps, the home of British motorsport at Silverstone on 4/5 September and the distinctive Barcelona Circuit on 16/17 September. The packages will range from £750 to £7,600, which can include car, hospitality and accommodation depending on the course selected.

To learn more about the AMR Driver’s Club or to book experiences visit www.astonmartintrackdays.com or contact [email protected]. For additional information about Art of Living by Aston Martin packages visit www.astonmartinartofliving.com.