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In 1913, Ettore Bugatti vowed to produce a motor car that would be above all criticism. By 1930, he and his son Jean had set a standard for excellence that other cars were measured by-both on and off the racetrack. If you had to ask, you obviously couldn't afford his Royale Coupe Napoleon, which went for around $40,000, a princely sum indeed for 1930. It was big (spell that HUGE), with a massive in-line eight cylinder engine and an incredibly smooth ride, attributable to its 15 ½ FOOT wheelbase. Yet, under all that size (the hood ornament was a dancing elephant!) and glamour was a superbly engineered automobile, a tribute to Bugatti's quest for excellence. Today, the car is worth 15 MILLION!
FM's 1:24 scale die cast model dwarfs all but a few of the die casts you put next to it. Though not feature-rich because of its vintage, the model nevertheless has a wealth of detail, especially under the hood and on the undercarriage. It even has real brocade cloth on the passenger seat, as well as simulated carpeting. Gauges, however, are merely decals. (Interestingly enough, there was a second set of them in the passenger compartment. Talk about back seat drivers!) The finish is flawlessly applied, glossy black, with royal blue side panels on the hood and front doors. Oh, if only it was done like the 1929 Esders Roadster.
Here's another fine representation of the automobile-as-art for the vintage end of your collection. Put it on the shelf next to your other limos and touring cars and it'll look-well, like royalty. The issue price is $135. (08/22/1999)
(08/22/1999)
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