The Roaring Season

On the subject of museums, Donington Museum is closing. It was originally announced that it would close on November 5th but it has now been reported that it will close next Monday.

My wife and I spent about four hours there two weeks ago today and it was well worth the effort - Steve, I thought we took some reasonable photos but overall, you win!

We spent a bit of time in the gift shop because the display of books was incredible - especially the comic type books on subjects such as 'Chapman', Jo Siffert and various stages of Grand Prix cars - all in French but beautifully done.

I would absolutely recommend it - passenger cars well outnumber racing cars but there was still plenty to keep us interested.

Thanks so much Steve. If my wife is able to return to long distance travel, I have that pencilled in as a side trip from a future European River cruise.

One last look back as I left. But I'll return for sure.

[attachment=0]IMG_4800.JPG[/attachment]

I hadn't quite finished this chapter when I had to switch focus to get a couple of books finished. Now, finally, I can post the last few photos and bring it to a close.

[attachment=2]IMG_4796.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4797.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4798.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4794.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4795.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=2]IMG_4791.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4792.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4793.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4789.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4790.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4787.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4788.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4785.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4786.JPG[/attachment]

OK, as I head towards the exit, I pass along another long corridor which, surprise surprise, features more Bugattis. This impressive displays has five Type 57s, including one thats been restored but not completely reassembled, offering a sort of exploded view of the car and its mechanicals.

[attachment=0]IMG_4784.JPG[/attachment]

This was in the same room.

[attachment=1]IMG_4782.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4783.JPG[/attachment]

The museum was near closing time by this stage so I didn't get a chance to read the description relating to these bucks, but I assume they were made in the 1960s/70s to produce the Esders Roadster.

[attachment=1]IMG_4780.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4781.JPG[/attachment]

Exiting back out of the main hall we pass the Esders Roadster recreation once more, where I snapped a few more photos.

[attachment=2]IMG_4777.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=1]IMG_4778.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4779.JPG[/attachment]

Having left the 'Royale' hall, I entered back into the main hall to grab a photo of the mysterious 'Roland Garros' which I hadn't been able to get earlier due to other people standing in the way. This car was found in England along with a collection of spares. It was apparently never used, and never fully completed. Only a handful of these cars were built by Bugatti, starting in around 1908. His close friend Rolland Garros owned one, from which the model gained its name.

[attachment=1]IMG_4771.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=0]IMG_4772.JPG[/attachment]

[quote="rf84"]The Coupe de Ville Binder was owned in 2007 by a man by the name of Lukas Huni. He paid US $16.5 million for it in 1987. At that time it was a world record high price for an automobile.[/quote]

For a long time they were the worlds most valuable cars. Not sure if thats still the case? I believe a couple of Ferrari 250GTOs have changed hands in recent years for around US$60 million. I don't think a Bugatti Royale has been sold for such a long time its probably impossible to know. But $16.5 million was incredible money in 1987, and a lot more that 250GTOs were selling for at the time.

Neat photos thanks Ray.

Tom Wheatcroft also had a replica built. Needless to say, sold off.
[attachment=2]204_0702_05.JPG[/attachment]

I have the following novel -
[CENTER]
[attachment=1]218_0424_01.JPG[/attachment]

The VW owned example was on show at the Petersen Museum in LA last year as part of the Bugatti exhibition.

[attachment=0]217_0706_120 Bugatti T41.JPG[/attachment]
[/CENTER]

The Coupe de Ville Binder was owned in 2007 by a man by the name of Lukas Huni. He paid US $16.5 million for it in 1987. At that time it was a world record high price for an automobile.

Very likely Steve. And what's more at one stage that weekend there was a near-new Veyron parked beside the marquee.
One of these days I will learn how to post photos on here and post some pics.