In pictures: Prince Albert II drives legendary Bugatti Royale at Monaco Historic Grand Prix

On Saturday 25 April, the Prince took a lap of the Monaco circuit in a Bugatti Type 41, known as the ‘Bugatti Royale’, to mark the 15th Monaco Historic Grand Prix. This exceptional vehicle is celebrating its centenary this year.

To mark the centenary of the Bugatti Type 41 (1926–2026), Prince Albert II took his seat in one of the most legendary models in motoring history. The Sovereign was accompanied by Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, and Michel Ferry, Vice-President of the Automobile Club de Monaco. At the wheel was the head of the workshop at the Musée National de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf in Mulhouse, custodian of the expertise required to preserve this unique heritage.

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The car chosen for this track lap is the ‘Coupé Napoléon’, which was owned personally by Ettore Bugatti for many years before being acquired by the Schlumpf brothers in 1963. Regarded as the centrepiece of the Mulhouse collection, this car, fitted with an engine of nearly 13 litres, is often described as the ‘Mona Lisa of the automotive world’. Only six examples of the Type 41 were ever produced.

The Bugatti Royale on display in Monaco until May

This exhibition follows on from Prince Albert II’s visit to the Schlumpf Museum in October 2024. The Bugatti Royale will now be on display to the public at the Prince of Monaco’s car collection, at Port Hercule, from 27 April to 3 May. It will then be exhibited at the Top Marques show from 7 to 10 May before returning to Mulhouse.