The Type 41 "Royale" is considered by the automotive industry to be one of the most prestigious and luxurious cars ever produced. It was initially built on what might be termed an ‘artisan’ scale by the Bugatti car manufacturer, with only six units being built from 1929 to 1933. With its imposing and "monumental" dimensions, it was also fitted with an engine that provided the largest displacement ever built of over 12,000 cm3. In fact Ettore Bugatti's aim was to create a car so prestigious that sales would be restricted to a very small, exclusive group of potential customers that included the royal houses of the period. The six "Type 41s" shared the same chassis and engine, but differed in the configuration of the bodywork. Of the six Royale cars produced the Coupé Napoléon was the first in chassis order. It was notable for its elegant two-tone black and blue bodywork and the highly sought after velvet interiors. It was Ettore Bugatti's private car for many years and is an icon of world automotive production.
