This included the prototype
This included the prototype which had several different bodies: a torpedo inspired by a Packard of the time; a 2-door sedan by the Paris designer Kellner, which was displayed at the London Motor Show of 1932 and subsequently passed to Ettore’s daughter Ebé Bugatti; a touring sedan with a partition which was built in the factory; and a sedan de ville or coupé Napoleon which is its present form. All six Royales have survived, two of which are in France and four are in the U.S.A., one Royale being on display in the Ford Museum.
The Royale is still one of the longest cars that has ever been built with a length of 19 feet 8 inches (5.99 m). In the final version it was powered by a 12760 cc 8-cylinder in line engine but the prototype had an even larger capacity (14726 cc). Its maximum power was 300 bhp at 2,000 revs. The weight varied, depending on the type of body, between 4,970 pounds (2,250 kg) and 6,620 pounds (3,000 kg). The chassis cost F500,000 (the equivalent of £5,250 at that time) whilst a Rolls-Royce Phantom with body cost £2,000.
Ettore Bugatti was so convinced of the Royale’s mechanical perfection that he guaranteed it for life provided that it remained in the hands of the owner. Its claimed maximum speed was 124 mph.
This included the prototype
