Bugatti Showcases Heritage and Innovation at Monterey Car Week

Last week, Monterey Car Week, one of the most prestigious automotive events globally, brought together car enthusiasts and legendary brands from around the world to California’s coastline.

The week-long festivities were highlighted by iconic events like The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where Bugatti showcased models both old and new, illustrating the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and design. This year, the event symbolized a pivotal moment for Bugatti, marking the end of the Chiron era and the dawn of the Tourbillon era.

At The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on August 16th, the Bugatti Tourbillon made its debut on American soil, offering many attendees their first glimpse of this new chapter for the marque. Conceived “Pour L’éternité” (for eternity), the Tourbillon is designed to be a timeless masterpiece, envisioned as a car that could grace the lawns of Quail Lodge a century from now.

READ MORE: Historic Track Meet: Bugatti Type 35 and 100-Year Anniversary Bolide Unite

Featuring a naturally aspirated V16 engine paired with three electric motors, a fully mechanical driver instrument cluster crafted with the expertise of Swiss watchmakers, and an ageless, aerodynamics-driven design, the Tourbillon is poised to captivate for generations, much like the vintage Bugatti models on display, including the revered Type 57 and groundbreaking EB110.

In front of a discerning audience of top car collectors and enthusiasts, Bugatti’s CEO Mate Rimac and Design Director Frank Heyl shared the vision behind the Tourbillon. Displayed alongside its bare rolling chassis—a work of art in itself—the car vividly demonstrated Bugatti’s guiding principles, such as “nothing is too beautiful” and “if comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.” Representing the brand’s leadership, President Christophe Piochon, CTO Emilio Scervo, and Managing Director Hendrik Malinowski articulated Bugatti’s forward-looking vision.

During Monterey Car Week, Bugatti customers were invited to Le Domaine Bugatti at The Lodge at Pebble Beach for an in-depth look at the Tourbillon, including its bare carbon monocoque and chassis. The space also featured other Bugatti models and lifestyle products, such as the Champagne Carbon’s 15-liter Tourbillon bottle, Hedley Studios’ Baby Bugatti II, and Jacob & Co’s hand-crafted Bugatti timepieces, including the newly unveiled Tourbillon watch. This watch, inspired by Bugatti’s V16 engine, features sub-dials designed to mimic the car’s dashboard and a winding crown that reflects the finish on the Tourbillon’s control buttons, embodying the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the brand.

The private Domaine also showcased the Bolide and Type 35, which had earlier in the week shared the track at Laguna Seca in a tribute to the Type 35’s 100-year anniversary, alongside the final Chiron model, ‘L’Ultime’. This model, with its bodywork inscribed with the names of events that shaped the Chiron’s legacy, including Pebble Beach, was another highlight of Bugatti’s presence at the Concours d’Elegance.

Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean on Pebble Beach’s 18th fairway, the Concours d’Elegance began early on Sunday with the ‘Dawn Patrol,’ where hundreds of visitors were treated to a display of rare Bugatti models. Among the impeccably preserved vintage cars, the Bugatti Type 59 Sports stood out and ultimately won the coveted Best of Show award. This Type 59, which claimed victory at the 1934 Belgian Grand Prix and competed in the Monaco Grand Prix, later became a sports car under Ettore Bugatti’s personal ownership and was eventually acquired by King Leopold I of Belgium. The car’s victory at Pebble Beach marks the first time an unrestored vehicle has won Best of Show, solidifying Bugatti’s position as a leader in automotive history.

In addition to the Best of Show win, Bugatti models excelled in multiple categories, further demonstrating the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. A 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Corsica Roadster won the prestigious French Cup, while a 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster claimed first place in the J-3: European Classic Sport category. The 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports also won the L-1: Prewar Preservation award, highlighting its historic significance and pristine condition.

Bugatti also earned two second-place finishes: a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Gangloff Aravis in the J-2: European Classic Touring Late category, and a 1995 Bugatti EB110 Sport Competizione in the R: 1990s BPR & FIA GT Race Cars class, showcasing the marque’s exceptional heritage.

At the Bugatti stand, the Tourbillon was the centerpiece, drawing inspiration from the timelessness of the vintage Bugatti models on display elsewhere at Pebble Beach. Despite the century separating the Type 35 and the Tourbillon, their shared DNA exemplifies Bugatti’s enduring legacy.

“Monterey Car Week is a unique collection of events, drawing together Bugatti’s rich heritage and its exciting present and future,” said Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti. “This year’s celebrations are especially poignant as we honor the centenary of the Type 35 while also accelerating into a new era with the Tourbillon. The visionary engineering of Ettore Bugatti, the elegant designs of Jean Bugatti, and the bold ambition of Romano Artioli continue to inspire us as we create the Bugatti icons of the future.”

Following its appearances at Monterey Car Week, the Tourbillon will continue its tour of the United States before returning to Europe for a showcase at the prestigious Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille from September 12-15.

READ MORE: First Look: The 2025 GMC Yukon Debuts with Ultimate Upgrades