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Topic starter
22/02/2026 2:10 pm
A few years ago, during one of our trips to France for a 'wine run,' we stopped off in Mulhouse, France, to visit an amazing display of automobiles. At the time I was using a walking aid as this was two months before another part of my body was scheduled for 'bionic' repairs, and when we checked in at the museum a lovely young woman suggested I borrow one of their wheelchairs. I poo-pooed that idea, but she smiled and brought one out. My partner led the way, pushing the mobility conveyance and when we got down the ramp and I saw what was in store I shook my head. "Wheelchair?" I was asked and I nodded my head. The place is HUGE.
One of the memories that has stayed with me subsequent to our return, was a spectacular green,1929 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Esders Roadster. It is amazing, to say the least.
Today, I found several models of this car on ebay, by Franklin Mint, and I wondered if any of our members had this model in his/her collection, and what he/she could tell me about it. I have a couple in my 'Watched' list and it is likely I will dive in at some point, although my budget has been blown wide open this month.
The model is 1:24 scale, and this is not the one I will purchase, for not only is it missing a part or two, the seller's feedback leaves much to be desired:
And, a primo photo of either Ettore Bugatti or Jean Bugatti, as it has been reported that the son was the designer of this car:
And, yes, there is a 1930 Coupé Napleon on display, at the museum:
22/02/2026 6:51 pm
I understand the car you saw was a replica, after the original body was destroyed. Story here. The original chassis no 41111 was rebodied as the Coupé de ville Binder.
https://www.bugattirevue.com/revue53/esders.htm
The Bugatti Royale story is fascinating. The wikipedia page is pretty good.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Royale
After FM produced their first 2 Royales I always hoped they would go on to make the other 5 in 1/24. No go. I have been able to make up 3 kits to add to the 2 FMs. Chassis 41121 - Cabriolet Weinberger was originally black with yellow trim which I have made, along with making up one in the current off white color scheme. I am even struggling to make a Coupé de ville Binder out of a 1/24 Coupe Napoleon kit.
22/02/2026 10:54 pm
@diecast1-24cars thanks Greg, imagine stopped at the lights cnr Liverpool and Pitt Sts, and this pulls up alongside
22/02/2026 11:05 pm
23/02/2026 12:17 am
I have been fascinated with Bugatti cars since seeing my first one as a child in the 1940s. He produced a fantastic variety of cars. Thanks for featuring this one.
I visited the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse about 25 years ago. You could spend days there studying the vehicles in an extraordinary setting. I have never seen so many Bugattis in one place. Most of mine are 1/43 scale. I wish that I had added the Franklin Mint versions to my Rios and Solido, etc.
Nice post GDH and nice display case, Geoff.
GDH and Geoff Jowett reacted
23/02/2026 1:03 am
thanks gents, as a PS hope u guys have been following Hobby Dragons post in 1/43. 7-8 pages of absolutely stunning Bugatti models.
GDH and David Green reacted
23/02/2026 3:16 am
@geoff-jowett More suited to a Paris Boulevard than a Sydney street....
GDH and David Green reacted
Topic starter
23/02/2026 1:38 pm
@geoff-jowett I recently read that the Esders was designed by Jean Bugatti and it didn't have headlamps because M'sieur Esders didn't plan to drive it after dark.
Geoff Jowett and David Green reacted
Topic starter
23/02/2026 1:43 pm
@diecast1-24cars I wonder how the car was ever driven on any city street, other than Avenue des Champs-Élysée. Turning onto a side street would have been a nightmare.
Geoff Jowett and David Green reacted