Bugatti's President Drives the Veyron to Victory at Inaugural Schlumpf Concours

Christophe Piochon, the President of Bugatti Automobiles, took the wheel of a Veyron Super Sport and drove it on the autodrome at the Musée National de l’Automobile. This was not just a parade lap. He was competing in the inaugural Concours d’Élégance International Schlumpf, held in Mulhouse, and his drive secured first place in Category E for exceptional cars from 1996 to 2026.

The event itself is a new annual celebration of automotive heritage, held on the verdant lawns of a museum that holds profound meaning for the marque. The Musée National de l’Automobile, home to the Collection Schlumpf, is one of the world’s most significant repositories of Bugatti history. The location in Mulhouse is just 100 kilometers from the brand’s historic home.

A Century of Royale

The weekend gathering created a dialogue between the brand’s modern era and its origins. The Bugatti Royale was honored on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Three examples from the Schlumpf Collection were present: the Coupé Napoléon, the extraordinary Esders restoration, and the Park Ward. The appearance of the Park Ward was particularly significant, as it moved on the track for the first time in more than four decades.

The event’s official launch took place earlier this year on the streets of Monte Carlo during the Historic Grand Prix. There, the Musée entrusted the Coupé Napoléon to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco for a tour of the circuit. Christophe Piochon accompanied the Prince, forging a personal connection between the brand’s leadership and its history.

Engineering Lineage

The brand's modern engineering was also on display. The legendary W16 engine, the heart of Bugatti's contemporary hypercars, lay proudly next to the Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage. This vehicle, the second from the Programme Solitaire, pays tribute to Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch and the Veyron, the car that first carried the W16.

The brand’s presence was felt across the concours categories. A recently restored Bugatti Type 38, with a body by Figoni, took first place in Category D, for vehicles built before 1930. The win served as another testament to the enduring craftsmanship rooted in the work of Ettore Bugatti himself.

“Taking part in the first Concours d’Élégance International Schlumpf was a natural choice for Bugatti,” Piochon stated. “Driving the Veyron Super Sport to first place in its category made this occasion even more meaningful. It was a reminder that Bugatti’s heritage lives through the cars, through the people who care for them, and through the passion that continues to carry the brand forward.”

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