THE ‘BABY’ BUGATTI TYPE 52 RETURNS WITH A LIMITED PRODUCTION RUN - YOURS FOR R1.8 MIL.
And there's no motor... In 1926, Ettore Bugatti crafted an unforgettable gift for his young son Roland’s fourth birthday: a half-scale version of the celebrated Bugatti Type 35. This model, later known as the ‘Baby’ Bugatti Type 52, became a cherished piece of automotive history. Today, this iconic car has been reimagined as a limited edition of sculptural art pieces, masterfully recreated by Bugatti’s former Pilote Officiel, Pierre-Henri Raphanel, through his company, Nations Racing Legends. These Baby Type 52 sculptures are far more than replicas - they are works of art that capture Bugatti’s legacy and Pierre-Henri’s dedication to the brand. Each piece is crafted to elevate the Bugatti story, blending Ettore’s original vision with nearly a century of heritage and the highest levels of French artisanship. Designed to be proudly displayed, these sculptures embody the brand’s enduring values of precision, craftsmanship, and reverence for the past, ensuring they’ll be admired for generations to come. Every component of the Type 52 pays tribute to the spirit of the original 1926 model. Precision-welded steel frames, hand-sculpted aluminium bodywork, a nickel-plated brass radiator, wooden brake drums, and finely upholstered leather seats are just a few of the elements recreated from archival records and close examination of surviving Baby Type 52s. To realize this ambitious vision, Pierre-Henri travelled across France, gathering master craftspeople from various disciplines, each bringing specialized skills to the project. Only 60 examples of the Baby Type 52 sculpture will be made, each customizable by its owner. This limited series includes models finished in iconic vintage racing liveries—representing legendary racing nations such as France, Italy, and Monaco—as well as bespoke configurations. Among these are 12 ‘Silver Legends’ and 12 ‘Gold Legends,’ crafted with exclusive materials and finishes, including 8 models in mirror-polished aluminium, 4 artists’ proofs, and an additional 8 in striking mirror-polished brass.
Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director of Bugatti International, notes, “Pierre-Henri has been an exceptional ambassador for Bugatti for nearly two decades. His deep understanding of the brand’s legacy, his reverence for Ettore’s vision, and his meticulous dedication to detail have resulted in an artwork collection of unparalleled authenticity. We’re honoured to add these timeless sculptures to Bugatti’s portfolio for enthusiasts and art collectors alike.” Pierre-Henri Raphanel reflects on the journey, saying, “Reviving this automotive icon has been a labour of passion. At Nations Racing Legends, we’ve assembled a team of exceptional artisans from across France, including bodyworkers, founders, turners, saddlers, and painters, each a master in their field. By studying over 100 original manufacturing plans, period photographs, and the few remaining original models, we’ve created pieces that respect Ettore’s forward-thinking vision and revive craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare today. This collection represents our dedication to quality, detail, and tradition, giving each Type 52 its own timeless character.” Pierre-Henri adds, “These sculptures are tributes to Bugatti’s inimitable story, crafted to honour the ‘Baby’ Type 52’s unique spirit. Through meticulous craftsmanship and rare materials, we’ve stayed faithful to Ettore’s vision, creating a series of artworks that celebrate Bugatti’s enduring legacy and commitment to its customers. It’s a piece of art and a piece of history, reflecting the spirit of the original car Ettore lovingly gifted to his son nearly a century ago.” These pieces of art have been priced from €95,000 - a little over R1,800,000, ex taxes and the usual stuff. A third of the 99 examples to be produced have already been reserved by brand enthusiasts and collectors.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the Bugatti creators that shows off the exquisite work carried out on these faithful reproductions that help explain the price tag. Well, the price tag that would be ok if you're a little wealthy in Europe, but not if you live here in SA where R1.8 mil buys a house: THE BABY BUGATTI TYPE 52: From icon to collectors’ piece | Bugatti
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!
Article Tags:
News Limited Number Bespoke Artwork Model SXdrv Type 52 Bugatti ‘Baby’ Bugatti Type 52