In 1926, Ettore Bugatti marked his son Roland’s fourth birthday with a distinctive creation—a half-scale version of the celebrated Bugatti Type 35. Known as the Bugatti Type 52 or the ‘Baby’ Bugatti, this miniature model paid homage to the Type 35, which would go on to be one of the most successful racing cars in history. Now, nearly a century later, this iconic piece is reimagined as a limited-edition collector’s sculpture. Crafted by Bugatti’s first Pilote Officiel Pierre-Henri Raphanel, this reinterpretation captures Ettore Bugatti’s original vision. The Limited Return of the Baby Type 52Only a rare few of the original Bugatti Type 52 models remain today. Now, Pierre-Henri has revived this legendary model through his company, Nations Racing Legends. With attention to detail, Raphanel has reimagined the Baby Type 52 as a series of 99 limited-edition sculptures, crafted to echo Ettore Bugatti’s vision as timeless pieces of art. To authentically recreate the Baby Type 52, Raphanel curated a team of France’s top artisans—master bodyworkers, founders, turners, saddlers, and painters—who dedicated years to bringing this vision to life. As Raphanel explains, “To revive this automotive icon and stay true to Ettore’s original work, we handpicked exceptional artisans, each with unique expertise, to craft an art piece as close to the original as possible.” These craftsmen employed original crafting techniques, using steel, aluminum, wood, and leather, to ensure every aspect remained faithful to Ettore Bugatti’s meticulous standards. The team’s process involved extensive research, consulting over 100 original manufacturing plans, period photographs, and rare surviving models to capture the essence of the original Baby Type 52. This dedication to precision allows the new Type 52 collection to go beyond mere reproduction—it embodies Bugatti’s rich history and Raphanel’s own legacy with the brand. As Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director of Bugatti International, remarks, “Pierre-Henri’s commitment to Bugatti’s legacy, his unparalleled attention to detail, and his respect for Ettore’s visionary spirit bring authenticity and uniqueness to each piece. These sculptures are a proud addition to Bugatti’s portfolio, crafted for enthusiasts and art collectors alike.” A Tribute in Steel, Brass, and LeatherEach piece is crafted with steel-frame rails, hand-beaten aluminum bodywork, a nickel-plated brass radiator, wooden brake drums, and leather-upholstered seats—all recreated through extensive study of original manufacturing plans, production techniques, and historical archives. Out of the 99 individually numbered models, 60 offer customers the option to customize with a personalized color palette, including vintage racing liveries that pay tribute to iconic racing colors from France, Italy, and Monaco. These choices honor Bugatti’s deep-rooted history in motorsports, while the remaining 39 models are designed as exclusive editions. This includes 12 “Silver Legends”—eight in mirror-polished aluminum and four as unique artists’ proofs—and 12 “Gold Legends,” with eight crafted in mirror-polished brass and four as artists’ proofs. Speaking on the project’s vision, Pierre-Henri stated, “The remarkable group of craftspeople and artists I have assembled share a common vision to honor Bugatti’s truly unique story. The artworks we have created, with incredibly intricate crafting processes and precious materials, are entirely faithful to the original vision. Designed as sculptures, these timeless bespoke creations are a beautiful testament to the spirit of legacy that compelled Ettore to bestow the original ‘Baby’ Type 52 to his son.” Priced from €95,000, a third of the models have already been reserved by dedicated Bugatti enthusiasts and collectors. Source: Bugatti
