Bugatti Dream

2024 / Grafico
Visual concept
Photography and production

At first, it seemed like a dream, an aspiration to reach something that remained elusive to most. In the automotive realm and beyond,
the Bugatti brand stands as a symbol of unparalleled technical excellence and luxury. Throughout history, particularly in the world of sports, it represents invincibility. Over time, the brand has become synonymous with speed, elegance, luxury, and a distinctiveness that transcends all aspects of life.

Acquiring a Bugatti car has always been a privilege reserved for a select few. Our journey to uncover the world‘s most extensive compilation of historic Bugatti cars stands as testament to that pursuit. Musée National de l‘Automobile, Collection Schlumpf, situated in Mulhouse, France, is an automotive museum centered around the revered Schlumpf Collection of classic cars. Boasting the largest array of automobiles on display in the world, this museum proudly houses the most extensive and comprehensive collection of Bugatti motor vehicles. It operates as a foundation overseen by various institutions and associations.

Securing permission to photograph selected cars within the museum, especially for commercial purposes, is a notably intricate and uncommon process. Our collaboration with the museum has been built on trust, emphasizing our dedication to treating their exhibits with the utmost respect and maintaining the highest standards of quality. The 2023 Glassico calendar, featuring Lalique glass, served as a credible reference in establishing this relationship.

The most exceptional among the entire collection was the Bugatti Royale, requiring it to be photographed within the exhibition. Relocating it was impossible, given its protection by an array of security systems, including laser technology, motion sensors, and surveillance cameras. Fortunately, we were granted the privilege of deactivating these security measures during the photo session, which took place outside of the museum‘s regular operating hours. This particular vehicle was exorbitantly expensive in its era, to the extent that not even royalty could afford it. With only seven ever produced, one was personally owned by Ettore Bugatti himself. Other rarities in the collection encompass those used in the renowned Targa Florio race in Sicily.

We supplemented our requests by inquiring about the feasibility of temporarily relocating some cars from their display to an area especially tailored for photography. A dedicated team of volunteers from the local association was assembled, specially trained to handle these exceedingly rare and valuable automotive treasures.

Our primary aim was to return these exceptional cars to their original world in the most authentic manner possible, creating a hand-painted environment that harmoniously complements the essence of each vehicle. Every car holds its distinct place not only in automotive history, but also within the cultural backdrop of its era. Each page of the calendar acts as a portal, transporting you to various times and places, enabling the most exquisite Bugatti cars to guide your imagination throughout the year, inviting you to journey wherever your mind may wander.