Charles A. Chayne with 1931 Bugatti Royale, 1943-1945

Summary

Charles Chayne acquired Bugatti Royale chassis number 41121 from a New York-area salvage yard, where it was taken after winter cold cracked the engine block. Chayne, chief engineer at Buick, repaired the engine, rebuilt the body, and updated items like the car's carburation and brakes. He and his wife Esther donated the Royale to The Henry Ford in 1958.

Charles Chayne acquired Bugatti Royale chassis number 41121 from a New York-area salvage yard, where it was taken after winter cold cracked the engine block. Chayne, chief engineer at Buick, repaired the engine, rebuilt the body, and updated items like the car's carburation and brakes. He and his wife Esther donated the Royale to The Henry Ford in 1958.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

1943-1945

Collection Title

Edison Institute Records 

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2018.0.4.P.B.103279

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 8.125 in

Width: 10 in

1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible

Details

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More