Jean Bugatti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Bugatti
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Bugatti in 1932
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| Born |
Gianoberto Maria Carlo Bugatti
15 January 1909 Cologne, Germany
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| Died | 11 August 1939 (aged 30) Duppigheim, France
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| Cause of death | Car accident |
| Resting place | Dorlisheim, France |
| Occupation | Engineer, car designer and test driver |
| Years active | 1926–1939 |
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Imagine a family where everyone loves designing amazing things! That was the Bugatti family, and Jean Bugatti (born Gianoberto Maria Carlo Bugatti; January 15, 1909 – August 11, 1939) was a super talented car designer and test driver. He was the son of Ettore Bugatti, who started the famous Bugatti car company. Jean helped make Bugatti cars some of the most beautiful and powerful in the world.
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Jean Bugatti's Early Life
Jean Bugatti was born in Cologne, Germany. Soon after he was born, his family moved to a small village called Dorlisheim in France. This was near Molsheim, where his father, Ettore, built the new Bugatti car factory.
Jean grew up surrounded by creativity. His grandfather, Carlo Bugatti, was a famous furniture designer. The Bugatti family spoke many languages, and in France, Gianoberto became known as Jean. During World War I, the family lived in Italy. After the war, their company became part of France.
Designing Amazing Cars
By the late 1920s, young Jean Bugatti was a very important part of the company. He quickly showed how good he was at designing cars. In 1932, when he was just 23 years old, he designed most of the famous Type 41 Royale. This car was huge and super luxurious!
Jean's designs were a perfect match for his father's engineering skills. Together, they made Bugatti one of the greatest car makers ever. Jean also designed four different body styles for the Type 57 car. These were called the Ventoux, Stelvio, Atalante, and Atlantic models. Many people think the Bugatti 57 was the best touring car Bugatti ever made.
Engineering Skills and Innovations
Jean Bugatti wasn't just a designer; he was also a skilled engineer. He worked on new ways to make cars ride smoother. For example, he helped develop independent suspension systems. These systems allowed each wheel to move up and down on its own, which made the ride much more comfortable. He also worked on advanced engine designs, like twin-cam engines. These innovations helped Bugatti cars perform even better.
A Tragic End
Jean Bugatti loved to test the new cars the company built. He wanted to make sure they were perfect. On August 11, 1939, he was testing a special racing car. This car was a Type 57 "tank-bodied" racer that had just won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
While driving near the factory, Jean had to quickly avoid a cyclist. Sadly, he lost control of the car and crashed into a tree. Jean Bugatti was only 30 years old when he passed away. He is buried in the Bugatti family plot in Dorlisheim, France. There is also a monument at the spot where his accident happened, remembering his amazing contributions to the world of cars.
