Ettore Bugatti's sports cars and luxury cars are among the most famous and valuable cars of the pre-war era. Five of these exceptional vehicles will be on display at the Concours d'Excellence International in Lucerne as part of a special exhibition. They are all part of the Fondation Renaud.
The Renaud Foundation
Charles G. Renaud (1917-2006) began active automobile racing in the 1950s and also took part in the legendary Bern Grand Prix races (1934-1954) under the pseudonym "Gaston". He was also one of the first collectors of historic vehicles in Switzerland, initially preferring the Bugatti brand. These were restored, maintained and driven at various events and occasions or exhibited in Cortaillod.
In 1993, Erika and Charles Renaud donated and transferred the "Renaud Vehicle Collection", which had now grown to over 100 vehicles, to the "Fondation E. and C.R.". In accordance with the purpose of the "Fondation E. and C.R.", a museum and information center was established in Cortaillod to promote automobiles in a historical, technical and aesthetic context.
In December 2017, the Board of Trustees decided to establish the Fondation E. and C. Renaud in the spirit of the founders, while preserving and maintaining the foundation's purpose, with the aim of ensuring the foundation's continued existence in the long term.
As part of this decision, the Board of Trustees has been expanded to include two specialists in historic vehicles and their care, maintenance and presentation. They will provide expert advice to the existing members of the Board of Trustees and have been tasked with implementing the measures adopted to realign the "Fondation E. and C.R.".
The optimal use of the vehicles of the "Fondation E. and C.R." for exhibitions, events or as rental vehicles for self-drivers is an essential part of this reorientation. At the same time, the aim is also to use part of the stock economically in order to generate profit contributions for the maintenance and upkeep of the Renaud Collection. The aim is always to move, maintain and care for the vehicles and use them in accordance with the foundation's purpose.
A new image with a logo and the name "Fondation Renaud" was created specifically for the new direction.
Special exhibition Bugatti - Homage Fondation Renaud
A special exhibition on the subject of Alfa Romeo was presented for the first time at the Concours d'Excellence International 2017. Four Alfa Romeo 1900s were exhibited, which were coachbuilt on the Alfa Romeo 1900 chassis by the coachbuilders Touring, Ghia-Aigle, Zagato and Pinin Farina.
Bugatti will be the subject of the special exhibition at the Concours d'Excellence Lucerne 2018 on September 15, 2018 in Lucerne. A selection of Bugattis will be presented in collaboration with the Fondation Renaud and as a tribute to the founders Erika and Charles G. Renaud, Cortaillod. Vive la marque Bugatti!
The following are expected to be exhibited:
- Bugatti Type 46, 1929
- Bugatti Type 50S, 1931
- Bugatti Type 55, 1931
- Bugatti Type 51, 1931
- Bugatti Type 57, 1939
Further information on the Concours d'Excellence International can be found on the event's website.
