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a black machine that is sitting on a wooden tablean old sewing machine sitting on top of a wooden tablea black viset on a wooden table with a brick wall in the backgroundan image of a vise on a table outsidea black machine on a wooden table with a brick wall in the backgrounda black machine that is sitting on top of a wooden tablea small machine that is sitting on top of a wooden tablea black and silver object on a wooden tablea close up of a metal object on a wooden tablea close up of a metal object on a wooden surfacea small machine that is sitting on top of a wooden tablea small metal object that is on a wooden tablea picture of a bench vise on a wooden tablea close up of a machine that is on a tablea black sewing machine sitting on a wooden tablea close up of a black sewing machine on a wooden tablea close up of a machine with a wooden handlea black machine with a red bugatti sticker on ita close up of a black and red machine on a wooden tablea close up of a bugatti logo on a motorcyclea close up of a black sewing machine with a red sticker on ita black vase with a wooden handle on a tablea close up of a pair of clamps on a bikea close up of a fork on a wooden tablea close up of a metal object on a wooden tablea penny sitting on top of a black vasea horseshoe shaped object on a wooden tablea piece of metal on a wooden table with a hole in it
Artcurial

8 - Etau Bugatti – first series Sans réserve
See original version (French)

Estimate €8,000 - €12,000
Sale commission
Description
Etau Bugatti – first series Sans réserve Manufacturer: Etau Bugatti – first series Model: Sans réserve This is a true journey back in time, to an era when the sound of hammers striking wheel hub caps echoed and the scent of castor oil wafted through the air in the streets of Levallois-Perret, then the heartland of what was proudly known as the ‘Golden Triangle of the Automobile’. One of the pillars of this Golden Age of classic cars in France is Bernard Pigelet. A highly skilled engine builder, he set up his workshop, ‘Racing Diffusion’, at 52 Rue Carnot in Levallois-Perret in 1984. Just 150 metres from his home was a taxi depot which, in the late 1980s, was about to close its doors to make way for the construction of a new building. It was here that, having spotted ‘the treasure’, Bernard Pigelet acquired the Bugatti vice that we are presenting to you. Needing refurbishment, the specialist carefully restored it, repainted it, ground down the jaws and kept it safely in his workshop, without ever using it. Only the bronze stop between the vice and the handle has been replaced, but the original part is supplied with the vice. A test using a sheet of paper folded in half brilliantly demonstrates the tool’s precision and the quality of its design. This is a rare and highly sought-after model from the first series, recognisable at a glance by its Bugatti logo, which is less raised than on later versions. The number 17 is stamped on one of the jaws, and here’s a telling anecdote: the official Bugatti repair workshop was located at number 75 Rue Carnot, just a stone’s throw from the workshop where it was unearthed! Bugatti Vice – First series This is a true journey through time, to an era when the sound of hammers striking wheel hubs echoed and the scent of castor oil filled the air in the streets of Levallois-Perret, once the proud stronghold of what was known as the Golden Triangle of the Automobile. Among the pillars of this Golden Age of classic cars in France was Bernard Pigelet. As a leading automotive engineer, he set up his workshop (called ‘Racing Diffusion’) at 52 Rue Carnot in Levallois-Perret in 1984. Just 150 metres from his home was a taxi depot which, in the late 1980s, was about to close its doors to make way for the construction of a new building. It was at this location that Bernard Pigelet spotted ‘the golden opportunity’ and purchased this particular Etau Bugatti. In need of restoration, the specialist carefully restored it, repainted it, adjusted the parts and stored it carefully in his workshop, where it remained unused. Only the bronze stop between the bench vice and the crank handle was replaced, but the original part is supplied with the bench vice. A test using a folded sheet of paper brilliantly demonstrates the tool’s precision and its high-quality design. This is a rare and sought-after model from the first series, instantly recognisable by its Bugatti logo, which is less prominent than on later versions. The number 17 is stamped on one of the bits, and here’s an interesting anecdote: the official Bugatti repair workshop was located at 75 Rue Carnot, just a few steps away from the workshop where it was found!
See original version (French)
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About the sale Cars on the Champs
Auction location
Auction time 10/25/2026 at 4:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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