Bugatti – Most elegant plane that never flew

Former fighter pilot Scotty Wilson and furniture designer Louis de Monge are building a
Bugatti 100P airplane from plans that are about 70 years old. The airplane was one of the most advanced of its era, but never flew due to complications during WWII.

Why would anyone undertake to build a replica of an airplane that never flew and for which
there are no known plans and few relevant drawings? We could make a good argument for building a replica Bugatti 100P based solely upon its heritage. After all, Ettore Bugatti built only one airplane.

But there is more to this airplane than its link to Ettore Bugatti, who collaborated with
Louis de Monge on what was to be the last major project for either man.

The Bugatti 100P – an art-deco masterpiece – is arguably the most elegant airplane ever
designed. It was also the most technologically-advanced airplane of its time. Designed
initially to set a world speed record and to compete in the prestigious Coupe Deutsch air
race, the plane also met the criteria for a light-weight fighter and might have been the first
technology demonstrator. Had it flown in the summer of 1940, it would be seen today as an
historically-significant aircraft; elements of the plane’s most notable features, well established by mid-1937, predate the development of the best Allied fighters of World War II.

Hidden from view for much of the late 20th Century, few enthusiasts know about or have seen this remarkable machine. The original airplane – restored but not airworthy – is too fragile to tour, limiting its exposure to those few who visit the AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The only way we can revisit the classic era of aviation and fly this airplane is to recreate the Bugatti 100P ourselves and share that experience with enthusiasts everywhere!

We’ve worked hard for over three years to bring Bugatti’s “Blue Dream” to life. Some of you
have followed our progress from the beginning; others are relative newcomers. We appreciate all of your kind words and encouragement. You remind us often that some dreams are so big and so bold they span oceans, decades, and lifetimes. Bugatti’s “Rêve Bleu” is one such dream.

We need your help and want to offer you a meaningful way to participate as we enter the final stage of this project. If every one of our website and Facebook fans passes this along to
every one of their Facebook and other “Friends” we’ll reach our goals. Please join with us on what promises to be an eventful final leg of this journey.

See more at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/525000827/reve-bleu-bugattis-blue-dream-will-finally-fly