Franklin Mint’s original rendering of this long and lanky classic stood out boldly in any diecast automobile collection. The car itself was legend. When the remake was announced, many folks cried, “foul”; the car was a one-off and only came in two-toned green. Franklin Mint’s design manager/D4C contributor, Raffi Minasian, weighed in on the Bulletin Board and gave this brilliant account, “As most of you probably know, the full sized green and green car is a replica. The original car had the stunning two door coachwork removed and the chassis was rebodied creating one of the now extant 6 Royales. After the change of ownership at the former Schlumpf Museum in France, the one remaining Royale chassis underwent an extensive development program for rebody under the direction of noted designer Paul Bracq.”

He went on to say, “Using some of the most sophisticated computer modeling, Bracq was able to reconstruct the massive body while still maintaining the majestic lines of Jean Bugatti’s masterpiece. While the body was under development, Bracq worked with a series of rendering proposals for the final execution and rendered the two-tone red and gray proposal based on design considerations from historic Bugatti records. There is no supporting documentation that remains for the exact two tone green colors used on the contemporary Esders rebody. Many other color considerations were offered at the time, including one with the headlights installed as well as the traditional blue and red Bugatti color scheme. This repaint offered by FM is a representation of Paul Bracq’s rendering proposal.” There’s even more history about the car in the back of FM’s Collector’s guide, furnished with the model.

In hand, the new replica is simply stunning! This issue was ahead of its time when initially offered in June of 1995. It came with working suspension, elegantly hinged doors with jamb spacers that hold the doors tightly closed, a fabric-covered top, working arm rests and opening rumble seat. The craftsmanship of the model is solid and the finish beyond compare. Between the metallic gray and red paint is a minutely thin red pin stripe that runs the length of the coachwork. Then just as beautifully done is another that borders the lower end of the long and swooping fender line. Completing the gorgeous presentation is a red stripe surround of each of the five wheel centers. There’s a real wood dash, great detail to the interior, excellent reproduction under each hood half and a perfectly fitting top.

This is an absolutely exquisite Royale Roadster and equally spectacular modeling; well done FM, I am very grateful for this re-issue.

-Tony F Perrone