EX-Bugatti ‘Blue Factory’ becomes museum

On 19 September, Campogalliano's famous Bugatti ‘Blue Factory’ near Modena hosted a gathering of EB110s. Organised by the newly formed Bugatti Automobili Campogalliano Historical-Cultural Association, it’s made up of former employees and volunteers who have taken care of the disused factory over the last 30 years. In attendance was founder, Romano Artioli, as well as Giampaolo Benedini (designer of the factory and the EB110) and Loris Bicocchi (test driver).

On display was the very first EB110 (the 1991 Paris show car), plus two racing cars: the blue one that raced at Le Mans in 1994 and the silver one from the 1995 IMSA Championship. Inside the plant, the Centodieci prototype was also on show. A small area also displayed objects, books, photographs and mechanical components.

The plant will henceforth house a car museum and classic car maintenance hub. Part of the space will also be allocated to Modena University, which runs automotive degree courses. So after 30 years of hibernation, a second life awaits the futuristic ‘Blue Factory’ – Matteo Grazia