BUGATTI TAKES CALIFORNIA: THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Some of the most incredible four-wheeled works of art prove that cars were built for driving!

                                 Veyron entering Santa Barbara Mission. (Jim Palam photo)

The 2010 International Bugatti Rally, hosted by the American Bugatti Club, wrapped up today at a brunch in Malibu on California’s Pacific Coast. It signaled the end of Monterey Madness vintage automotive activities, following a week of signature events that included the Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca and the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach. The Rally toured some of California's most beautiful scenery: A drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, winding through the Santa Cruz Mountains, touring along the cliffs of Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean and meandering back roads of California's wine country.

Along the way, they visited a steam railroad, toured the Hearst Castle in San Simeon and strolled the shops at Solvang, a quaint Danish Village. There were also stops at historic California Missions via the back roads of Santa Barbara. Photo, left, by Jim Palam.

My good friend, Jim Palam, who owns a graphic arts and advertising agency in Santa Barbara, CA http://www.jimpalam.com/, happened to be at the Santa Barbara Mission when the rally cars arrived.

                                 Veyron, vintage Bugattis at the Mission. (Jim Palam Photo)

“There were some 60 magnificent cars - all drivers - including Type 35s, 40s, 45s, 50, 55 and more from Italy, France, Germany and the U.S. There were also two modern Bugattis including a Silver Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport,” said Jim who back in the day in New York used to crew on the legendary ‘Astoria Chas’ Snyder 1967 KO-MOTION L-88 Corvette built by Motion Performance. 

                                Peter Mullin's new French Automotive Museum. 

The Rally officially concluded on Saturday in Oxnard with a reception at Peter Mullin's new French Automotive Museum, followed by brunch today at a private estate in Malibu.

For more information about the American Bugatti Club (ABC), Jim Palam Photo, above, and its events, please visit http://www.americanbugatticlub.org/