Bugatti: 26 Stunning Pictures From The A-Z Car Archive

Mention the name 'Bugatti' and images of record-breaking speed, luxury and beauty will spring to mind. That's been Bugatti's ethos since 1909 when the iconic French car maker was born. And long may it continue.

Now a respected brand, Bugatti's past, however, was anything but a success story. Under leadership from Bugatti founder Ettore Bugatti, only 8000 vehicles were sold. After his death in 1947, the company's profile declined until 1952 when the car maker finally closed its doors. An attempt by an Italian entrepreneur to bring the brand back in the 1980s failed. And so it was that Volkswagen took the reigns in 1998. Under the German giant's control Bugatti was raised from the ashes and transformed into the desirable and super-exclusive company we know and love today. Here's an in-depth look at the machines created throughout Bugatti's tumultuous journey.

Veyron - King Of The Road

The History Books

Bugatti's Future

Image sources: Bugatti, GF Williams, PopbangColour.com, gstylezprodigy, jmvdesign, Jakusa Design