This extraordinary train is currently on display in Paris! The Bugatti Railcar, an iconic model from the 1930s, is being showcased at the Retromobile Show at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, from January 28 to February 1, 2026. Measuring 23 meters in length, as noted by our colleagues at Actu Paris, this remarkable piece of railway history represents the last remaining example of the series developed by Bugatti. Visitors can explore this historic locomotive since the event’s opening, dedicated to collectible vehicles and the history of transportation.
Weighing around 40 tons, the Bugatti railcar is powered by several engines derived from the Royale series, originally designed for automobiles. Usually housed at the Cité du Train – SNCF, Europe's largest railway museum, it was transported to Paris on January 23 via a special convoy. At the time of its debut, this vehicle stood out for its impressive performance, reaching a top speed of 194 km/h—surpassing the speeds of the steam trains then in service.
The Bugatti railcar was also used by President Albert Lebrun during a time when trains were the primary mode of transportation for the head of state. It remains one of the few presidential carriages still in existence. Its display at the Retromobile show offers an opportunity to explore the evolution of railway travel, the industrial ambitions of the interwar period, and the challenges involved in preserving railway heritage. It also invites reflection on the place of such historic pieces in our contemporary world. A must-see for train enthusiasts and heritage lovers alike!
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Location
Paris Expo - Porte de Versailles
1 Place de la Porte de Versailles
75015 Paris 15
Booking
www.retromobile.com
