Original Molsheim Bugatti Vise Nr. 52 (Matching Numbers!)

A historic masterpiece of automotive history: original Ettore Bugatti workshop vice (“Bugatti Vise”) from the 1920s – matching components, body number 52

Offered for sale is an exceptional piece of automobilia: an original workshop vice personally designed by company founder Ettore Bugatti for use at the legendary Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France. These mechanical works of art were manufactured during the 1920s exclusively for use within the factory, where they contributed to the construction of celebrated racing cars such as the Type 35. They were also reportedly used during Bugatti’s famously demanding recruitment test for factory mechanics.

Special features and condition:

* Historically authentic: A genuine Molsheim-made example, rather than an English Paramo or Tula reproduction. It can be identified by its characteristic flowing form, the absence of an integrated anvil surface and the lack of cast-in logos.

* Documented matching components: The main body bears the original stamped Molsheim workshop number 52.

* Authentic components: The original internal precision bronze component carries the corresponding batch or fitting number 252. This supports the originality of the assembly and indicates that the vice was not later constructed from unrelated components as a so-called “Franken-vise”.

* Ingenious functionality: Equipped with its original 360-degree rotating mechanism and a single central mounting bolt, allowing it to be secured quickly to a workbench.

Fewer than 30 original examples from this period of industrial history are believed to have survived worldwide. Bearing the historically significant workshop number 52, this highly exclusive collector’s item represents a rare opportunity for discerning Bugatti enthusiasts, museums and leading collectors of important automobilia.