The guardian over 20 Bugatti

Mr Utzeri, you were born in Wolfsburg and your parents came from Italy. Two worlds, two cultures. What has shaped you?

I actually grew up with two hearts: Italian culture at home and German culture outside and at school. And in Wolfsburg, you inevitably grow up with Volkswagen. Cars are with you from an early age. This mixture has strongly influenced me - an affinity for technology on the one hand, passion and emotion on the other.

When did Bugatti come into your life?

After studying mechanical engineering in Hamburg, I initially ended up in test engineering at Volkswagen. At the same time, Piëch's idea of reviving Bugatti grew. In this early phase, there was a lack of structures, workshops and processes - a lot of things were improvised. I was asked if I could go to Italy because I spoke the language and knew the suppliers. There I worked with companies like Brembo or ATR and helped them to immerse themselves in the world of Volkswagen. Those were my first steps at Bugatti. In the end, it turned into more than 20 years in various roles.

And today you manage the Zeithaus at the Autostadt. How did this come about?

When Bugatti was sold to Rimac, over 50 prototypes, design models and one-offs were left behind at Bugatti Engineering in Wolfsburg. I was given the task of looking after these vehicles. Some of them were sold, but 20 cars remained in the possession of Volkswagen. They are now part of the Autostadt collection. And because I knew the history better than almost anyone else, it made sense for the management to give me responsibility for this collection and the entire Zeithaus.

How many Bugatti vehicles actually exist?

A total of 450 of the Veyron and 500 of the Chiron were built, so just under 1,000 production vehicles worldwide. There are also around 50 to 80 development and concept vehicles. Some of them are now here in Wolfsburg.

That almost sounds like a guardian of the Holy Grail role. Is that how you see yourself?

(laughs) It's true: I was closely involved with Bugatti for over two decades, I know the customers, the cars, the whole story of how they came to be. So it makes sense that I am also seen as the guardian of these vehicles. But I'm less interested in preservation alone - I'm interested in telling the story.

Bugatti is synonymous with the automotive legend. What makes it so special?

In the combination of past and present. A hundred years ago, Ettore Bugatti created cars that were way ahead of their time. The Type 35 racing cars and over 2,000 Grand Prix victories wrote motorsport history. And when you see a Veyron or Chiron today, you immediately feel this aura again: it is not just a car, but a myth that lives on. People travel long distances, invest time and emotion because they want to be part of this history.

Is Bugatti more of a car or more of an art form for you?

Both. From a technical point of view, a Bugatti is a masterpiece, but the beauty of the shapes, the attention to detail, the individualisation - that takes it beyond the purely automotive. Many customers buy Bugatti not as a status symbol, but as a personal work of art. They take their time, spending days in the studio to fine-tune every detail. It's a very emotional process.

The cliché says: Bugatti customers are only very rich people. Is money really the only criterion?

Of course, money is the prerequisite. But that's not the whole truth. There are collectors who are looking for exclusivity. And there are drivers who want to experience the fascination on the road. For both, the Bugatti is not just a trophy. It is a piece of passion. Many of these people no longer have to prove anything to anyone.

You yourself - do you have a favourite model?

Yes, the Veyron Super Sport. For me, it's the ultimate car: technically brilliant, strong in design, with that elegant rear end. I would take it in blue carbon fibre with polished aluminium accents. Sporty, but incredibly classy at the same time.

How much Volkswagen is in Bugatti?

A whole lot - but not visible. No emblem, no identical parts, just expertise. Most of the engineers came from the Group, the engine idea from Piëch. Every part was newly developed for Bugatti. This was manual labour at the highest level, carried out by Volkswagen engineers.

You have already mentioned that Bugatti celebrated over 2,000 Grand Prix victories in the 1920s. How do you experience the brand's appeal today?

Unbroken. There are Bugatti fan clubs all over the world, and the enthusiasm spans generations. I recently experienced this in Molsheim at the 20th anniversary of the Veyron. People travel halfway around the world just to be there with their car. This passion makes Bugatti unique and shows The myth is alive.

Bugatti is not a car for the masses. How does that fit into the Group that also builds the Golf?

This was precisely Piëch's idea: to cover the entire spectrum of mobility, from motorbikes to Bugatti, from vans to lorries. And Bugatti was to be the lighthouse.

What role does the Autostadt play overall - beyond the Zeithaus?

For me, the Autostadt is a unique place where mobility can be experienced. It's not just about presenting vehicles, but also about culture, history and future topics. Families, technology fans, design enthusiasts - they all find access to the world of the automobile here. The architecture, the pavilions, the exhibitions: It's an overall experience. We want to arouse emotions and impart knowledge at the same time. For me, the Autostadt is far more than just a Volkswagen showcase - it is a cultural place that builds bridges between the past, present and future.

We have somewhat omitted one topic in connection with Bugatti: let's finish by talking about luxury. What does luxury mean to you personally?

For me, luxury has little to do with money or cars. Luxury is time - with my family, with friends, doing sport, cooking, reading. Luxury is driving my son to school or talking to my daughter about her studies. Cars are nice, no question. But when my children aren't doing well, it hurts me. And when they are well, that is my greatest luxury.