April 28 and 29 April Christie's Paris presents the Interiors auction, where for the first time, collector's cars are highlighted. Objects from the collection Fritz Schlumpf, we find the Baby 52, a true replica of the type Bugatti 35, the legendary racing car of the 1930s. This toy was coveted as a gift by families loyal to the Bugatti brand and became the toy of rich children in the interwar period. – a gift that is now estimated at between €30.000 and €50.000. Motorists will also appreciate a curious sofa installed in the back of the Chevrolet Bel Air, estimated at €3.000 to €4.000. Bicycles, pedal cars and memorabilia complete this selection of the best means of transport of the 20th century.
The Baby 52 from 1930, it is a toy model in painted aluminum, electric motor and leather accessories. The dashboard has a bridge with pressure gauge and inverter with seat shift to the right. Length: 193cm. Wheelbase: 133cm. (Long version. Carries an engraved plaque on the left side of the dashboard Fritz Schlumpf Malmerspach (Ht Reno) and numbered 37 behind the back.
The Baby 52 is the faithful ½ scale replica of the Famous Grand Prix Bugatti Type 35, the legendary racing car that won almost all victories between 1925 and 1927.
Originally designed by Ettore Bugatti for his second son, 5-year-old Roland, it first has an engine, then it will be modified to accommodate an electric motor, also to suit children aged 6 to 8. Ettore presented this second version at the Milan Fair in 1927, where he won with great success and would later launch the production of this luxury toy in small series.
The car can reach speeds of 15 to 20 km/h depending on the 12-volt battery that drives the Paris-Rhone engine.
Its price was very important – around 5000 francs – and it was obviously intended for the children of the brand's wealthy customers. Thus, some royal families become owners, including the prince of Morocco in 1929 and the future King Baudouin in 1932. Hergé immortalized also made this album in 'Tintin in the Land of Black Gold', where the young Abdullah received a Bugatti Baby from his father.
