48 hairpins in a 49.

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The owner of this Bugatti Type 49 was taking a tour of Europe with his wife and found them climbing the famous Stelvio pass with its 48 hairpin curves, one of the greatest driving roads in the world. This Type 49 was one of the first Bugatti types to feature a cooling fan. It was mounted on the camshaft. Still, as it was a hot day and to prevent overheating while climbing, the careful owner opened  the engine covers slightly by using small pieces of wood to provide extra cooling. So the car and occupants made it to the top without boiling. On the way they took this beautiful picture. It looks like as if the car wanted to spread its wings and wanted to fly to the top.

(photo Ard de Knegt; text Bart Oosterling)

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