The fastest lorries in Europe

We all know the quote. Ettore Bugatti is famously said to have commented that "Monsieur Bentley builds the fastest lorries in Europe."

Effectively, his svelte little racing cars could not match the Bentleys for endurance, and were hard pressed to take them on in pace, too. But where did he say the famous phrase? And in the context, was he being complimentary ("fastest") or derogatory ("lorries")?

Damning with faint praise I suspect.

Tim, it's a wonder you haven't had him dug up and shot for such heresy. ;)

My favourite Ettore Bugatti quote arose from an occasionn when one of his drivers came in to the pits complaining of very poor braking performance. Ettore replied, "I builda my cars to go fast, not to stop!"

Originally posted by TimD
We all know the quote. Ettore Bugatti is famously said to have commented that "Monsieur Bentley builds the fastest lorries in Europe."

Effectively, his svelte little racing cars could not match the Bentleys for endurance, and were hard pressed to take them on in pace, too. But where did he say the famous phrase? And in the context, was he being complimentary ("fastest") or derogatory ("lorries")?

coming from the man who built the Royale, i would say it was acknowledging the superiority of a rival.