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Collectors

Nicola Bulgari, the Italian who saved the America of the automobile

Photo Credit Renato Zacchia

The motorization of the world as we know it commenced with the magnificent American cars of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Why? Because they were produced in large numbers, therefore with all the precision of modern industries, and came with great quality and refinement even if they were intended for the general public.

Left to right four of Nicola Bulgari’s cars: 1936 Packard 120B Touring Sedan, 1937 Studebaker J5 Coupe Express, 1934 Buick McLaughlin Model 96C Convertible Coupe

If you take a look at the important collections, however, you soon realize that these cars are missing. Everyone is busy chasing rarities, forgetting the beginning of the great car adventure entirely. Combining an acute sensitivity for beauty and culture derived from his profession of a great jeweller and a passion for automobiles, Nicola Bulgari – who does not know the magnificent shop on Via Condotti in Rome? – decided to collect the great American cars of those years, restoring them with a team of technicians who, over time, became a sort of “academy”.

Nicola Bulgari driving a 1934 Chrysler Airflow  6-passenger Sedan

In addition to restoring and maintaining the cars of the “The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage” located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, young technicians are given the opportunity to learn the sophisticated techniques of the past and acquire valuable skills for the future of car collecting.

Bulgari and a grump from his team. Left to right: Jon, Chris, Jeff, Scott and Kris

In addition to the buildings of the collection, Bulgari also created a road that stretches a couple of miles, acquiring an abandoned drive-in area so that his approximately 300 cars are always in perfect working order. Isn’t it strange that an Italian who comes from the automotive wonderland made this choice? No, on the contrary, that part of American history was fundamental across the Atlantic too, helping develop refined brands such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati which came onto the market and brought with them a unique message of European technology and elegance.

The car in front is a Nash Advanced 8 Sedan
DeSoto Deluxe S-10 Sedan del 1942 on the road inside the property
One of the buildings of “The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage” with a 1934 Buick Model 61 Club Sedan in front