L’Art Novo: Bugatti’s glorious past is alive at Garage Novo

“I never try and understand why we do this, it’s just natural,” says Jean Novo, “and driving a Bugatti is as natural as driving a modern car, for me it is exactly the same.”
What began as the fascinating sight of Bugatti cars thundering around the streets of Paris, Henri Novo became determined to work for the famed French automaker. Now, his son Jean keeps the family business running-as well as a number of very special Bugatti models.
What began as the fascinating sight of Bugatti cars thundering around the streets of Paris, Henri Novo became determined to work for the famed French automaker. Now, his son Jean keeps the family business running-as well as a number of very special Bugatti models.
Completely self-taught, Jean says his father Henri founded Garage Novo with an incredible instinct for mechanical devices. This is helpful because many Bugattis were essentially designed by only a few people, and for many years the only way to conduct repairs-without the original blueprints-was to re-design and rebuild parts from scratch.
Working through a time when these big old Bugattis were practically worthless, being junked or sold for scrap, Garage Novo was also depending on a handful customers who understood the importance of these machines-even though they may be a bit difficult sometimes.
“It’s a tricky car, Bugatti,” Jean says, “You’ve got to live with them, [and] you’ve got to be extremely humble.”
Live with them they do, with Jean saying his Bugatti Type-38 has covered some 200,000 km (125,000 miles) while in his care!
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[@billdavis6003]

That power slide at the end!!! YES!!

[@beegee22]

Power slide yes! ... but I thought he's nuts! It's a priceless Bugatti!

[@vincentl.9469]

@@beegee22 one thing to remember at all times- no seatbelt ! Maybe there could be a way of fitting one if you drive a Bugatti often

[@0YouCanCallMeAl0]

This is what I like to watch on your channel, real passion and appreciation. Please more videos like this, more people like this! Also: that drift at the end, LIKE A BAUS!

[@altjacobs]

***** my eyes watered up a little bit, i won't lie haha. and i cursed out loud at that drift, that was one of the most rad things I've seen in a long time

[@Carpassionist]

Couldnt agree more!! That made my day! Thx

[@humakhan80]

Nah that drift was lame

[@thhulk306]

I needed for this one to be at least 1 hr long. This is one of your best Petrolicious.

[@gracz24PL]

indeed

[@staffansvahn]

A masterpiece! Subject, camerawork, the people. Amazing work. Thank you.

[@jpm74]

Wow...I didn't think it was possible for you guys to create a film more beautiful then the one on the Ferrari 250 GTO, but this is it. This is the Petrolicious Magnum Opus. It captures the truth of what cars mean to us beyond getting from A to B. Beauty, technology, passion, family. This is a Bleu de France opera in the most iconic race car of all time. Merci Beaucoup!

[@FrankValchiria]

guys you should have done a documentary of 2 hours. i love those guys

[@IROCMAN666]

Like Novo's family, I am french and what a pleasure to watch the video ! Bugatti is a legendary trademark and it is fabulous to see how they are enthusiasts by cars and mecanic. Thank you Petrolicious to this video of this quality !

[@robo1000]

I love how his passion for those cars is timeless. he just waited for everyone else to figure out how great those cars are.

[@Muhlogan]

Excellent video filled with excellent cars. Great upload.

[@cemalabrigo]

I guess that's the only time I've seen a bugatti from that era doing a power slide... Life made right now.

[@EdwardLeeSunRiseCars]

Great teaser.... When are you making the full length documentary on this amazing family?

[@cobra1010]

What a nice story! I bought some spare parts from the Novo family. Very kind and friendly people! Vive Bugatti! Vive la France!

[@fs12000]

cobra1010 you now that Ettore Bugatti was italian?

[@kazauksp]

you know he was french too ?

[@pashakdescilly7517]

​@@fs12000 Ettore was Italian, and became French. But did you know that he set up his factory in Mulhouse when it was part of Germany, with money raised by a Spanish Basque?

[@vividvulpe9842]

best petrolicious video yet i think...(camera work, subject, etc)

[@MartinBettler]

I think that was, in my eyes, just the most touching and beautiful Petrolicious portrait I ever saw. Thx, also to the Novo family, and to Signore Bugatti. (PS. I didn't know Jaeger (LeCoultre) was doing car instruments at the time…)

[@MrELIAN602]

REALLY? drifting that car? He is the man

[@humakhan80]

That was just a baby slide

[@Datsun510zen]

What an absolute privilege to be invited into the beautiful reality this car, and it's family have created. There is no questioning Bugatti's gravitas within the collector community, but that aspect has no place in this realty. On a genetic level, these people are one and the same with their four wheel family member. The depth of love, belonging, and mutual support are plain to see here. Bravo Henri and Jean Novo. With my deepest gratitude, Ron Masters

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

spoken so richly. My 1st two viewings were just for the dialog.. like smelling a big meal cooking away.. I went about cleaning up the boat, while drifting along with Jean recollecting parts and pieces of this beautiful rich story. Then, I got to dive into L'Art~Novo with totality !

[@tunderhed]

Proud to be French. I love how this passion for a machine breaks all barriers between humanity!

[@FRC0711]

Even when I'm not really interested in the car itself, the passion and integrity on the enthusiasts in these videos always brings a smile to my face. Great piece!

[@wolfchen75]

wunderbar ! I had my second GP Bugatti restored by the grandfather ,nice to see the grandson picking up tradition

[@pignonMZ6]

My God that drift at end, bowling size balls for this gentlemen, well done!

[@biro24]

Wow, wow, and WOW.. I absolutely love your videos.. Every single story and passion behind making the story real is stunning... Thank you so much...

[@p1k68]

When you have a passion for your work, it is not work.

[@SkarnDeBrax]

English below Je suis en totalement admiration par l'histoire de votre famille et par votre travail, c'est très très très touchant. Et ça donne très envie. --- I'am really fall in love with this family, great story, great work. And as always Petrolicious, great video :D.

[@ifrit35]

FunkyBear Ah tiens, d'abord The smoking tire et maintenant ici. Toujours en avance sur moi, haha.

[@SkarnDeBrax]

Mojo hahaha :D Gros bisous alors ;-).

[@notbobchannel]

Your stories are one of the highlights of my Tuesdays now. Great job!

[@BitemeFilm]

From now on, when I want to explain to friends why I love Molsheim Bugatti's so much, I'll refer them to this film. Fantastique!

[@anderslaugeprip3733]

Greatest Petrolicious video ever! Their passion shines through, even with the humble approach they have to the work they do. This is why cars are loved, they can awake strong feelings. And driving that Type 35 like that, great show. Gave me a feeling of what racing was like in their hay day.

[@christokinieriem8796]

If I could give a thousand thumbs up, I will.

[@leloodallasmultipass]

Christo Kinieriem you can. you just have to create a thousand usernames, you friggin lazy whiner.

[@autourdesguitares3845]

Cela fait plaisir de voir cet héritage se perpétuer! L'amour du travail bien fait, et hors du temps! Bravo!

[@seatsotoca]

Congratulations it is a great restoration job. Regards from Barcelona Spain

[@K03021817]

That's how I like to see cars driven. Like they were made to be driven. Instead of some climate controlled garage to delicate to drive

[@AhnkoCheeOutdoors]

Each car a unique piece of art, an individual with a personality of it's own. Amazing video, thank you very much!

[@ibatman6148]

this is what the car world is. passion. the video almost made me emotional. this are not just cars this are very very rare and priceless pieces of art. this is a car i wouldn't take a pic of when i see because i would cherish the moment of its sight. just look at it and enjoy thay moment. smile at it

[@BruceBoschek]

Marvelous video and wonderful cars and people. Thank you.

[@Kalia51]

Really inspiring. You should be so proud to be part of the preservation of this part of history. Bravo

[@jamesk3889]

thank you Petrolicious, This was by far my favourite Petro video and perhaps the best auto vid ever, certainly in a a long time. Like some of the other comments I would absolutely love to see a longer feature going into even more detail. As a viewer listening to each of the family members philosophy of the Bugatti brand was heartwarming. Especially the glint in the eye of Fred a proud father speaking of the next generation, his daughter Lou Novo and having us imagine her possible involvement in the family legacy. Again thank you

[@CarlosGonzalez-yv1tg]

My goodness, this is solid gold!!!, Had so much joy watching it

[@Lifeguruonafence]

Didn't expect that at the end! Fantastic !

[@bariandrachoesin2052]

That last powerslide!

[@Mycarnoises]

Amazing video, simply amazing!! I really love this channel, its not just another motoring yt channel its video art, beautifully done so we can appreciate the histories and passion from the cars restorers and owners like this one.. Congratulations

[@ardishinigami8258]

really awesome videos my friend... greetings from indonesia ...

[@Billbothebear14]

What a show.. I am subscribed and a keen viewer of your films, but this.! this is far and away the best of some very wonderful work. Just magic. On film. Gorgeous..thank you so much. WF

[@Dnrice]

This was one of the best videos I've seen. Never loved Bugatti until this story.

[@retroracingshirt591]

***** lol, this "story" is shit compared to the brands history.

[@bicyclexx7]

Thank you so much for this expose of this wonderful family

[@rantos9]

These cars are so magnificent and unattainable and yet these very humble, simple, practical men get to drive them to the fullest, not babying them. The world is really a surprising place, what a great history.

[@elrayox8932]

I visited the Bugatti Museum in Mulhouse some years back. Bit of a drive from Paris and back, but worth it. Fantastic cars!

[@ANDYSOUND1]

This is a jewel of a video in Petrolicious' catalog... and that's considering they already have many amazing productions. I don't know if it's the cinematic look and the interview format, or my fascination with the sublime Bugatti automotive art, resurrected by worthy craftsmanship with the passion to drive them and the hope to continue their tradition. This represents EVERYTHING that's good for us, gearheads!

[@MitchDenham]

Not much of a fan old old motors (I respect and appreciate them); but this video was just so interesting, and I really enjoyed listening to the history. Great video.

[@MrJamesknot]

Best video yet...thank you Petrolicious!

[@raydm4015]

Amazing video as always!

[@DrehzahlDieter]

the best video so far on this channel. and that powerslide at the end. me gusta

[@teamsleepnine]

that powerslide at the end!!!GOLD!

[@Xck--Chll-Caton]

Beautiful Story, Amazing History...

[@michaelolabarriaga9640]

Masterpiece! What an unreal story!!

[@Jul205Rallye]

dire que je passe tout le temps devant ..... ! Quel plaisir de croiser des bugatti en pleine rue de temps en temps !

[@bothermetomorrow]

Great video! Keeping these cars on the road is what it is all about. Wow, 200,000 km.!

[@reneporsche6884]

Art + Engineering = Passion

[@joelsittler6997]

woowww, thats amazing. that video almost had a Wes Anderson feel to it. love it :)

[@cartoonfelix]

Merci,très beau reportage..

[@markzzzsmith]

Jay Leno obviously has his own car show/channel on KZbin, however I think it'd be great to have him do a Petrolicious video with one of his favourite cars (perhaps one of the more obscure ones he hasn't done on his show - there is a grey rally style car - maybe a Peugeot - in the background of a number of his videos that would be interesting to hear about)

[@beegee22]

Great video - but it was too short! I was left wanting more. These men drive them as they were meant to be driven. They really have a relationship with these cars.

[@TheNSidwell]

Amazing video. I love these little hidden stories. Beautifully shot with a story well-told. Where do you find the subject matter? Great!

[@sagasky]

Beautiful video, and beautiful story!

[@TheAslakVind]

These workshops, with the old master. Who knows, how to make everything precisely as it should have been. Seen the new generation there as well, warms my heart.

[@Abe_Sheen]

What a wonderful video. Sharing the passion of unknown people who loves what they do and putting all of it in such nicely done videos is what makes Petrolicious what it is: a true enthusiasts channel. Keep the good work, guys!

[@tigim101]

I grinned from ear to ear when I saw that power slide at the end! Awesome! Someone make that a gif!

[@StevenVanLoven]

Again a masterpiece of a video! Thanks !

[@buffle60]

Thanks again Petrolicious, Beautiful video as always!

[@SaltFlatMonte]

Amazing story and short film. Would love to see more. For now I'll settle for re-watching it.

[@silvernail6]

It is stories like this on Petrolicious that renders this YT site as an oasis from the insanity, centered on my favorite subject, with a depth that is untouched by the "media"......

[@christianovelocedegroot1455]

A really, really nice video! Thanks! This is what cars and mechanics are all about.

[@russellaycock3703]

The type 38 driven by the father is perfection - beautiful machine

[@oriansanvari5268]

This was amazing! Thanks for the great video.

[@shakespeare_hall4788]

Bravo! PETRO you continue to show how passion and art come together in the human spirit and you show how its not about the money It's about the relationship between man and machine and knowing & understanding ever inch of your machine to create the harmony of the journey together Thank you!

[@patrickrollins2710]

That slide at the end was so badass

[@peterlukac8458]

That´s clear automobile art!

[@Coflat6]

The best video of Petrolicious, Bugatti is an astonishing brand!

[@gmund.]

Awesome... Quelle passion, quelle histoire... Je suis admiratif

[@ElCaPiTaNelalelu]

Great Video!!! I think, that the early cars are more like a machine on wheels. I'm fascinated about the feeling which surrounds them...

[@skorpinox]

They don't make them like this anymore!

[@MrTrapper28]

Enjoyed every second of it. Your dad looked after you well!

[@PsynceFiction]

Amazimng piece of art. Great movie indeed!

[@cobra3289]

I enjoied every minute of this video..

[@petter6710]

Brilliant!! Just this one time please make episode 2

[@mtnman6557]

Yet another classy video; thanks.

[@frenchbibiche]

The family and the cars share interesting stories, I really love the end... drift touch!!

[@Dabber422]

A+ top of my list for best video/story loved all of it....

[@barryphillips7327]

REAL cars with SOUL spirit passion EVERYTHING that modern EVs SUVs desperately LACK and NEVER will have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Teamshmo]

Did my eyes deceive me or did he just drift very old, rare, and expensive Bugatti?

[@dedelabinouze5110]

+Team Shmo I prefer to see it running, drove, and even drove hard than to see it sitting in a museum like a shell.

[@jakemcdonnell4200]

many bugattis at the time were the fastest cars. they were built for this. he is doing it a favour lol

[@moparpirate4628]

love it wonderful I love to see these classic cars being used repaired and owned by people aren't afraid to get dirty and don't have a seven figure bank account its also great to see people learning by trying and teaching themselves god bless

[@majestymanny123]

Its like car channel know what Im thinking and want lately, I've just been dreaming of owning early Bugatti's and then here this video is

[@mattclose1439]

A whole new level for Petrolicious. Excellent

[@zemina11]

Best video for long time!!! ;)

[@communismman1471]

That one was the best keep up the good work

[@TheGel69]

Tres beau documentaire, quoique un peu court a mon gout. J'irai volontier leur rendre visite lors de mon prochain passage en France.

[@Jul205Rallye]

Guillaume Laplanche J'ose jamais m'y arrêter ....

[@TheGel69]

il faut il faut, juste pour partager l'amour des belles choses

[@airstrings]

That last shot was sweet

[@misomojzita]

never seen drifting Bugatti 35 before, superb!

[@turbop]

Amazing, so inspiring to hear!

[@georgipartsalev6193]

Shame that Petrolicious' most beautiful episode has been seen by so few people. The scenery, the family, the heritage... and that totally awesome ending :)

[@neo69121]

Amazing video, Id really like to see a whole documentary about these guys