Ten Francs Silver 2003 Historical Cars - Bugatti Royale-Napoleon, Coin from Congo, Democratic Republic of the - detailed information

The Democratic Republic of the Congo normally uses banknotes for circulation, and does not issue coins in the Congolese Franc currency. However, the country has authorised some foreign mints to issue commemorative and bullion coins under its jurisdiction.

Most of them are in standard bullion sizes, but some are not. CIT issued a series of silver 10 Francs and Five Francs in their own format, in 25 to 27 grams of silver. The coins are considered "Non-Circulating Legal Tender" (NCLT) and not bullion because they are issued at prices higher than their bullion value and are targeted at collectors who appreciate them for their artistic or sentimental value, and not at investors in precious metals.

This coin is part of the Historical Cars collection, and features the 1927 Bugatti Royale-Napoleon.

The body of this car was judged as the nicest design of the time. Nevertheless only 7(!) coupes of this type were built between 1927 and 1933. This exclusive car was equipped with a 12,7 l 8 cylinder motor with 300 PS at 1,700 rpm. With a weight of 3,2 tons and gas consumption 50 l /100 km - 68 l cooling water were required, and 23 l motor oil. When in second gear (there were three in total), its speed was 145 km/h; the max speed was never reached due to limitation of the road conditions at the time.