Description
The Bugatti Type 13 Brescia is one of the most significant early models in Bugatti’s history, earning its name after a stunning victory at the **1921 Brescia Grand Prix** in Italy, where the car secured the top four positions. This victory marked Bugatti’s first major motorsport success and solidified the Type 13’s reputation as a formidable racing machine.
The Bugatti Type 13 had already been in production since 1910, but it was the 1921 race that brought the “Brescia” moniker into use, recognizing the car’s dominance in the event. The Type 13 Brescia was powered by a **1.5-liter four-cylinder engine**, featuring an overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder—advanced technology for the time. This engine produced **around 40 horsepower**, allowing the car to achieve speeds of up to **100 km/h** (62 mph), which was remarkable for a car of its size and era.
Weighing just **490 kilograms**, the Bugatti Type 13 Brescia was extremely lightweight, giving it excellent acceleration and agility. Its low weight, combined with its innovative engine and superior handling, made it highly competitive in racing. The car’s small, compact design also contributed to its performance on tight, twisty circuits, where its nimbleness allowed it to outperform larger, more powerful competitors.
The car was available with both two- and four-seat configurations, and it typically featured an open-top body, reflecting the design trends of the time. The Type 13 Brescia’s styling was minimalist, with a focus on function over luxury, but it still maintained Bugatti’s signature elegance.
The Bugatti Type 13 Brescia remained in production until 1926 and became a defining model for the brand. Its success in racing helped establish Bugatti’s reputation for building fast, reliable, and beautifully engineered cars. Today, the Brescia version of the Type 13 is highly sought after by collectors due to its motorsport pedigree and historical importance in Bugatti’s early years.