Description
The Bugatti Type 13 Torpedo was a variation of the original Bugatti Type 13, featuring a specific body style known as the “Torpedo.” This body design was sleek and aerodynamic, with a long, narrow profile and an open-top configuration, which was popular during the early 20th century. The Torpedo body style emphasized speed and elegance, fitting perfectly with Bugatti’s ethos of creating lightweight, performance-oriented vehicles.
Underneath, the Type 13 Torpedo was powered by the same advanced four-cylinder engine as the standard Type 13. Initially offered with a 1.3-liter engine, the displacement was later increased to 1.5 liters. With overhead camshaft technology, the engine produced around 30 horsepower, which was quite impressive for a car of its size and weight. This allowed the car to reach top speeds of around 80 km/h (50 mph), and it had excellent handling due to its lightweight construction, weighing approximately 500 kilograms.
The Type 13’s compact design and innovative engineering made it highly successful in racing, and the Torpedo body style was particularly suited to competition. The car gained fame after its dominant performance at the 1921 Brescia Grand Prix, where Bugatti cars took the top four places. This success earned the Type 13 the nickname “Bugatti Brescia.”
The Type 13 Torpedo featured an open cockpit, seating for two or four passengers, and minimalist styling that focused on performance rather than luxury. The car’s simplicity, combined with Bugatti’s technical expertise, made it a favorite among drivers who appreciated precision engineering and agility.
Today, the Bugatti Type 13 Torpedo is a highly prized collector’s item, valued for its historical significance as one of the earliest successful racing cars and as a key model in Bugatti’s early development. Its combination of advanced technology, motorsport heritage, and elegant design makes it a standout among early 20th-century automobiles.