Description

The Bugatti Type 15 was one of the earliest models produced by Ettore Bugatti during the formative years of his company, closely related to the pioneering Type 13. Developed in the early 1910s, the Type 15 shared much of its mechanical architecture with its predecessor but featured a longer wheelbase and was aimed more at touring than competition, offering greater comfort and practicality for everyday motoring.

Mechanically, the Type 15 retained the same basic 1.3-litre inline four-cylinder engine used in the Type 13, featuring a single overhead camshaft and advanced four-valve-per-cylinder layout. This was a notable engineering feat for the time and gave the car excellent performance characteristics, especially considering its modest engine displacement. While not intended as a full race car, the Type 15 could still deliver lively performance and nimble handling thanks to its relatively light weight and efficient chassis design.

The extended chassis of the Type 15 allowed for more spacious bodywork, which made it more suitable for use as a touring vehicle. This longer wheelbase also contributed to a smoother ride, making it a more refined and versatile car for customers who desired both performance and comfort. Several coachbuilt bodies were fitted to the Type 15 chassis, ranging from simple two-seaters to more luxurious four-seat configurations, reflecting the tastes and needs of early Bugatti clientele.

Stylistically, the Type 15 exhibited the same attention to detail and proportion that would become a hallmark of Bugatti design. Though modest in size, the car’s elegant lines, fine craftsmanship, and mechanical sophistication made it stand out among its contemporaries. Features like the signature horseshoe radiator and precisely machined components demonstrated Ettore Bugatti’s dual commitment to engineering excellence and aesthetic appeal.

Today, the Bugatti Type 15 is recognized as a key stepping stone in the development of the Bugatti brand. It bridged the gap between the raw, racing-focused early models and the more refined touring cars that would follow, offering a glimpse into the company’s evolving philosophy of blending speed, style, and sophistication in equal measure.