Description

The Bugatti Type 16 was one of several early models designed by Ettore Bugatti during the formative years of his independent car-making enterprise. Developed in the 1910s, the Type 16 was closely related to its siblings in the Type 13 to Type 17 family, all of which shared key mechanical components and a common design philosophy rooted in lightweight construction, advanced engineering, and driver-focused performance.

At its core, the Type 16 was powered by a four-cylinder engine featuring a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder—a highly innovative layout for the time. This 1.4-litre engine was a slight enlargement over the 1.3-litre unit used in the earlier Type 13, providing a modest but meaningful increase in power. The combination of high-revving capability and efficient combustion gave the Type 16 a surprisingly lively character, especially when paired with its low weight and compact proportions.

The chassis of the Type 16 followed Bugatti’s typical formula of minimalism and balance. With its relatively short wheelbase and narrow track, the car was agile and easy to maneuver—ideal for the tight and uneven roads of the early 20th century. Like other Bugattis of the period, the Type 16 featured finely crafted mechanical components, with an emphasis on durability and precision. It was this attention to mechanical detail that helped earn Bugatti its early reputation for quality and performance.

Visually, the Type 16 was elegant and understated, with slender bodywork, upright seating, and the iconic horseshoe-shaped radiator that would go on to become a Bugatti hallmark. The car was typically delivered as an open two-seater, though like many early models, it could be fitted with bespoke coachwork to suit the tastes of individual clients. The design was clean and purposeful, reflecting Ettore Bugatti’s belief that beauty came naturally from good engineering.

While the Type 16 was not produced in large numbers and did not achieve the fame of the later Brescia models, it was nonetheless an important stepping stone in the evolution of the Bugatti brand. It embodied the essential qualities that would come to define Bugatti for decades: innovation, elegance, and a relentless pursuit of performance through lightweight, efficient design.