Description

The Bugatti Type 19 Torpedo was one of the lesser-known but still important members of the early Bugatti family of light cars, built during the 1910s as part of Ettore Bugatti’s effort to refine and expand his lineup of advanced, high-quality automobiles. Closely related to the Type 13 through Type 17 series, the Type 19 continued Bugatti’s pursuit of combining compact dimensions with technical innovation and elegant design, while offering more space and comfort for touring.

Mechanically, the Type 19 shared much of its architecture with the earlier Bugatti models, particularly the advanced four-cylinder engine design. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder—a highly sophisticated setup for the period. With a displacement of around 1.4 litres, it provided strong and responsive performance for a small car, and its free-revving nature made it a pleasure to drive. The focus was on lightweight efficiency rather than brute power, staying true to Ettore Bugatti’s belief that “weight is the enemy.”

The “Torpedo” body style of the Type 19 indicated a streamlined open touring design, typically with seating for four and a gracefully sloping tail. This configuration was fashionable in the 1910s and suited the car’s intended role as a practical yet stylish vehicle for longer journeys. The longer chassis, compared to sportier variants like the Type 13, allowed for more generous passenger space and improved ride comfort, while still maintaining the agility and poise that early Bugattis were known for.

Design-wise, the Type 19 displayed the clean lines and balanced proportions that would become a Bugatti signature. Its narrow frame, upright seating position, and signature horseshoe radiator gave it an unmistakable presence, even in this more restrained touring form. The craftsmanship was evident in every detail, from the precision of the mechanical components to the coachbuilt bodywork that could vary slightly from one car to another.

Although it was not a high-production model and did not see the racing success of its more famous siblings, the Bugatti Type 19 Torpedo played a key role in broadening the appeal of the Bugatti brand. It combined innovative engineering with touring comfort and refined styling, offering early customers a taste of Bugatti’s philosophy: building elegant, lightweight cars that were as satisfying to drive as they were to behold.