Description

The Bugatti Type 22 Brescia was a key evolution of the earlier Type 13 and represented the refined culmination of Bugatti’s early racing and engineering success. Built in the early 1920s, the Type 22 was part of the celebrated “Brescia” series—named after Bugatti’s remarkable 1-2-3-4 finish at the 1921 Brescia Grand Prix. These cars helped to establish the Bugatti name as a dominant force in lightweight, high-performance motoring.

The Type 22 Brescia featured the same hallmark four-cylinder engine that defined the series: a 1.5-litre unit with a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. This design was highly advanced for its time and gave the car a rev-happy character and efficient power delivery. With approximately 50 horsepower and a light curb weight, the Type 22 offered lively acceleration and a top speed that could approach 130 km/h—impressive figures for a car in the early 1920s.

Unlike the original two-seat racing-focused Type 13, the Type 22 offered a slightly longer chassis and often came with four-seat bodywork, making it a more versatile car for both road use and light competition. This added practicality did not compromise its dynamic qualities. The handling remained precise and agile, aided by the car’s compact dimensions and well-balanced chassis. As a result, the Type 22 was a popular choice for gentleman drivers seeking a car that could deliver both thrilling performance and everyday usability.

Visually, the Type 22 Brescia retained the slender, upright proportions of its predecessors. Signature features included the horseshoe-shaped radiator, delicate cycle wings, and spoked wheels. The coachwork varied depending on the customer’s specifications, but most cars featured minimal, open bodies with simple yet elegant lines that reflected Bugatti’s engineering-focused design ethos.

The Bugatti Type 22 Brescia holds an important place in automotive history as one of the first truly successful production sports cars. Its combination of lightweight construction, technical innovation, and racing pedigree set the tone for future Bugatti models and helped to define the brand’s legendary reputation during the interwar period.