Description

The Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo marked a significant milestone in the company’s evolution, as it was the first production Bugatti to feature the now-iconic straight-eight engine. Introduced in 1922 and produced through the mid-1920s, the Type 30 was a groundbreaking model that combined advanced engineering with refined touring comfort. The Torpedo body style, popular at the time, suited the car’s character well—offering open-top motoring for four passengers with a blend of elegance and performance.

At the heart of the Type 30 was a 2.0-litre inline-eight engine, derived from Bugatti’s successful racing units. Featuring a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, it delivered around 75 horsepower—a significant output for the period. This engine gave the car smooth and responsive performance, and it helped establish the foundation for a whole series of straight-eight Bugattis that would follow. It was also the first production engine to benefit from the experience gained in the powerful but limited-production Type 28.

The Type 30 was also notable for introducing front-wheel brakes to a Bugatti production model—an important step forward in safety and stopping power. Combined with the car’s relatively light weight and well-balanced chassis, the result was a machine that felt both nimble and secure on the road. It was suitable for both spirited driving and long-distance touring, making it a favorite among sportsmen and well-heeled enthusiasts of the era.

The Torpedo body style emphasized the car’s dual character: sleek and graceful with flowing lines, yet purposeful and dynamic. Coachwork varied, as many Type 30s were bodied by custom coachbuilders, but the typical Torpedo featured a long bonnet, upright radiator, low-cut doors, and a gently tapering tail. Interiors were often trimmed in leather and wood, reflecting Bugatti’s attention to detail and refinement.

In total, over 600 Type 30s were built—making it one of the company’s most successful early models. The Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo stands today as a symbol of the brand’s shift toward combining racing technology with everyday usability. It paved the way for future grand tourers while retaining the core principles of lightweight engineering, mechanical purity, and aesthetic elegance that defined the Bugatti name.