Description

The Bugatti Type 30 was a landmark model in the marque’s early history, introduced in 1922 as the first Bugatti to feature the company’s now-legendary straight-eight engine. This model marked a transition from the lightweight, small-displacement racers of the Brescia era to more refined and powerful touring cars, while still maintaining the performance and engineering excellence for which Bugatti was already renowned.

At its core, the Type 30 was powered by a 2.0-litre straight-eight engine, derived directly from Bugatti’s Grand Prix experience. With a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, the engine was capable of producing around 75 horsepower—an impressive figure at the time, particularly in a car of modest weight. The smoothness and flexibility of the eight-cylinder layout offered a new level of refinement, making the Type 30 suitable for both high-speed touring and spirited driving.

One of the most important technical advancements in the Type 30 was the inclusion of front-wheel brakes, the first time such a system appeared on a production Bugatti. This marked a significant improvement in braking performance and safety, especially compared to the earlier models which relied on rear-wheel-only systems. Combined with its well-balanced chassis and light construction, the car delivered confident handling and impressive agility for a touring machine.

The Type 30 was available in a variety of body styles, including the popular Torpedo, as well as Coupé and Cabriolet variants. These were often constructed by independent coachbuilders, leading to a wide range of visual interpretations, from elegant open tourers to more formal closed bodies. Regardless of style, most retained the Bugatti signature elements: the horseshoe-shaped radiator, long bonnet, and wire wheels.

More than 600 Type 30s were produced between 1922 and 1926, making it one of Bugatti’s most successful early models. It laid the groundwork for a series of powerful and sophisticated touring and racing cars that would follow, such as the Type 35 and Type 38. The Type 30 is remembered today not only for its technical innovations but also for the way it elegantly bridged the gap between pre-war simplicity and the golden age of interwar automotive luxury and performance.