Description
The Bugatti Type 37A Biplace Course was a supercharged, two-seat racing variant of the elegant and agile Type 37A, designed for endurance events and road races that required both a driver and co-driver or mechanic. This configuration maintained Bugatti’s trademark style and engineering sophistication while offering additional practicality for competitive use in long-distance motorsport.
Under the bonnet, the Type 37A Biplace Course featured a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger. This setup increased the power output to approximately 80 horsepower, providing a significant performance boost over the naturally aspirated Type 37. The engine retained its single overhead camshaft and three-valve-per-cylinder layout, which offered a balance of mechanical simplicity and high-revving efficiency. The addition of forced induction gave the car brisk acceleration and top speeds exceeding 100 mph—remarkable for its class in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
The chassis construction followed the same lightweight principles found in the rest of the Type 37 family. A hollow front axle reduced unsprung weight, while Bugatti’s advanced cast alloy wheels with integrated brake drums provided excellent stopping power and cooling. The handling was sharp and composed, making the car a joy to drive on winding circuits or rough road surfaces.
What distinguished the Biplace Course version was its extended cockpit, accommodating two occupants side by side. This layout was essential for endurance races such as the Mille Miglia or Targa Florio, where navigation and on-the-fly repairs played a crucial role in success. The cockpit was spartan but functional, with minimalist instrumentation and a focus on weight savings. Some versions may have included small windshields or extra body vents to improve driver comfort and engine cooling during long stints.
Visually, the Type 37A Biplace Course kept the graceful proportions and sleek lines of its Bugatti lineage. It featured a long, ventilated bonnet, the signature horseshoe-shaped radiator grille, and a tapering tail—all elements that contributed to both aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency.
Today, the Bugatti Type 37A Biplace Course is regarded as a rare and historically significant model. It combines the spirited performance of a supercharged pre-war racer with the utility and charm of a classic endurance car. Collectors and enthusiasts value it not only for its mechanical pedigree but also for the stories it tells of early motorsport’s demanding and adventurous spirit.