Description

The Bugatti Type 37 Biplace Course was a two-seat competition version of the elegant and agile Type 37, designed for endurance races and road competitions that required a co-driver or mechanic. Introduced alongside the standard Type 37 in the mid-1920s, this variant retained all of the core engineering and design principles of its single-seat sibling while offering additional practicality for long-distance events.

Powered by a 1.5-litre straight-four engine, the Type 37 Biplace Course delivered approximately 60 horsepower. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder—typical of Bugatti’s pursuit of high-revving efficiency and mechanical simplicity. Though naturally aspirated and less powerful than the larger Type 35 models, the 37 was known for its smoothness and durability, making it a reliable choice for long races and varied driving conditions.

The Biplace Course version used the same lightweight chassis found in the standard Type 37, providing excellent handling and nimbleness. It incorporated advanced design features for the era, such as a hollow front axle to reduce unsprung weight and cast alloy wheels with integrated brake drums. These engineering choices contributed to the car’s quick cornering ability and effective braking—qualities highly valued in the competitive environment of 1920s motorsport.

The key visual difference in the Biplace Course model was its extended cockpit, designed to accommodate both a driver and a passenger or mechanic. This configuration was especially useful in events like the Mille Miglia or Targa Florio, where navigation and quick roadside repairs were part of the competition strategy. The interior was sparse but functional, with dual seating and basic instrumentation focused on performance and endurance.

Stylistically, the car kept the refined, streamlined bodywork that defined the Type 37, including the long bonnet, rounded tail, and iconic horseshoe radiator grille. It retained all the elegance of Bugatti’s racing lineage while offering the practicality needed for grueling road events.

The Type 37 Biplace Course was popular among gentleman drivers and privateers, valued for its accessible performance, engineering finesse, and understated beauty. Today, it stands as a highly desirable and historically important variant of the Type 37, exemplifying Bugatti’s ability to craft competition cars that were as usable as they were exquisite.