Description

The Bugatti Type 37 Course was the competition-focused version of the refined and elegant Type 37, created to offer a lightweight, reliable, and agile racing machine for smaller displacement classes. Introduced in 1926, the Type 37 Course carried over many of the features that made the Type 35 series legendary but was simplified and adapted for privateers and aspiring racers who sought a car that balanced performance with affordability.

Powered by a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, the Type 37 Course featured a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder—a sophisticated setup for the time. This naturally aspirated engine produced around 60 horsepower, which, when paired with the car’s low weight and aerodynamic form, enabled it to reach speeds of up to 90 mph. While it lacked a supercharger, the engine was smooth, rev-happy, and known for its reliability over long distances—making it ideal for road races and endurance events.

The chassis of the 37 Course was light and stiff, closely following the layout of the more powerful Type 35. It included a hollow front axle and Bugatti’s innovative cast alloy wheels with integrated brake drums, which improved both cooling and reduced unsprung weight. The result was a car that offered exceptional handling and responsiveness, particularly well-suited to the winding and often unpredictable circuits of the 1920s.

Visually, the Type 37 Course retained the classic Bugatti profile—long bonnet, horseshoe-shaped radiator grille, and a tapering tail. The cockpit was stripped down for racing, with basic instrumentation, bucket seating, and a focus on driver ergonomics. Every detail was designed to minimize weight and maximize efficiency.

The Type 37 Course gained popularity in club racing and international events alike, earning class wins and podium finishes across Europe. It was particularly favored for events such as hill climbs, time trials, and road races, where its nimbleness and ease of maintenance gave it an edge.

Today, the Bugatti Type 37 Course is remembered as one of the most well-balanced and accessible racing Bugattis of its era. It encapsulates Ettore Bugatti’s vision of elegant, functional engineering and continues to be revered by collectors and historic racers for its charm, simplicity, and spirited driving dynamics.