Description

The Bugatti Type 37 GP was a Grand Prix-focused evolution of the standard Type 37, developed to offer competitive performance in smaller racing classes while maintaining Bugatti’s trademark elegance and engineering excellence. Introduced in the mid-1920s, the 37 GP was designed for drivers who wanted a serious race car without stepping up to the more expensive and complex eight-cylinder Type 35 models.

At its core, the Type 37 GP featured the same 1.5-litre inline-four engine found in the standard Type 37. This engine used a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, producing around 60 horsepower. While it lacked a supercharger, its lightweight construction and high-revving nature gave it lively performance and excellent reliability—crucial for Grand Prix racing on unpredictable early circuits. Some privateers later fitted aftermarket superchargers to increase power, but factory GP models remained naturally aspirated.

The chassis was identical in layout to the Type 35, with a strong emphasis on weight savings and balance. It featured Bugatti’s hollow forged front axle and the distinctive cast aluminum wheels with integrated brake drums, which enhanced both braking performance and unsprung weight reduction. These features made the 37 GP nimble and quick through corners, perfectly suited for tighter, more technical circuits and events.

Visually, the Type 37 GP retained the same graceful proportions and design as the rest of the Type 35 family. Its elongated bonnet, low seating position, and iconic horseshoe radiator gave it a purposeful and aerodynamic profile. The GP variant was often stripped of any unnecessary equipment, emphasizing function over comfort, with minimal bodywork and a no-frills cockpit tailored for racing conditions.

The 37 GP became a popular choice for amateur racers and up-and-coming drivers. It allowed competitors to enter Grand Prix events without the cost and complexity of the top-tier models, while still benefitting from the same chassis dynamics and Bugatti pedigree. It earned numerous class wins and strong finishes in both circuit races and road events across Europe.

Today, the Bugatti Type 37 GP is celebrated as one of the most balanced and rewarding cars from Bugatti’s golden era. It represents the sweet spot between affordability, competition potential, and mechanical sophistication—an enduring symbol of Ettore Bugatti’s vision for accessible excellence in motorsport.