Description

The Bugatti Type 40 A Roadster was an evolution of the original Type 40, offering subtle refinements and an enduring sense of lightweight sporting character. Introduced in the early 1930s, the Type 40 A retained the elegant proportions and mechanical spirit of its predecessor while benefiting from a slight increase in engine displacement and improved usability for longer touring or spirited drives.

At the heart of the Type 40 A Roadster was a 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder engine—an enlargement over the original 1.5-litre unit used in the standard Type 40. This updated engine featured the same single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, but the increased capacity delivered a modest power bump, improving torque and drivability. It produced around 50 horsepower, giving the car a livelier feel while still maintaining smooth, reliable operation. A four-speed manual transmission enabled flexible gearing, and the car could achieve a top speed in the range of 75 mph.

The roadster’s chassis design was largely unchanged, employing Bugatti’s proven ladder-type frame and semi-elliptic leaf springs. Drum brakes at all four wheels, coupled with the lightweight construction and low center of gravity, made the car agile and easy to handle. Bugatti’s cast alloy wheels with integrated brake drums continued to be a distinctive feature, combining engineering efficiency with visual charm.

The bodywork of the Type 40 A Roadster was typically minimalist and graceful. It was designed for open-air motoring and often featured sweeping fenders, a compact cockpit, and a gently sloping tail. The car was frequently bodied by independent coachbuilders, each adding their own touch to the roadster’s silhouette, though most adhered to Bugatti’s core design language of elegance through simplicity.

Inside, the roadster was functional but tastefully appointed. Leather-trimmed bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and an uncluttered dashboard emphasized the driver’s connection to the machine. The open cockpit layout and low windscreen reinforced the car’s sporting character.

Today, the Bugatti Type 40 A Roadster is admired for its balance of refined engineering and classic, understated design. It represents a period when Bugatti was producing cars that appealed not only to racers and enthusiasts but also to those who valued precision, lightness, and the joy of open-road motoring.