Description

The Bugatti Type 40 Camionette was a rare and utilitarian interpretation of the typically refined and sporting Type 40 series. Created in very limited numbers, the Camionette was essentially a small, light-duty commercial or utility vehicle that demonstrated how Bugatti’s engineering could be adapted beyond traditional passenger cars.

Mechanically, the Camionette retained the same drivetrain as its more elegant siblings. It featured the 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft and a three-valve-per-cylinder layout, producing approximately 45 horsepower. This setup offered reliable, steady performance, sufficient for the lighter transport duties the vehicle was expected to perform. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, providing the same smooth shifting and usable gearing found across the Type 40 range.

The chassis was also largely unchanged, using the proven ladder-frame design with semi-elliptic leaf springs and drum brakes at all four corners. This solid understructure allowed the Camionette to handle modest payloads while maintaining decent ride comfort and control. Though far from a heavy-duty vehicle, it could accommodate light cargo, tools, or goods, making it suitable for tradesmen, estate work, or as a support vehicle.

Visually, the Camionette diverged greatly from the stylish roadsters and coupés of the Type 40 line. Its bodywork was highly functional, often with a basic enclosed or open cab and a flatbed or simple enclosed box to the rear. Built more for purpose than presentation, the design was minimal, with limited ornamentation and a focus on practicality. Some bodies may have been constructed in-house or commissioned from smaller coachbuilders willing to take on specialty commercial work.

Inside, the cabin was sparse and utilitarian. Seating was minimal and surfaces were typically finished in durable materials, reflecting its intended use as a working vehicle. Instrumentation was limited to the essentials, and creature comforts were kept to a minimum.

Though rarely seen and little known, the Bugatti Type 40 Camionette offers a fascinating glimpse into the versatility of Bugatti’s engineering during the interwar period. It stands today as a highly unusual and collectible curiosity—proof that even one of the world’s most prestigious marques dabbled, however briefly, in practical motoring solutions.