Description

The Bugatti Type 40 Gangloff was a distinguished coachbuilt version of the Type 40, crafted by the renowned Swiss-French coachbuilder Gangloff. Known for their elegant and often sporting designs, Gangloff brought a sense of refinement and artistry to this already well-engineered model, resulting in a car that was both technically sound and visually captivating.

At its core, the Type 40 Gangloff shared the same mechanical platform as the standard Bugatti Type 40. It featured a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder. With approximately 45 horsepower on tap, the engine provided smooth, reliable power, suitable for spirited touring and comfortable day-to-day driving. Mated to a four-speed manual transmission, it offered responsive gear changes and a top speed of around 70 mph—more than adequate for its time.

The car’s chassis, suspension, and braking systems were also in line with Bugatti’s proven approach. A rigid ladder-type frame, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes ensured predictable handling and effective stopping power. Bugatti’s distinctive cast alloy wheels, which incorporated the brake drums, added not just performance benefits but also a unique aesthetic signature.

What made the Gangloff-bodied Type 40 stand out was the coachwork. Gangloff was known for its graceful proportions and attention to detail, and their interpretation of the Type 40 often came in the form of elegant two-seater cabriolets or low-slung roadsters. Their designs were characterized by sweeping fenders, subtly contoured bonnets, and finely sculpted tails. The craftsmanship extended to the smallest elements—door fittings, upholstery, and brightwork were all executed to a high standard, giving the car a bespoke feel that set it apart from production-bodied models.

Inside, the car typically featured well-upholstered leather seats, a simple but refined dashboard with essential instruments, and wooden trim elements that added warmth and texture. While understated, the interior still carried the hallmarks of quality that both Bugatti and Gangloff were known for.

Today, the Bugatti Type 40 Gangloff remains a sought-after example of pre-war motoring elegance. Its combination of Bugatti’s reliable engineering and Gangloff’s tasteful, hand-built styling makes it a treasured piece of automotive history—an embodiment of an era when even smaller displacement cars were crafted with the care and attention of grand luxury machines.