Description
The Bugatti Type 40 Sport Tourer was a more spirited and refined version of the standard Type 40, tailored for drivers who wanted a touch of sporting character while retaining the comfort and versatility of a touring car. Introduced in the late 1920s, it captured the essence of Bugatti’s craftsmanship—marrying light and agile mechanicals with elegant, custom coachwork designed for both performance and pleasure.
Powered by the same 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine found in the standard Type 40, the Sport Tourer featured a single overhead camshaft and a three-valve-per-cylinder arrangement. This compact and efficient engine produced around 45 horsepower, enough to propel the lightweight car to speeds approaching 70 mph. Though modest by racing standards, the engine offered a smooth power curve and responsive acceleration, making it ideal for fast touring and country road drives. A four-speed manual gearbox provided good flexibility, and the car’s manageable performance made it enjoyable for everyday use as well as longer journeys.
The chassis remained consistent with Bugatti’s typical construction: a rigid but light frame, semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes that delivered reliable stopping power. Bugatti’s trademark alloy wheels with integrated brake drums were also present, reducing unsprung weight and enhancing both ride quality and performance. The handling was crisp and confident, making the Sport Tourer a rewarding car to drive at pace through winding roads.
In terms of design, the Sport Tourer typically featured an open four-seat configuration with flowing, elegant lines. Coachbuilt bodies varied depending on the builder, but most examples included sweeping fenders, a low windscreen, and a well-proportioned rear tail, combining luxury and sportiness in equal measure. The interior was often appointed with leather upholstery and wood trim, offering a more upscale environment compared to Bugatti’s racing models.
The Bugatti Type 40 Sport Tourer appealed to a clientele that valued both refinement and a sense of engagement behind the wheel. It was not a track car, but it offered just enough performance to keep things interesting, wrapped in an elegant package that reflected Bugatti’s commitment to artistry in engineering.
Today, the Type 40 Sport Tourer is a highly desirable vintage vehicle, appreciated for its graceful styling, balanced performance, and place within the broader narrative of Bugatti’s road-going cars. It remains a symbol of an era when driving was both a skill and a pleasure, and when even touring cars were built with the soul of a thoroughbred.