Description

The Bugatti Type 40 was introduced in 1926 as a refined and approachable model designed to bring the prestige of the Bugatti name to a wider audience. While it did not share the intense competition focus of the marque’s Grand Prix cars, the Type 40 was imbued with the same engineering quality and attention to detail, offering an elegant and enjoyable driving experience for touring and everyday motoring.

At the heart of the Type 40 was a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine derived from the Type 37. It featured a single overhead camshaft and a three-valve-per-cylinder configuration, allowing it to deliver around 45 horsepower. Though not built for racing, the engine was smooth and responsive, providing enough performance to make the car lively and capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, the Type 40 offered a satisfying and flexible drive.

The chassis was similar to that of earlier Bugattis, built around a ladder-frame design with semi-elliptic leaf springs and drum brakes on all four wheels. The lightweight construction and finely tuned suspension made for nimble handling, which, combined with the car’s modest size, allowed it to perform well on the narrow and winding roads of the era. Bugatti’s cast alloy wheels with integrated brake drums were used, enhancing both performance and durability.

Bodied by various coachbuilders, the Type 40 was offered in a range of styles including roadsters, tourers, and coupés. Common features included the elegant horseshoe-shaped radiator grille, long flowing fenders, and carefully proportioned bodywork that gave the car a sense of lightness and grace. Interiors were typically understated but well-crafted, with leather seats, wooden dashboards, and minimalist instrumentation.

The Bugatti Type 40 was a successful model for the company, with more than 700 units produced—an impressive figure for a Bugatti of that time. It was appreciated by buyers who desired a stylish and technically sophisticated car that could be driven daily. Today, the Type 40 is admired for its mechanical charm, tasteful design, and its role in making the Bugatti experience accessible beyond the racetrack.