Description

The Bugatti Type 43/44 is an informal designation often used by enthusiasts and historians to refer to examples of the Bugatti Type 43 that incorporated elements of the Type 44 chassis or components. While not an official factory model, these hybrid cars reflect the flexible and often bespoke nature of Bugatti production during the late 1920s and early 1930s, where customer preferences and chassis availability sometimes led to custom builds combining features from different models.

The Type 43 was a performance-focused sports car, based on the engine of the Type 35B Grand Prix car and the chassis of the Type 38. It featured a 2.3-litre supercharged straight-eight engine that delivered around 120 horsepower and could propel the car to speeds close to 180 km/h (112 mph). It was one of the first production cars capable of surpassing 100 mph, and it offered a thrilling driving experience with a firm chassis and agile handling.

The Type 44, on the other hand, was more of a grand tourer. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-eight engine producing less horsepower than the Type 43 but offering smoother, more relaxed performance. It featured a longer wheelbase and was often bodied with more luxurious and enclosed coachwork, reflecting a different approach to motoring—more focused on comfort and refinement than outright speed.

When a Type 43 was paired with elements of the Type 44—such as the longer, more accommodating chassis—it often resulted in a more versatile and user-friendly car. These hybrid vehicles could still deliver sporty performance thanks to the supercharged engine while benefiting from the smoother ride and more spacious coachwork options of the Type 44. They might be seen with torpedo, roadster, or even cabriolet body styles, often customized by prominent coachbuilders of the day.

Though not a factory model in its own right, the Type 43/44 represents the intersection of Bugatti’s performance and touring philosophies. These cars offer a fascinating glimpse into the flexible, often customer-driven production practices of the era, and they remain prized by collectors for their unique character and historical significance.