Description
The Bugatti Type 43 A Roadster was a rare and refined evolution of the original Type 43, offering a slightly more luxurious and stylized take on one of the earliest road cars to deliver true Grand Prix performance. Built in the late 1920s, the 43 A maintained the technical prowess of its predecessor while introducing subtle changes in bodywork and layout, often at the request of discerning clients who desired something more bespoke.
Like the standard Type 43, the 43 A Roadster was powered by a supercharged 2.3-litre inline eight-cylinder engine, derived from the Type 35B Grand Prix car. It produced approximately 120 horsepower and was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The combination delivered exhilarating performance for the period, with a top speed close to 180 km/h (112 mph), making it one of the fastest road cars of its time. The Roots-type supercharger added a smooth and continuous power delivery, enhancing both speed and drivability.
The chassis used was typically the same as the original Type 43, based on the longer Type 38 platform, which allowed for a more spacious body design without compromising the car’s handling characteristics. The suspension setup with semi-elliptic leaf springs and solid axles provided a firm yet responsive ride. Braking came from mechanically operated drums on all four wheels, offering competent stopping power in keeping with its performance credentials.
What distinguished the Type 43 A Roadster was its bodywork. While maintaining the sporty and aerodynamic torpedo-style profile, the Roadster often featured a lower, more open body with elegantly curved fenders, a folding windscreen, and occasionally a two-seat configuration for a more driver-focused experience. Each car was typically coachbuilt, resulting in unique styling flourishes depending on the bodybuilder’s design language and the owner’s preferences.
The interior of the Roadster reflected a balance between functionality and craftsmanship. Leather seats, polished wooden or engine-turned dashboards, and a sparse but clear instrument layout created a focused yet upscale atmosphere. The open cabin design gave it a light and airy feel, perfect for spirited driving on scenic routes.
The Bugatti Type 43 A Roadster remains a symbol of pre-war automotive innovation—where motorsport pedigree met artisan coachbuilding. Its rare combination of speed, beauty, and craftsmanship makes it a highly desirable piece of Bugatti history.