Description

The Bugatti Type 43 Cabriolet offered a rare and refined expression of performance motoring in the late 1920s and early 1930s. While the Type 43 was primarily celebrated for its speed and Grand Prix lineage, the cabriolet version introduced a touch of elegance and touring comfort to the otherwise race-inspired model. It retained the impressive mechanical foundations of the Type 43 but wrapped them in a more sophisticated and versatile open-top body.

Under the bonnet, the Type 43 Cabriolet featured the same 2.3-litre supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine derived from the Bugatti Type 35B. This engine produced around 120 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and a top speed of nearly 180 km/h (112 mph)—an extraordinary figure for a car with a luxurious touring body in that era. The Roots-type supercharger ensured a steady surge of power, making the car capable and lively across a broad range of speeds.

The chassis was lightweight yet rigid, employing Bugatti’s proven ladder-frame construction with semi-elliptic leaf springs and solid axles. It was tuned for both agility and comfort, striking a balance that allowed for spirited driving as well as long-distance touring. Braking was handled by large mechanical drums at each wheel, offering effective stopping power in keeping with the car’s performance capabilities.

The cabriolet coachwork added practicality and grace. Typically bodied by independent coachbuilders working closely with Bugatti or chosen by the customer, these versions featured a more upright windscreen, a folding soft top, and often a two- or four-seat layout. The styling was elegant, with flowing fenders, a slightly higher body line, and more ornate detailing than the roadster or racing variants.

Inside, the cabin was designed for comfort without compromising the car’s sporting nature. The dashboard was well laid out with polished gauges, and the upholstery often featured high-quality leather. The rear seating, if included, made the car more accommodating for passengers or longer journeys.

The Bugatti Type 43 Cabriolet embodied the brand’s ability to fuse cutting-edge performance with a level of refinement and craftsmanship that appealed to a sophisticated clientele. It was ideal for those who desired the thrill of a race-bred engine in a car that could also be enjoyed on scenic drives or formal occasions. Today, the Type 43 Cabriolet stands as a beautiful and historically significant example of pre-war grand touring at its best.