Description
The Bugatti Type 43, introduced in 1927, was a groundbreaking sports car that brought true Grand Prix performance to the road. It marked a significant milestone for Bugatti, blending the mechanical brilliance of their successful racing models with the comfort and style suitable for everyday driving. As the first production car to exceed 100 mph (160 km/h), the Type 43 was a marvel of its time and quickly became one of the most coveted sports cars of the late 1920s.
At its heart was the same supercharged 2.3-litre straight-eight engine found in the legendary Type 35B, producing around 120 horsepower. This engine gave the car exhilarating acceleration and a top speed close to 180 km/h (112 mph), performance that was nearly unheard of for a road car during that era. Its use of a Roots-type supercharger ensured a smooth, consistent power band and made the Type 43 especially responsive and enjoyable to drive.
The chassis was derived from the longer Type 38 frame, allowing for greater comfort and space while still retaining agility and control. Suspension was provided by semi-elliptical leaf springs and solid axles front and rear, a setup that struck a balance between ride quality and sporty handling. The car’s relatively light weight, combined with powerful drum brakes and accurate steering, gave it sharp dynamics for its time.
Visually, the Type 43 typically wore torpedo or roadster coachwork, featuring long, flowing lines, a low profile, and elegant detailing such as spoked wheels, external exhausts, and the iconic Bugatti horseshoe grille. Many bodies were constructed by in-house or independent coachbuilders, meaning no two examples were quite the same.
Inside, the cabin was purposeful but well-appointed, with a focus on the driver. Large, readable gauges, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and leather upholstery provided a refined yet sporting atmosphere, emphasizing the car’s dual character as both a touring machine and a performance vehicle.
The Bugatti Type 43 stood as a testament to Ettore Bugatti’s vision: to offer race-bred engineering to the discerning road car enthusiast. It remains an icon of pre-war motoring and a sought-after piece of automotive history for collectors and historians alike.