Description
The Bugatti Type 44 Roadster was one of the more dynamic and visually engaging variants of the Type 44 series, combining open-air motoring with the refinement and reliability that characterized Bugatti’s grand touring models of the late 1920s. As with other cars in the Type 44 line, the Roadster emphasized comfort and drivability but wrapped it in a more sporting, free-spirited package.
Under the bonnet, the Type 44 Roadster was powered by Bugatti’s 3.0-litre straight-eight engine. This naturally aspirated unit, derived from earlier racing engines, produced around 80 horsepower and delivered smooth, consistent performance well-suited to relaxed touring. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the engine provided confident acceleration and a top speed that made it a capable highway cruiser in its day.
The chassis featured Bugatti’s typical lightweight ladder frame, complemented by semi-elliptical leaf springs and solid axles. Though not a pure sports car, the Roadster had a light and agile feel, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads or through the countryside. Drum brakes on all four wheels provided reliable stopping power, consistent with the standards of late 1920s automotive design.
Visually, the Roadster bodywork—typically crafted by custom coachbuilders—was a standout. It usually featured sweeping fenders, a low-slung profile, and a long bonnet that emphasized the car’s elegant proportions. The open two-seater layout with a raked windscreen and often a folding fabric roof gave the car a sporting appearance, while details such as spoked wheels, polished trim, and custom paint added a layer of bespoke flair.
Inside, the cabin was stylish but restrained. Most examples featured leather bucket-style seats, a wood or metal dashboard with classic instrumentation, and minimal creature comforts—keeping the focus on the driving experience. The simplicity of the interior reflected the car’s balance between sophistication and performance.
The Bugatti Type 44 Roadster remains a rare and desirable model today, celebrated for its graceful styling, dependable mechanicals, and the charm of open-top motoring from a golden era of coachbuilt automobiles. It continues to be admired by collectors and enthusiasts as a fine expression of pre-war elegance and engineering excellence.