Description
The Bugatti Type 44, introduced in 1927, was one of the marque’s most successful touring models, combining refined engineering with understated elegance. It was designed to appeal to customers who wanted the quality and prestige of a Bugatti, but with a more comfortable and practical driving experience than the marque’s purebred racing cars. Over 1,000 units were produced, making it one of the highest-volume Bugattis of its time.
At the heart of the Type 44 was a 3.0-litre inline eight-cylinder engine, derived from earlier Bugatti designs but tuned for smoothness and reliability. Unlike the supercharged engines found in the marque’s Grand Prix cars, the Type 44’s engine was naturally aspirated, producing around 80 horsepower. It was paired with a four-speed manual transmission and offered a comfortable cruising speed ideal for long-distance touring. The car was known for its tractability and smooth power delivery, which made it especially appealing to drivers seeking ease of use.
The chassis was based on the same principles as other Bugatti models—lightweight, strong, and relatively simple. It featured a ladder-frame design with semi-elliptic leaf springs and solid axles, providing a balanced ride and responsive handling for a car of its class. Brakes were mechanically operated drums on all four wheels, consistent with the standards of the era.
One of the Type 44’s defining characteristics was its versatility in coachwork. Ettore Bugatti supplied rolling chassis to a range of respected European coachbuilders, including Gangloff, Weymann, and even lesser-known artisans such as Bergeon & Descoins. Body styles varied widely—from elegant sedans and cabriolets to sporty roadsters and torpedoes. Each car was tailored to its owner’s tastes, resulting in a rich variety of surviving examples with unique character and design.
The interior typically reflected the same blend of function and refinement, with high-quality materials such as leather, wood, and nickel-plated fittings. The dashboard featured a full set of gauges, and the driving position was purposeful but not austere, making the Type 44 suitable for both spirited driving and relaxed touring.
Today, the Bugatti Type 44 is celebrated not only for its performance and engineering but also for its place in the company’s history as a reliable, stylish, and highly usable pre-war luxury automobile. Its blend of elegance and practicality helped cement Bugatti’s reputation as a maker of exceptional road cars.