Description

The Bugatti Type 46 Berline by Million-Guiet is a striking embodiment of pre-war French luxury, where advanced engineering met the elegant artistry of custom coachbuilding. Built in the early 1930s, this collaboration between Bugatti and the distinguished Parisian coachbuilder Million-Guiet produced a refined and dignified automobile tailored for the elite.

The Type 46 chassis was introduced in 1929 and quickly earned the nickname “la petite Royale” thanks to its resemblance in layout and scale to the larger, more opulent Type 41 Royale. It featured a 5.4-litre inline eight-cylinder engine, delivering about 140 horsepower. Designed for smooth, long-distance motoring, the engine was paired with a three-speed gearbox integrated with the rear axle—an engineering solution unique to Bugatti that contributed to a quieter, more balanced ride.

The Berline body by Million-Guiet gave the car a formal and aristocratic silhouette. This four-door, closed sedan was tailored for comfort and privacy, often with a division between driver and passengers. Its high roofline and upright stance conveyed a sense of authority and luxury, while elegant design elements—such as subtle curves in the fenders, carefully shaped running boards, and discreet chrome accents—underscored the coachbuilder’s artistry.

Inside, the cabin was lavishly appointed with fine leather upholstery, rich wood inlays, and thick carpeting. Million-Guiet paid meticulous attention to detail, crafting interiors that offered both visual elegance and tactile comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed spacious legroom, retractable footrests, and sometimes additional touches like vanity mirrors or fold-down tables.

While not as flashy as a cabriolet or roadster, the Type 46 Berline by Million-Guiet was the choice of connoisseurs who valued understated luxury and quiet prestige. Today, it stands as a testament to the golden age of custom-bodied automobiles—a rare and noble example of French automotive craftsmanship and engineering brilliance.