Description

The Bugatti Type 46 Cabriolet by Letourneur et Marchand exemplifies the fusion of refined French coachbuilding with the engineering excellence of Bugatti’s grand touring platform. Introduced in 1929, the Type 46 served as a luxurious touring car, often referred to as the “Petite Royale” due to its mechanical and aesthetic similarities to the grandiose Type 41 Royale. When paired with custom bodywork by the esteemed Parisian firm Letourneur et Marchand, the result was an automobile of exceptional grace and presence.

Letourneur et Marchand was known for its tasteful and balanced designs, which often combined formal elegance with flowing lines. Their interpretation of the Type 46 Cabriolet typically featured a long, tapering hood, beautifully arched fenders, and a swept-back, dual-cowl design that gave the car a subtle sporting character. The folding roof added versatility, allowing the car to shift from a stately closed vehicle to an open grand tourer with ease.

The heart of the Type 46 was a robust 5.4-litre inline eight-cylinder engine, delivering around 140 horsepower. Mated to a three-speed gearbox that was integrated with the rear axle—a characteristic Bugatti design choice—the drivetrain offered smooth and refined performance. It wasn’t built for racing, but for commanding presence on long journeys, with ample torque and a composed ride.

Inside, the cabriolet was appointed with luxurious materials: leather upholstery, polished wood trim, and an array of period instruments nestled into a finely crafted dashboard. Letourneur et Marchand’s attention to detail ensured the interior reflected the same sophistication as the exterior, with thoughtful touches like elegant door handles, plush carpets, and padded armrests.

Only a limited number of these coachbuilt cabriolets were produced, making surviving examples exceedingly rare and highly prized by collectors today. The Bugatti Type 46 Cabriolet by Letourneur et Marchand stands as a tribute to the height of 1930s automotive craftsmanship, combining technical finesse with timeless elegance.