Description

The Bugatti Type 49 Cabriolet was introduced in 1930 as one of the final iterations of Bugatti’s touring car line before the company shifted its focus more heavily toward grand prix racing and high-performance sports cars. Designed as a successor to the Type 44, the Type 49 retained the luxurious qualities of its predecessor while introducing mechanical refinements and improved performance. It was powered by a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine that delivered around 85 horsepower, featuring a single overhead camshaft and a three-valve-per-cylinder layout, which was advanced for its time.

In cabriolet form, the Type 49 exemplified elegance and craftsmanship. Bugatti did not produce bodywork in-house for most of its cars; instead, it offered rolling chassis to be clothed by Europe’s most prestigious coachbuilders. These included names like Gangloff, Vanvooren, and Letourneur et Marchand. The result was a wide variety of bespoke bodies, with the cabriolet versions often featuring long, sweeping fenders, tall grilles, and finely detailed interiors trimmed in high-quality leather and wood veneers.

Technically, the Type 49 was a well-engineered machine. It featured a new pressurized cooling system for better engine reliability, a four-speed manual gearbox, and cable-operated brakes. The chassis was robust yet relatively lightweight, offering solid handling and comfort on the road. The car’s construction was aimed at offering both performance and refinement, making it a favorite among affluent enthusiasts looking for a fast and luxurious open-top car.

Only about 470 units of the Type 49 were built before production ended in 1934. Today, the Type 49 Cabriolet is considered one of the most refined and versatile touring Bugattis of its era. Collectors value it for its blend of traditional Bugatti engineering, elegant aesthetics, and the bespoke charm that comes from its coachbuilt bodywork. It remains a symbol of pre-war automotive elegance and innovation.