Description

The Bugatti Type 49 Coupé represents the height of refined touring elegance from the early 1930s. As the final development in Ettore Bugatti’s line of eight-cylinder touring cars, the Type 49 combined mechanical precision with understated luxury, making it a favorite among discerning drivers of its era.

Powered by a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine with an overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, the Type 49 offered smooth acceleration and confident cruising ability. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and placed within a well-balanced chassis, giving the car a poised, comfortable ride ideal for long-distance motoring.

The coupé body style, whether crafted in-house at Molsheim or by one of Europe’s renowned coachbuilders, brought a sense of graceful formality to the Type 49. With a long hood, gently sloped roofline, and carefully sculpted rear, the coupé’s silhouette conveyed quiet sophistication. Interior appointments typically included fine wood, supple leather, and elegant instrumentation—hallmarks of Bugatti’s attention to detail.

Though overshadowed in fame by its racing siblings, the Type 49 Coupé has earned a lasting legacy for its blend of technical innovation and bespoke luxury. Today, surviving examples are cherished for their rarity, design, and the serene driving experience they continue to provide.