Description

The Bugatti Type 51 Biplace Course is a rare and fascinating variant of one of Bugatti’s most celebrated Grand Prix machines. Introduced in the early 1930s, the Type 51 was renowned for its advanced engineering and competitive prowess on the racetrack. The Biplace Course version added an unusual twist to the typical single-seater format, offering two seats in a streamlined configuration designed for racing or high-speed touring with a mechanic or co-driver.

Mechanically, the Biplace Course retained the powerful 2.3-liter twin overhead camshaft straight-eight engine that defined the Type 51’s performance. Supercharged and capable of producing up to 180 horsepower, the engine delivered brisk acceleration and a top speed well above 200 km/h—remarkable figures for the era. The twin-cam design, adapted from American Miller technology, gave the Type 51 a smoother and more potent power delivery compared to its predecessors.

The chassis was lightweight and purpose-built, featuring a rigid frame, cable-operated drum brakes, and Bugatti’s signature cast alloy wheels. Despite the addition of a second seat, the car maintained its racing focus. The two-seat layout was often used in endurance events or for training purposes, where the second seat allowed a riding mechanic or co-driver to assist with navigation and maintenance during competition.

Visually, the Biplace Course shared the elegant proportions and purposeful stance of the standard Type 51 but featured a slightly longer cockpit and often a dual-cowl design to accommodate the passenger. Some examples were fitted with small windscreens or tonneau covers, adding to the streamlined appearance while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.

Today, the Bugatti Type 51 Biplace Course is a highly sought-after collector’s item, admired for its rarity, historical importance, and the romantic image it evokes of early racing days. It represents a bridge between raw competition and gentlemanly motoring—an era when driving at the limit was as much about endurance and partnership as it was about speed.