Description

The Bugatti Biplace Sport Type 51 A is a captivating and specialized variant of the legendary Type 51, designed with dual-purpose intentions: high-speed performance and the ability to accommodate both driver and passenger. Created during the golden age of pre-war racing, the Biplace Sport version retained the competitive spirit of the Grand Prix car while offering a broader range of usability for gentleman drivers and private entrants.

Under the hood, the Type 51 A featured the same 2.3-liter straight-eight engine with twin overhead camshafts as its single-seater counterparts. Supercharged and responsive, this engine delivered up to 180 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and a thrilling top speed that matched the demands of competitive motorsport. The twin-cam design allowed for better breathing and higher revs, making it one of the most sophisticated engines of its era.

What distinguished the Biplace Sport variant was its two-seat configuration. While still purpose-built for performance, the wider cockpit allowed for a riding mechanic or co-driver, making the car suitable for endurance events, road races, or spirited touring. The bodywork was typically tailored to the dual-seat layout, often featuring twin cowls, dual aeroscreens, and a slightly elongated cockpit to preserve aerodynamic balance while providing comfort for both occupants.

Visually, the Biplace Sport Type 51 A retained the classic lines of the Type 51, with its iconic horseshoe grille, finely sculpted tail, and beautifully riveted aluminum panels. Every detail was focused on form and function, resulting in a design that was not only fast but elegant in its simplicity. The dashboard and controls were straightforward, designed with racing in mind, yet finely crafted with the attention to detail that defined Bugatti’s craftsmanship.

Today, the Bugatti Biplace Sport Type 51 A is a rare and highly prized model, celebrated for its blend of competition pedigree and versatile design. It offers a glimpse into a time when race cars could still be driven on public roads, and when the bond between driver and machine was forged through mechanical precision, artistry, and raw performance.