Description

The Bugatti Type 28 Torpedo was a transitional model that embodied the brand’s shift from the compact, race-focused designs of the early 1920s toward larger, more refined touring cars. Introduced in the mid-1920s, the Type 28 was not produced in large numbers but played an important developmental role in bridging the gap between the successful Brescia types and the later, more sophisticated models like the Type 30.

At the heart of the Type 28 was a 2.0-litre straight-eight engine—an early example of Bugatti’s move toward more cylinders and smoother power delivery. While still employing many of Ettore Bugatti’s hallmark engineering features, such as a strong yet lightweight chassis and precisely machined components, the straight-eight brought a new level of refinement. This engine was one of the first in a long line of inline-eight powerplants that would come to define Bugatti’s later grand touring and racing cars.

The “Torpedo” body style of the Type 28 referred to its long, open touring design with seating for four and a gently tapering tail. It was elegant and streamlined by the standards of the time, often finished with handcrafted coachwork tailored to the desires of its owner. The longer wheelbase and more spacious body made it a more comfortable and practical choice for extended drives, without abandoning the spirit of performance and agility that had become a Bugatti trademark.

Mechanically, the Type 28 was notable for introducing features that would become standard in future models. Among them were hydraulic brakes and improved suspension geometry, both of which contributed to better road manners and more predictable handling. These advancements reflected Bugatti’s continuous pursuit of technological improvement, even in models that were not aimed purely at racing.

Though not as well-known or widely produced as some of its contemporaries, the Bugatti Type 28 Torpedo marked a significant evolution in the brand’s design philosophy. It combined increased luxury and drivability with the mechanical excellence and aesthetic finesse for which Bugatti was already famous. As a result, it helped to set the stage for the celebrated touring and competition cars that would define the marque throughout the remainder of the 1920s and beyond.