1929 Bugatti Type 46S Torpedo

1929 Bugatti Type 46S Torpedo Wickerwork 'Wicker' the Farbie

The Bugatti Type 46 and later Type 50 were large enclosed touring cars and along with the Type 50B racing version, were all produced in the 1930s. Their relative ubiquity and numbers, combined with their styling caused them to sometimes receive the appellation of being a Molsheim Buick.

The Type 46 used a 5.4 L (5359 cc/327 in³) straight-8 engine with 3 valves per cylinder driven by a single overhead camshaft. Power was reported at 140 hp (104 kW). The engine was undersquare like most Bugatti designs with an 81 mm bore and 130 mm stroke.

A supercharged version, the Type 46S, was introduced in 1930. With just 160 hp (119 kW), from its Rootes-type blower, it was not a great success. 18 supercharged cars were made in all.

The Type 46 was a large car, weighing 2500 lb (1134 kg) and riding on a 138 in (3505 mm) wheelbase. 400 examples were produced from the end of 1929 through 1936. The three speed gearbox was in unit with the live rear axle, resulting in high unsprung weight, and a relatively harsh ride. Despite this, the model was a favourite of Le Patron, and it remained in production longer than might have been expected.

A supercharged version, the Type 46S, was introduced in 1930. With just 160 hp (119 kW), from its Rootes-type blower, it was not a great success. 18 supercharged cars were made in all.

This Bugatti Type 46S, whose compressor was added after the fact, was built in 1929, originally with a Faux Cabriolet body by the factory, but was converted into a truck during the Second World War to avoid the confiscation by the Germans.

Commissioned by the Parisian agent Mondan & Wilson and sold to Arturo Edwards, from Paris ... They note that if Arturo paid for the car, it was his wife, Olga B Edwards, who offered him ( or offered himself ... ? ) the trunk and the Triplex glasses!

After a second owner in Paris, the car was sold to Jean Trivier, owner of the Trivier Champion Brewery in Xertigny, in the Vosges. In 1939, the car was owned by Gilbert Cuenin, Audincourt in the Doubs, a dealer of cycles and motorcycles. He needed the car to "deliver spare parts" during the Second World War ... So the car was converted into a utility, it was so fast, that it was nicknamed "Race Truck"!

After the war, it was bought by Siebo Ten Cate of Enschede, in the Netherlands and it was there that it was re-wickerwork bodywork called "Riviera". Satisfactory transformation because the new body was lighter and the car was faster. Known as "La Farbie", it was often seen at European Bugatti rallies in the 1980s.

Descriptions & pictures by automobileweb