1924 Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo

1924 Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo

Introduced in 1922, the Type 30 has a special place in Bugatti's history, for it was the company's first straight-eight engine to go into production and the first to use Bugatti's classic single-overhead-cam cylinder head, making it one of the most famous automobile engines of all time. With a capacity of 1,991cc, with three valves per cylinder operated by the single gear-driven overhead camshaft and breathing via twin Solex carburettors, this beautiful engine produced approximately l00bhp at 4,500rpm.

Coming from a family of artists, Ettore Bugatti - 'Le Patron' - was renowned for his exquisite designs and the new eight-cylinder engine was no exception. This beautiful new power unit was installed in what was essentially a lengthened Brescia chassis, resulting in a touring car that was notably fast and powerful for its day, and that possessed many of the characteristics of the famous racing Bugattis. The eight-cylinder engine was very flexible and, once mastered, the Brescia-type gearbox a delight to use. Of some 600-or-so Type 30s produced, fewer than 50 cars are known to survive today, with original examples possessing known history especially desirable.

Descriptions and pictures by bonhams