Bugatti

Automobile history numbers over a century and during this period of time one can find a great number of car companies that were appearing, growing, suffering fiasco, reviving and finally dying forever. All listed above can be applied to Bugatti history description with one essential slip – Bugatti is still functioning and manufacturing cars. Bugatti history is rich in events and upheavals as company fruitful activity in first half of XX century was followed by 20 year “apparent death”.

Bugatti was started in 1908 when Ettore Bugatti, gifted engineer, created his first automobile – Bugatti Type 10. By exterior Bugatti Type 10 was similar to Coupe des Voiturettes Isotta Fraschini 1908 car model. All construction works on his car Bugatti was holding in his house basement in Cologne. The first Bugatti was equipped with 1131 cc 4-cylinder engine with 8 valves. The model had many imperfections and was not recognized as successful though its chassis was well-constructed and subsequently was used in successive Bugatti models.

Bugatti Type 10 construction invention urged Ettore gaining investors and in 1909 Bugatti company history was started. Molsheim, a small town near Strasbourg, became the first place of manufacturing cars with horse-shoe shaped radiator grate in front. The first Bugatti model line included 3 models: Type 13, Type 15 and Type 17 differing from each other only in wheel base length (2m, 2.4m, 2.55m). Engine – 4 cylinders in-line, 1327cc. In 1910 were constructed several automobiles and some of them were marked at Paris Auto Show; in 1913 Type 15, Type 17 gained new names – Type 22 and Type 23 accordingly.

Along with constructing cars Ettore Bugatti was actively distributing his vehicles into autosport field therefore in 1914 appeared Bugatti Type 16 and Type 18 – models with bodies of Type 15 and Type 17 but equipped with powerful 5.0 engines. In all there were just a dozen of Bugatti Type 16 and Type 18 produced. In fact the first Bugatti Type 18 was purchased by Roland Garros, who was a friend of Ettore Bugatti. Type 18 cars in 1914-1915 took part in Indianapolis 500 races given by the moment Bugatti cars were well esteemed and known as several hundred of automobiles had been produced. World War I that started in 1914 compelled Ettore Bugatti to sell license for his car producing to French Peugeot.

WW I could bring Bugatti to its end but in 1919 Ettore Bugatti managed to launch car manufacturing in one of countries-winners of WW I. Thus France became new home for Bugatti and the place where Bugatti forever glorified its name for automobile history. Type 13, Type 22 and Type23 models became known as Brescia Bugatti.

In 1921 was made an attempt to construct big luxury automobile – Type 28 model. It was the first Bugatti with 3.0 engine, 8 cylinders and 90 h/p. Type 28 brought many innovations. Paris and London Auto Show were stunned by its all-wheels hydraulic brakes. But unfortunately Type 28 and Type 29 were manufactured in less than 5 cars number: only 2 of Type 28 and 4 of Type-29 were produced. Still the most interesting model of the time was Type 32 “Tank”. It was Bugatti’s aerodynamic experiment in 4 vehicles destined specially for Toueres Grand Prix. Type 32 “Tank, adored by Ettore Bugatti who was predicting winning laurels for the model, was just third ranked.

It is worth to mention Bugatti Type 30 model – serial based on Type 28 which having no outstanding features played the role of widely available model helping Bugatti to function stable financially and develop other extravagant projects.

With year passing Bugatti though was not prospering like some car manufacturers was still independent and rich enough. Along with it Ettore Bugatti could not manage to construct a winner racing car. There were “cigars” and “tanks” but they didn’t make great results. In 1924 a turning point came when European Grand Prix second stage first four positions were won by four Bugatti Type 35 given the best result on first stage was just 8th position and the reason for such failures lied in wrongly attached tires. In the course of following 5 years Bugatti 35, 35a, 35b, 35c and 35t left their rivals no chance for win. As well Bugatti Type 37 with 4-cylinder engine and Type 39 with 1.5 engine were a success. Next Bugatti model – Type 38 was remarkable as it was the first equipped with supercharger system though it was pure copy of type 35 model.

In fact Type 35 glorified Bugatti in autosport and urged bountiful financial income to company budget from racing cars sales. Within 192-1930 period Bugatti manufactured 336 automobiles. On the whole Type 35 brought nearly 1800 victories leaving gradually leading positions to legendary German “silver arrow”.

Bugatti Type 35 is as famous in autosport history as Type 41 “La Royale” among the ever most ambitious and luxurious automobiles. The last one was designed in 1926 and performed in 1929. Ettore Bugatti initially intended to construct 25 cars of Type 41 “La Royale” destining the model for Royal family members. But in fact were produced only 6 of Type 41 “Royale” and sold to not Royal family members really but to just very rich people. These ones could feel themselves the high and mighty of this world as the inner compartment was trimmed with wood and gobelin; this enormous automobile with 4.3 meter wheel base was equipped with near 13 000cc engine.

Bugatti Type 41 “Royale” was producing prodigious power capacity for that time – 260 h/p. Its gearbox was aligned together with rear axle while car’s weight was over 3 tons. All 25 engines were assembled in advance but 19 of them found application in locomotives and moved trains instead of being installed in underhood of luxurious Bugatti Type 41. I reality, 1929 financial crisis came the main reason for Type 41 “La Royale” under construction. Bugatti Type 40 with 1.5 4-cylinder engine occurred more actual and profitable. Within 1926 – 1930 period 800 of them were issued.

1930 – 1939

30s of XX century became the golden age of Bugatti. Each month was marked by new model invention. In 1930 was launched Bugatti Type 44 manufacturing; this model was financially available to many people of the time. Concurrently, Type 46 "Petit Royale" – Type 41 “La Royale” miniaturized version was introduced.

1931 – Type 43 – the road version of Type 35b released. Two months later Bugatti Type 50 was constructed – rebuilt Type 46 added with new engine. Bugatti Type 50 was manufactured in two versions – Type 50t – tourist one and Type 50s – sportive with 40 cm shorter wheel base to Type 50t but more powerful supercharged engine. Three years of manufacturing Type 50 gave 65 vehicles.

In 1939 Type 50b – pure racing version with new 4739 cc engine cubic displacement and 470 h/p was expected to restore Bugatti domination and glory in racing events. In fact Type 50b obtained some high ranks I several racings but could not manage to shift German cars team leadership.

Remarkably that Type 50b outstanding engine was applied to Bugatti air planes – two engines per each one. And in 1931 was also interesting for Bugatti Type 52 “Baby” manufacturing start. Being a Type 35 miniature Bugatti Type 52 was first destined by Ettore for his son – Roland but after more and more people were ordering the car for their children Type 52 was put on serial manufacturing. Soon Type 52 producing gained the volumes equal to other models. Even when exporting Bugatti Type 52 was tolled at customs as any other big model.

In 1931-1934 Bugatti Type 54 with 8-cylinder 5.0 engine, 300 h/p was manufactured. This model initially was destined to challenge 12-cylinder Alfa Romeo and 16-cylinder Maserati. First test Type 54 passed in Monza Grand Prix 1931 race when the car finished third in spite of brakes and tires problems. On the whole Bugatti Type 54 gained several victories and set top speed record of the time at 210 km/h.

In 1934 Bugatti Type 57 was initiated. This car posed the dynamics of sports masterpieces and majesty of sleek sedans though it was a luxury sports coupe-cabriole car. Bugatti Type 57 was manufactured in two main versions – Type 57 and Type 57s, adding here supercharged modifications Type 57c and Type 57sc. Bugatti Type 57s was much lower and shorter than Type 57 with engine 190 h/p and 150 accordingly. Top speed of Type 57s was near 180 km/h – not so little for the times.

Still the most powerful version – Bugatti Type 57sc with 3.2 engine displacement, 200 h/p and 200 km/h top speed was a success in racings. Type 57g “Tank” – racing version of Type-57sc right the first race it participated – Grand Prix of France in1936. In Reimse race Type 57g “Tank” occupied the whole podium and most importantly won Lemans race with average speed record at 137 km/h.

Additionally Type 57g set top speed record at 218km/h for cars of its class. In 1939 Bugatti prepared even more powerful model – Type 57s45 with enforced engine of Type 57sc that won near 20 victories including LeMans though it was the last essential Bugatti victory. While Type 57s45 tests Jean Bugatti died trying to save the life of cyclist.

Besides in 1930s Bugatti manufactured the following models: Type 45/47 – first 16-cilinder Bugatti; Type 49 – similar to Type 50 with less powered engine; Type 51 – another modification of Type 35 with Type 50 engine; Type 55 – roadster model based on Type 51; Type 56 – electric powered carriage destined to transport plant staff throughout its territory; Type 59 – generally considered as the most beautiful Bugatti model and the favorite model of Ettore Bugatti; Type 64 – the last prototype issues before WW II, equipped with wing doors and constructed just in unique one number.

Next Bugatti appeared only after WW II, in 1945.

1947 – 1963

After WW II it became clear that Bugatti given post-war situation in Europe, especially luxury cars consumer incentives, would hardly flourish as in pre-war era did. Nevertheless Bugatti managed to function due to its prestige, reputation and financial reserves made during previous 40 years.

In 1947 Ettore Bugatti died – that was a fatal blow for the company as just Ettore had been supporting company’s prestige helping to survive the whole company.

The company managed to prolong its living up to 1963 and between 1947 and 1963 constrcuted 6 models only. The last one that was developed by Ettore Bugatti was Type 73 – he died two week after model’s introduction at Paris Motor Show 1947. Type 73 with Type 73c and Type 73a modifications depending on engine type, was the last successful model of Bugatti. Type 73b that was constructed later apparently disappointed Bugatti lovers and owners in its unreliability.

Among all models issued after Ettore Bugatti death can be named Type 101 with wheel base and engine of Type 57, new body and hydraulic brakes. Other models including Type 102 – Type 101 engine placed into new body; Type 251 – F1 bolide model, constructed 3 cars only and demonstrated withered results; Type 252 – “Etorette” – compact sports car.

In 1959 Roland Bugatti made final attempt to restore Bugatti’s glory and name when Type 451 V12 was invented. It was a traditional Bugatti of 30s but with extra powerful engine V12 destined to challenge the best engines of Ferrari. But soon in became clear that engine revision and improving will take a year at least and needed considerable amount of money that Roland didn’t possess really.

In July, 1963 Bugatti was sold to Hispanu-Suiza company that put off all works connected to car manufacturing. It was the end of “Real Bugatti” or “Molsheim Bugatti” history though not the end of Bugatti sports cars manufacturer!

1994

In 1989 Bugatti EB110 was finally introduced and in 1990 this model devoted to Ettore Bugatti 110 birthday anniversary was ready fully. Despite Bugatti EB110 posed absolute opposition to classical Bugatti design traditions this car was endowed with epithets of furious, wild and ungovernable. Bugatti EB110 pretended the title of fastest car in the world with its 553 h/p and 1550 kilos of weight.

In the inner EB110was subduing by combinations of grey leather and walnut materials used in trim; imposing dashboard with clock, air-conditioner, high quality sound system as well as high arch-type doors, leather seats, airplane control column like steering wheel were seducing. Such a great list of mannered features made for show was preventing EB110 from being elegant sports car.

Having central-located V12 3.5 engine with 5valves per cylinder, 4 superchargers added to 4-camera carburetor Bugatti EB110 possessed 560 h/p at 8000 rpm. Its top 100 km/h speed acceleration was alleged at 3.4 sec, 180 km/h – 10.8 sec. Remarkably that the engine of Bugatti EB110 at under 160 km/h speed worked hushfully. Cylinder block of EB110 was made of aluminum and the constructors managed to reach for it low compression ratio at 7.5:1 only. Bugatti together with “Elf corp” managed to invent for EB110 technology of sharp slump dry lubrication system. Reliable and special brakes for EB110 were developed by “Bosch” company while Bugatti improved them by attaching vented ABS control.

Concurrently Bugatti constructors produced sports modification of the model – EB110SS which differed from basic EB110 in inner compartment features and technical specifications: EB110SS had 4 superchargers, all wheels drive, 4.3 sec for 100 km/h jump, more powerful engine. It was the fastest car in its class on the eve of LeMans racing start with 352 km/h top speed. Ambitions of EB110SS constructors were exorbitant but technical malfunctions I superchargers work prevented this Bugatti from finishing or possibly winning LeMans race. Subsequently Bugatti EB110SS was participating various racings getting ranked at 5 or 6 only.

1998

In 1998 after Bugatti was affiliated by Volkswagen the company experienced its fourth revival and the intentions of its current owner are rather decisive as under Ferdinand Piech hand Bugatti EB112 sedan was transformed into Bugatti EB118 sportive coupe having enormous W18, 6.3 555 h/p engine endowing the car with 320 km/h. The model was introduced in 1998 at Paris International motor Show.