Tourer
Coachwork: Figoni
Chassis #: 38444
Engine #: 12 (ex. 38142)
Bugatti launched its Type 38 in 1926 and built 387 examples, but only 54 were supercharged, as in this case. The more desirable supercharged cars were called the 38A and featured a slightly extended hood, increased brake diameter and a few other subtle upgrades. Powered by a 2.0-liter, 8-cylinder engine, with a four-speed manual gearbox, the Type 38 was the first Bugatti designed and built by Giuseppe Figoni, the celebrated coachwork designer, eight years before he would team with Falaschi.This car was delivered new in Paris but resided primarily in Cheshire, England, and San Francisco, California. While being respectfully restored in 2005 in France, Figoni's son was able to inspect and authenticate his father's craftsmanship. This car maintains its original chassis, radiator and even the frame timbers, and in 2012, it received the correct 'blower,' returning the engine to the original 1927 configuration.
Tourer
Coachwork: Figoni
Chassis #: 38444
Engine #: 12 (ex. 38142)
The Bugatti Type 38A was introduced in 1926 and had style, engineering, and exceptional performance. There were 387 examples of the Type 38 built, and only the last 54 examples featured a supercharger. The vehicles with the supercharger and the slightly lengthened hood were dubbed the Type 38A. They also had an increase in brake diameter and many other subtle changes.This 1927 Bugatti Tourer is one of eight Type 38A models that was originally ordered by Bugatti's Paris agency on July 23rd of 1927. It is a unique automobile that features Tourer coachwork fashioned by Joseph Figoni. It is believed that this is one of Figoni's first efforts on a Bugatti chassis and pre-dates his involvement with Ovidio Falaschi years later. The design features graceful proportions and several distinguishing characteristics such as the polished aluminum body cappings and flowing wings. There is a folding two-pane windscreen and twin rear-mounted spare wheels.
After the work was completed, the car arrived in Paris on September 9th of 1928. The cost to its original owner was approximately 45,000 French francs.
By the 1950s, the car was in the care of Lieut. M. Pornett of Tiresford. At that time, it was registered in Berlin with a British Zone number and described as a Type 38, indicating that the supercharger had been removed.
By the 1950s, the car was in the care of Lieut. M. Pornett of Tiresford. At that time, it was registered in Berlin with a British Zone number and described as a Type 38, indicating that the supercharger had been removed.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It had a pre-auction estimated value of $500,000 - $650,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $495,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
1927 Bugatti Type 38
Bugatti
2012 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $500,000-USD $650,000
Sale Price :
USD $495,000
1927 Bugatti Type 38 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Bugatti Type 38
(Data based on Model Year 1927 sales)
1927 Bugatti Type 38A Grand Sport Chassis#: 38470 Sold for USD$440,000 2016 The Finest : The Elegance at Hershey | ![]() ![]() |
1927 Bugatti Type 38 Roadster Chassis#: 38385 Sold for USD$264,000 2015 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | ![]() ![]() |
1927 BUGATTI TYPE 38 FOUR SEAT OPEN TOURER Chassis#: 38243 Sold for USD$715,000 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale | ![]() |
1927 Bugatti Type 38A Tourer Chassis#: 38444 Sold for USD$495,000 2012 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1927 Bugatti Type 38 Chassis#: 38385 Sold for USD$198,000 2008 Gooding & Company | ![]() ![]() |
1927 Bugatti Type 38 Sold for USD$220,000 2007 Gooding & Company | ![]() ![]() |
1927 Bugatti Type 38 Tourer Sold for USD$106,480 2003 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona |
Bugatti Type 38s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1927 Bugatti Type 38's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1927 Bugatti Type 38A Grand Sport | 38470 | 2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | $350,000 | $400,000 |
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1927 Bugatti Type 38
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