1927 Bugatti Type 38

This Bugatti Type 38 is a complete and original example with Fiacre Style Coupe bodywork. It has been the subject of an extensive engine and mechanical rebuild.

The Type 38 served as the replacement for the Type 30 and first appeared in March of 1926. It had a new frame, well-designed axle and details, and the engine drove through a newly designed central-mounted gearbox. It rested on a lengthened wheelbase and had 50mm more track than its Type 30 predecessor. Its elegant bodies rested on a rear reverse quarter elliptical springs with the front axle and springs passing through the forged axle as with the Type 35. The engine was nearly identical to that of the Type 35A. The crank casting was the same as what was used on the Type 43 with the lower crankcase arms being the same width in both the front and rear.

In total, there were 385 examples of the Type 38 produced between 1926 and 1927. 39 of those were fitted with the Type 37A supercharger and were subsequently known as the Type 38A.

This example, chassis number 38428 is powered by engine number 332 and was ordered by Sorel of London in May of 1927. It was delivered on September 17th of 1927 for the sum of 25,670 French Francs. At some point, in its early life, it was exported to New Zealand. The first recorded New Zealand owner was a Mr. Rex Carr (around the late 1940s and early 1950s). The next owner was a Mr. Graham Wells, from Auckland. At the time, it wore a sporty 2-seater body. The car remained with this body until the early 1950s when ownership passed to a Ted Thompson of Kumeu, near Auckland. Mr. Kumeu would sell some of the parts of the car, but thankfully they would be later re-united with the car.

The engine was sold to a boat owner in Lake Taupo, the bodywork including the bonnet, firewall, and radiator, was used on a 6-cylinder Crossley chassis which was raced and hill climbed by a Mr. McWhirter. The Bugatti was then given a Ford V8 and special bodywork and was raced on the South part of the Island.

With the help of Roy Roycroft, the parts found their way back to the Bugatti. The next owner John Hearne, obtained the car in pieces in exchange for a 6C Maserati. He later sold it, still unrestored, to High Court Judge Toney Ellis, who began a 30-year restoration of the car including fitting the car with its Coupe Fiacre body.

Mr. Ellis passed away in 2007. The current owner acquired it from his widow.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2013