Roadster
Coachwork: Henri Labourdette
Chassis #: 49534
Engine #: L423
The Bugatti Type 49 was introduced at the Paris Salon in 1930 and was produced until 1934 with a total of 470 examples produced. It is believed that around 76 examples remain in existence. This would be the last of Ettore Bugatti's eight-cylinder, single-camshaft touring cars. The 3.3-liter model featured twin-plug ignition, an enlarged radiator, ball-change gearlever, and eventually cast aluminum wheels. The Type 49 Bugatti's received quality coachwork from some of the finest and most distinguished coachbuilders of the era, as well as a variety of styles by the Molsheim factory.This particular example wears coachwork by Labourdette. The Labourdette coachbuilder has a distinguished history that began as a carriage builder, eventually switching to horseless carriages. Their name was associated with quality and craftsmanship. Early in their career they clothed Panhard-Levassors, C.G.V.s, Delaunay-Bellevilles, and Mors motorcars, through the teen era Mercedes, Peugeot and Rolls-Royce joined that roster, then came Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza and the 40 horsepower Renaults. During the 1930s they produced coachwork for Delage and Talbot. Their list of individual clients was equally impressive.
Some of their finest creations were their wooden bodied 'Skiffs.' They pioneered lightness in the design for open cars, followed by light designs for the 'Vutotal' bodies in the 1930s. They registered numerous patented features and accessories from seating arrangements to lamps.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2017
Roadster
Coachwork: Henri Labourdette
Chassis #: 49534
Engine #: L423
The last of Ettore Bugatti's 8-cylinder, single camshaft touring cars, the Bugatti Type 49 debuted at the Paris Auto Salon in 1930. The 3.3-liter Type 49 can be identified by its larger radiator and cast aluminum 'finned' wheels. Total production amounted to 470 cars, and around 76 are believed to survive. The Type 49 was built in a wide variety of styles at Bugatti's Molsheim factory and by coachbuilders throughout Europe. This Type 49 Henri Labourdette Roadster was built by Henri Labourdette for its original owner, Charles Drouilly, an eccentric yachtsman who was the Commodore of the Motoryacht Club of the Cote d'Azur. This unique body has a suitably nautical theme reflected in the taper from the windshield to the tail reminiscent of a classic motorboat. This directive is apparent in the unusual treatment of the naturally finished mahogany strips running at the junction of the top and body side from windshield to the end of the body as well as matching mahogany on the dash and the footboard.The taper of the coachwork from the windshield to the tail also reflects a boat's contour as seen from both a side or top view further contributing to a boat-like appearance.
The Type 49's chassis is a perfect match for this theme offering light weight, considerable power and direct steering.
1932 Bugatti Type 49
Bugatti
2017 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $650,000-USD $850,000
Sale Price :
USD $676,500
Recent Sales of the Bugatti Type 49
(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)
1932 Bugatti Type 49 Berline 2/4 portes Vanvooren Chassis#: 49487 Sold for USD$223,803 2019 Artcurial : Retroobile | |
1932 Bugatti TYPE 49 ROADSTER Chassis#: 49534 Sold for USD$676,500 2017 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours | ![]() ![]() |
Bugatti Type 49s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1932 Bugatti Type 49's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1932 Bugatti Type 49 Cabriolet | 49469 | 2019 Artcurial : Retroobile | $400,000 | $600,000 | |
1932 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster | 49369 | 2016 The Finest : Aspen | $550,000 | $700,000 |
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1932 Bugatti Type 49
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