1927 Bugatti Type 37 Boattail

This Bugatti Type 37 was delivered new in October 1927 by the original selling dealer in Paris, France. The rolling chassis and engine (number 117) were acquired by Bugatti dealer Jean De Dobbeleer of Belgium in 1958. De Dobbeleer acquired a Grand Prix body from Seyfried at the factory at Molsheim and placed it on the chassis. Antonio A.N. Carvalho of Portugal purchased the Type 37 from De Dobbeleer in 1959, a restoration was completed the following year, and it remained in his family's care for nearly six decades.

During the restoration, the Type 37 was fitted with a fendered aluminum body finished in blue, and a Type 13 Brescia-type gearbox. After the work was completed, the car was placed on display at the Museo do Caramulo in Portugal.

In 2024, a correct Pursang Grand Prix 4-speed manual gearbox was installed along with a new torque arm and other shifting components. Many new components were sourced from Gentry Restorations in the U.K., including new fuel lines and wiring, a new cardin shaft, and a new rear driveshaft with u-joints.

The engine powering this Type 37 is a 1,496cc inline four-cylinder unit that has been recently rebuilt. It has a Zenith carburetor and a proper one-piece crankshaft. There is a side-mounted spare tire, wire wheels, cycle fenders, and Marchal headlamps.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2024