1934 Bugatti Type 59 Monoposto

The frame of this Bugatti Type 59 dates from the first batch of 1933 works cars and chassis. Works drivers included Dreyfus, Brivio, Benoist, Wimille, and, as an independent, Tazio Nuvolari. Initially campaigned in 2.8-liter form, the Type 59 was subsequently enlarged to 3.3 liters.

The engine is an 8-cylinder, 3.3-liter unit with a single Roots-type supercharger fed by two downdraft Zenith carburetors and equipped with twin overhead camshafts. Bugatti claimed 250 BHP for the 3.3 liter engine.

Drive Train: Rear axle has double reduction gears to allow prop shaft and engine centerline to be dropped, the gearbox, being contained in a casting straddling the chassis frame.

Springs: Reverse quarter elliptical springs at the rear. The front axle is hollow, split in the center and joined by a collar, brake torque being dealt with by radius arms connected to DeRam shock absorbers.

Wheels: A radical approach was a new type of wire wheel where all spokes are radial, the torque taken by gear teeth round the periphery of the brake drum engaging other teeth on the rim.

Weight: (all oil and coolant fluids with five imperial gallons of fuel): 1982 pounds