1927 Bugatti Type 38 Roadster

The Bugatti Type 38 chassis was basically a Type 35 Grand Prix fitted with a straight-eight engine that had a one-piece crankshaft with three plain bearings and one ball bearing, plain connecting rod bearings and a pair of carburetors. The engine produced 60-70 horsepower and with the addition of a supercharger, resulted in even more power and the new name - the Type 38A.

This 1927 Bugatti Type 38 Roadster is believed to have been purchased new by Elizabeth and Vincent Junek, the Czech racing couple who exchanged it for their Type 29/30 Strasbourg Grand Prix car. Elizabeth, who had been racing seriously since 1923, was one of the best female drivers in Europe. Her list of accomplishments in the sport included several hill climb victories, a second in the Klaussen climb in 1926, and winning the two-liter class at the Nurburgring.

It is believed that this Type 38 Roadster was used as a reconnaissance car by Elizabeth in the 1928 Targa Florio. It was used to inspect the course and to learn the route. Being fully prepared, she drove her Bugatti Type 35B fifth overall. Her racing career would come to an end a short time later after her husband was killed in a racing accident. After this tragedy, she withdrew from the sport.

It is believed that the car was imported from Prague by Ed Jurist's Vintage Car Store and was acquired by Fred Beddiges and later by Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson.

This car is unrestored and finished in blue with a black leather interior. It has a pair of SU carburetors, a Type 30 radiator, an electric fuel pump, silver-painted wire wheels, Marchal headlights, a rear-mounted spare wheel and tire, and a pair of Scintilla tail-lights.

In 2008, this Series E Bearcat was brought to the Gooding & Company auction in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. Those estimates were smashed as the lot was sold for $198,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009