1927 Bugatti Type 37 Boattail

Ettore Bugatti's early Type 13 cars proved they were a mechanical masterpiece and years ahead of the competition. The engine featured overhead cams and was mated to a four-speed gearbox. The cars that followed continued to have similar characteristics, with superior handling and steering, and were highly coveted by serious racers of the day.

Much of the competition relied on a powerful engine to win races. Bugatti took another approach; he used a sophisticated, well-designed, and refined vehicle. In 1926, Ettore Bugatti introduced the Type 37 as a replacement for the famous Brescia.

The two-seater Type 37 could achieve speeds in the neighborhood of 90 mph, with braking operated by a cable brake. Its body design was simplistic yet artistically sensible. There were a wide cockpit and a tapered boattail, a horseshoe grille, Brooklands windscreen, leather hood straps, and a four-spook wooden steering wheel.

This Type 37 was built by a Bugatti expert using sanctioned parts obtained through the Bugatti Club. It was given a Bugatti Club VIN number and is eligible for FIA paperwork.

The car has an original 1,496cc four-cylinder, inline engine, and four-speed transmission. There are French Marchal headlamps and electronic ignition. It is painted in the classic French Racing Blue paintwork.

In 2009, this Recreation Type 37 was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California, presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $100,000-$150,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $126,500, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009