1928 Bugatti Type 44

The Bugatti Type 44 was introduced at the Paris Salon in October of 1927 and produced until 1931, with 1,095 examples constructed. It replaced the 2-liter Type 38 and shared much of the Type 38's chassis, although strengthened to cope with the larger engine. The twin-block, three valves-per-cylinder straight-eight engine with single-overhead-camshafts, a 69mm bore, and a 100mm stroke. It received an entirely new crankshaft, with nine plain bearings making it one of the most reliable ever built by Bugatti. The 2,991cc unit developed approximately 80 horsepower, giving it a top speed of over 75 mph. The power was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed gate-change gearbox and large, drum brakes were located at all four corners. The suspension was a conventional leaf spring setup.

Ettore Bugatti preferred the single-cam design, and it was only through considerable prompting by his eldest son, Jean, that he adopted the double-overhead-camshaft method of valve action of the Type 50 of 1930.

Much of the coachwork was built by Gangloff. Other coachbuilders include Harrington, Vanvooren, and Graber - among others. Bodies were also built to designs by Jean Bugatti.

It is believed that only 10 percent of the 1,095 Type 44 Bugatti exist. Other Bugatti models built during this era include the Type 30, Type 35, Type 37, Type 40, Type 41 Royale, Type 43, Type 46, and Type 49.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020