1927 Bugatti Type 38

Bugatti introduced its 8-cylinder line in 1922, beginning with the Type 30, with the same basic design continuing with later models including the Type 38, Type 40, Type 43, Type 44, and Type 49. Production of the Type 30 continued through 1926 and power was from the same two-liter engine founded in the Type 35A Grand Prix car. The engine used three main roller bearings which was an unusual setup for Bugatti, and other aspects of the engine remained consistent with the classic Bugatti design, including the single overhead camshafts, three valves per cylinder, and monoblock construction. The chassis, including the gearbox and the axles, were sourced from the Type 13 'Brescia.' By the time production ended in 1926, approximately 600 examples were built.

The Type 30 was followed in 1926 by the Type 38 using the same 2-liter engine as the Type 35A 'Tecla.' Production continued into 1927, with 385 examples built, including 54 of the Bugatti Roots Type supercharged 38As. The Type 38As had a slightly lengthened hood, an increase in brake diameter, and various other subtle changes to cope with the increase in power produced by the supercharger. In other respects, the Type 38A used Bugatti's traditional setup of a solid front axle with semi-elliptic springs, a rear axle resting on reversed quarter ecliptics, and wire wheels at all four corners. They used a four-speed Bugatti transmission and cable-operated 4-wheel brakes.

Although they were not the fastest Bugatti model on offer, the Type 38 and Type 38A provided excellent road-going and handling characteristics.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020