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1930 Bugatti Type 43

Sport 2/4 Tourer
Chassis number: 43286
Engine number: 133

A racing car for the road, the impeccably styled Bugatti Type 43 has been called the first real 100 mph sports car and the epitome of an Art Deco automobile. Except for a lower compression ratio, the Type 43's eight-cylinder supercharged engine, in two four-cylinder blocks, was identical to the one placed in the Type 35B racing car. The car's transmission, axles and radiator came from the Type 38. The restoration of this car was started over 12 years ago by Lee Adams, the current owner's late husband. Lee's dream was to have the car running and being enjoyed by his family, but he passed away before the dream could be realized. His wife, Betsy, took up where Lee left off, and with the help of a talented team of craftsmen, the 'pile of metal parts' in Betsy's garage was transformed into the stunning example shown.

Sport 2/4 Tourer
Chassis number: 43286
Engine number: 133

Bugatti introduced the Type 43 in the Spring of 1927 and was a development of the Type 38, from which it sourced its axles, brakes, steering, radiator, and gearbox. Power, however, was a 2.3-liter supercharged unit that had come from the Type 35 Grand Prix car. It was given a slightly shorter wheelbase chassis and was designed as a road-going car with the qualities of its racing sister. This made it suitable for sporting expeditions including the Alpine Trial, hill climbs, and circuit racing.

The Type 43 was among the first road cars to have a top speed exceeding 100 mph. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 112 mph.

This 2/4 Seater Type 43 has been given a comprehensive restoration. It has a documented history that begins in September 1928, when the car's engine '133' was built at the Molsheim works and fitted to chassis 43286. It was one of eight cars to be built that month. 18 months later, the car was sold to its first owner, B. Larrouse of Paris, on May 12th 1930. By 1932, it was in the care of M. Eonnet. In 1936, the car moved to the first of a series of owners on the French Riviera. Ernest Bahier of Nice kept the car from 1936 to 1945, followed by Eugene Gillio of Cannes, then moved to Avignon to a dealer Guy Dore in July of 1948. It then went back to the coast of Marseille in September of 1948.

American Peter Hall purchased the car in 1948 and two years later, had the car shipped to the United States in 1950. By this point in history, it wore its current coachwork - it had left the factory with Grand Sport coachwork.

Ralph Eades of anta Ana, CA, purchased the car in 1953, then Tom Harrison in 1973, before passing into long-term owners of Richard Adams of La Mesa and subsequently family members Lee Adams and Betsy Adams.

In the 2000s, the car was given a restoration. Upon completion, the car made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2006 where it received 3rd in class. Since that time, it has changed hands on two occasions.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge auction presented by Bonhams. It was estimated to sell for $1,300,000 - $1,500,000, but bidding failed to satisfy the reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

The Bugatti Type 43 was introduced in 1927 and would remain in production until 1930, with around 160 examples produced. It was powered by a detuned engine from the Type 35B Grand Prix and fitted with a supercharger offering 120 horsepower. It had a mid-mounted transmission with axles similar to the Type 38.

by Dan Vaughan