Ettore Bugatti designed and built cars at a time when the philosophy was that better cars were built on the back of racing success. The Bugatti name is legendary due to his unparalleled racing successes primarily with the Type 35 at the Targa Florio and the Grands Prix of France, Belgium, Italy, Monaco and Spain.
The genesis of the Type 37 four-cylinder 1 ½ litre car began with the 2 litre Type 35 in 1924. With the change of the Grand Prix formula from 2 litres to 1 ½ litres in 1926 came the Type 39 which evolved into the Type 37.
Although originally produced as a racing car, and despite the cost, as was common Bugatti practice the Type 37 was sold in considerable numbers (some 291 its is believed) to private clients as road cars. The instantly recognisable and typically Bugatti engine is relatively simple in design but the car was capable of competing with and beating most other cars of the period due to its outstanding roadholding.
The beautiful body shape is based on the Type 35 but the Type 37 has wire wheels and normal drums instead of the patent Bugatti cast alloy wheels of the larger, earlier car. Both cars however were renowned for the precision and craftsmanship exhibited in their manufacture.
This Bugatti Type 37 is in first class order having been rebuilt for the 2005 International Bugatti Rally held in Australia, where it performed faultlessly. The total rebuild, assembled on a replica Sala/Larsen chassis, included new engine block, pistons, valves, gear box components, cooling and exhaust systems along with a complete electrical system including alternator, gell battery and full wiring harness. More recently a ring gear was fitted to the flywheel and a reliable starter installed. A new tonneau cover and a second aero screen have been added to this vehicle which is presented in the traditional blue racing colours of France.
Its Bugatti Owners Club number is BC 57 and it is fully road registered in NSW as BUG 370.
For more information or high res images please contact
James Nicholls
National Head of Collectors' Motor Cars
+61 (0)2 9362 1000
[email protected]