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In 1926, Bugatti made a 1.5-liter version of the Type 35 for voiturette racing. Thus, the Type 37 carried on the role of then dated Brecia Type 13. It featured the same identity and engineering with the successful Type 35, but was in much lower performance class with only 60 available bhp. Compared to the Type 35, the 37 was much cheaper to produce and easier to maintain, making it an easier choice for privateers or amateurs.

The Type 37's engine was essentially half the inline-8 unit used at the time. It was a compact cylinder block, with small water passages, aluminum turned panels and a SOHC, three-valve cylinder heads. This design could rev up to 5000 rpm. Unlike the Grand Prix cars, the Type 37 used plain instead of roller bearings and it had a one-piece crankshaft.

Power output was rated at 60 hp @ 4500 rpm. In 1927, Bugatti released the Type 37A with a Roots-type supercharger that raised power by 20 bhp.

As with the Type 35, the Type 37 shared a low center of gravity, rigid steering and impressive braking. It also had the characteristic reversed quarter-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Fitted with simple cycle fenders, the Type 37 was entered in all the great road races of the era including Le Mans, the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio.