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Bridging the gap between the opulent Royale and 3-litre Type 44, the Type 46 was Bugatti's standard luxury model. It was first launched at the 1929 Paris Motor Show and production began in the same year.

A large, one piece engine was the main feature of the Type 46. Its casting contained everything from the combustion chambers down to the main crankshaft bearings, including the cylinder walls. This setup eliminated the need for head studs and therefore the engine could be very narrow and perfectly rectangular. The flywheel was flexibly mounted to reduce vibrations in the cabin. A five-jet Smith-Bariquand carbuettor was fitted.

Chassis arrangements were similar to the Type 41, having three speed gearbox in unit with the rear axle. Rudge wire wheels were fitted and the spectacular cast aluminum type as seen the Royale were eventually offered as an option. Braking was handled by large diameter drums.

Main competition for the Type 46 came from Delage's D8, which sold in much greater numbers, but with less performance and at half the price.

Eventually , a supercharged version of the Type 46 was offered known as the 46S. The model was completely replaced by the Type 50, with its twin-overhead cam design which was a copy of the American Miller unit.

Even though Bugatti was known fro it's noisy racecars, the luxurious Type 46 was a successful project that sold over 460 units.

Bodystyles for the Type 46 were diverse, but many used the same radiator and hood that came provided. One of the most distinct and dramatic bodies fitted to the Type 46 was the Semi-Profilee which used a raked windscreen and sweeping two tone paint job to great effect. The theme was continued on the Type 50 Coupe Profilee which featured a completely sloping fastback rear end.

Chassis & Sales

1930 Bugatti Type 46 Figoni Cabriolet 46331 - sold for €333,500 46331 was delivered as a chassis in 17th May 1930 to Garage Mondan & Wilson in Paris for its first owner, Parisian Georges Combe, who clearly recognised its outstanding specification. He was to commission two-door four-seat coachwork by Figoni – the design and craftsmanship from this carrossiere- par-excellence complementing the genius of Bugatti. Combe was to drive his elegant new car actively in the metropolis and on family trips to the Pyr... more
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles d'exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

,1930 Bugatti Type 46 Veth & Zoon Faux Cabriolet 46293 - sold for €632,500 This supremely elegant car is bodied in the popular two-door Faux Cabriolet style of many original Type 46s and is finished entirely in black with contrasting beige mohair hood and nickel plated side mouldings, emphasising the design's long horizontal lines. The interior is upholstered in brown leather with a crocodile skin pattern, typical of the Art Deco period, which perfectly complements the original inlaid wood door cappings. Chassis n... more
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles d'exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1930 Bugatti T46 Freestone & Webb Sports Saloon 46533 - did not sell for €487,200 An exceptional, older restoration with original English coachwork. One of only about 450 examples built and few survivors. A smaller “companion” model to the T41 Royale. One of the most elegant T46s in existence. Formerly in the Dr. Peter Williamson Collection. A fabulous older restoration, it notably features interior appointments that are far richer in contrast to its French-bodied T46 counterparts. It is finished in green with tan uphols... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

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