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After years of refining preceding variations of the legendary straight eight, the twin-plug, three-valves-per-cylinder single overhead camshaft engine in the Type 49 Bugatti is the ultimate development of the single camshaft inline eight-cylinder engine.

Built between 1930 and 1934, only 470 examples of the Type 49 were produced, but they quickly earned a reputation as reliable touring models famed for their engine flexibility, supple ride, satisfying performance and rugged build quality.

These characteristics were confirmed in a November, 1932 issue of The Motor. When reporting on a road test of an open Type 49, the journalist was quoted as saying, “It is indeed a car with a dual personality – a comfortable carriage and a lively sports model.” The report went on, “… one has no hesitation about driving at the maximum whenever road conditions permit …” and noted, “The gear change is exceptionally rapid …” and “… on the road the car handles delightfully.” Today, this would mark a Type 49 as an excellent choice for the collector who wishes to enjoy the delights of thoroughbred Bugatti performance without the temperament and complexity for which some Bugatti models are known.

Chassis & Sales

49427-1931 Bugatti Type 49 Beutler Cabriolet. When delivered to its first Swiss owner, this chassis had a 4–5 passenger convertible body. Following WWII, the owner decided to update the coachwork with a new, modern one-off convertible body constructed in 1947 by Buetler of Thun, Switzerland in aluminum. Restored in 2006 by Brian Joseph of Classic & Exotic Restorations of Troy, Michigan including a comprehensive rebuild of the engine, transmission, brakes, wiring, differential, top and interior. Sold at Gooding & Co's 2010 Scottsdale Auction for $240,000 USD with an estimate of $275,000 - $325,000 USD.

Story by Supercars.net, Gooding & Co.

Chassis & Sales

1933 Bugatti Type 49 Van Rijswijk Drophead Coupé 49570 - sold for €356,500 The last Type 49 constructed by the factory in 1933, '495780' was sold new to a Mr Lagerwey by the Dutch Bugatti importer, van Ramshorst. The Dutch Bugatti Register states that when Lagerwey travelled with van Ramshorst to Molsheim to buy a Type 57 there were none available and so he bought this Type 49 instead. After completion by van Rijswijk the car was presented at the RAI's Amsterdam Motor Show in 1934 (stand number '100'). The Bugatti... more
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles d'exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1931 Bugatti Type 49 Vanvooren Saloon 49294 - sold for €126,672 Research by marque historians indicate this car was delivered as a rolling chassis to Parisian coachbuilders Vanvooren in April 1931, and on 12 May it was fitted with Vanvooren’s handsome four-door saloon coachwork, design number 9487. The engine’s “L” prefix indicates a slightly longer wheelbase, and when the car was completed on 25 June, Bugatti was invoiced 19,000FF for the work, a remarkable sum of money in the early 1930s. Celli commen... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

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