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Bugatti Type 54 GP

1931 Bugatti Type 54

As a stop gap between planned models, Bugatti produced the Type 54. It became a synthesis of the Type 45 chassis with an eight-cylinder engine from the Type 50. It was raced actively from 1930 to 1933 and became known for its brute power among the more nimble Type 35s it replaced.

At the Monza GP in 1930, Louis Chiron and Archille Varzi raced the first two Type 54s. Varzi was able to secure third place which wasn’t bad for a car conceived and fabricated in just two weeks. A highlight victory came when Varzi won at at Avus in 1933.

In 1934 maximum weight restrictions made the Type 54 redundant. Two chassis were later converted into road cars by Bachelier and Messrs Uhlik.

Pictures & Gallery

See full 1931 Bugatti Type 54 Gallery here

Specs & Performance

   
type Racing Car
built at France
production 6
engine Inline-8
aspiration Supercharged
block material Cast Iron
valvetrain DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed 2 Zenith Carburettors
displacement 4972 cc / 303.41 in³
bore 86 mm / 3.4 in
stroke 107 mm / 4.2 in
power 223.7 kw / 300 bhp
specific output 60.34 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 285.71 bhp per tonne
body / frame Aluminum Body over Steel Frame
front brakes Cable Operated Drums
rear brakes Drums
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Friction Dampers
r suspension Live Axle w/Reversed Quarter-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Friction Dampers
curb weight 1050 kg / 2315 lbs
wheelbase 2750 mm / 108.3 in
front track 1350 mm / 53.1 in
rear track 1350 mm / 53.1 in
transmission 3-Speed Manual
top speed ~200 kph / 124.20 mph
key drivers Louis Chiron, Archille Varzi
race victories 1933 Avus