Bugatti Type 46 & Type 50: The Big Bugattis

The Bugatti Type 46 was unveiled in the autumn of 1929 as a grand expression of Ettore Bugatti’s pursuit of mechanical excellence and elegance. With a chassis stretching nearly twelve feet and powered by a 5.3-litre straight-eight engine, the Type 46 was conceived as the ultimate luxury car of its day—refined, powerful, and exquisitely crafted. Often regarded as a scaled-down version of the legendary Royale, the T46 quickly earned a reputation as one of Bugatti’s finest touring cars and is said to have been Ettore Bugatti’s personal favourite.

In 1930, the Type 50 succeeded the T46, retaining much of its predecessor’s chassis and running gear but introducing a new, advanced 5-litre twin-overhead-camshaft supercharged engine. This innovation elevated the T50 into true Grand Sport territory, blending opulent luxury with exceptional performance. Bugatti’s engineering prowess was on full display, with the T50’s speed and refinement making it one of the most desirable grand tourers of its era. A team of T50s even competed at Le Mans in 1931, a testament to their sporting capability.

Fewer than 500 examples of the Type 46 and Type 50 were built, but their exclusivity only adds to their mystique. Each car was an individual masterpiece, bodied by the greatest European coachbuilders, including Gaston Grummer, Chapron, Van Vooren, Gangloff, Kellner, Corsica, Van den Plas, Freestone & Webb, and many others. Their creations reflected the golden age of bespoke automotive design, with each car tailored to the tastes of the world’s wealthiest clientele.

In Bugatti Type 46 & 50, Barrie Price presents a definitive study of these magnificent automobiles — combining historical insight, technical analysis, and a detailed exploration of the coachbuilt masterpieces they inspired. The book includes a full chassis listing and reproductions of original Bugatti and coachbuilder promotional material, providing an unparalleled reference for historians, restorers, and collectors alike.

Key

Features

• Comprehensive history and engineering analysis of the Bugatti Type 46 and Type 50
• Profiles of all major coachbuilders and their bespoke bodywork for these chassis
• Complete chassis listing and archival promotional reproductions
• Examines both the standard and supercharged (46S) variants
• Richly illustrated with period photographs and design details
• A meticulous and elegant tribute to two of Bugatti’s greatest creations, Bugatti Type 46 & Type 50 captures the artistry, innovation, and prestige of the “Big Bugattis”
• masterpieces that defined pre-war automotive luxury.