1930 Bugatti Type 50 T 5.0

Vehicle Overview

Bugatti introduced the Type 50 in 1930 as a personal luxury coupe, albeit that term was not invented yet, and offered a touring version named T.

Back in the ’30s, when most cars relied on a sturdy chassis, it was easier for automakers to create different bodyworks, place them on top of the ladder frames, and announce a new model. Sometimes they didn’t change anything under the hood or on the suspension side. Bugatti followed that recipe when it made the Type 50. It took the base from a Type 46, created a new bodywork, and call it a day. Unfortunately for the French automaker, the car was still very expensive, and the Great Depression added more pain to the company’s pockets.

Bugatti tried to promote this vehicle and the brand for the 24 hours of Le Mans race, where it entered three Type 50 vehicles. It was the carmaker’s first appearance in that famous race, and it didn’t end well. All three vehicles failed to finish the competition.

The Type 50 T bodywork featured a fully-enclosed bodywork for the 2+2 cabin. At the front, the shoe-horse radiator flanked by the arched wheel fenders was typical for a Bugatti. It was like a signature design. However, the car’s profile revealed its Touring secret: it featured a longer wheelbase than the other Type 50 models. In addition, the aluminum wheels were a stunning view for those years when other carmakers still used artillery wheels.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a double-over-head camshaft (DOHC) engine, which was revolutionary. It developed 200 PS (197 HP) to help the vehicle reach 200 kph (124 mph).