BUGATTI Type 46 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Bugatti introduced the Type 46 in 1929 as a grand tourer, and it made an excellent impression in front of its customers. Besides the gorgeous-looking bodywork, the Type 46 was also luxurious and powerful.

Despite offering other, more luxurious cars on the market, Ettore Bugatti loved the Type 46, a car that became it's favorite. That's one of the reasons why this model stood on the market longer than anyone expected. Before WWII, a luxury vehicle was hardly produced for more than a few years, and yet, the Type 46 resisted for seven years on the assembly lines, albeit with a few modifications.

The design was considered not just classic but elegant. At the front, the famous horseshoe-shaped radiator was surrounded by a thick chromed rim. A long engine compartment with side fins was a visual promise for performance, and it was flanked by long, curved front fenders. The two-door vehicle offered front-hinged doors, unlike other carmakers that still relied on the rear-hinged ones. The greenhouse was not very tall, counting for about 30% of the vehicle's height, and it started with a tilted windshield. At the back, Bugatti installed a generous trunk and the spare wheels attached to it.

The Type 46 featured a luxurious interior fitted with bucket seats at the front and a tiny bench in the rear. The woodgrain dashboard featured center-mounted dials for the speedometer, tachometer, water temperature, and other few gauges needed on long trips. Thanks to its big diameter, four-spoke steering wheel, the driver could drive the Type 46 quite fast, even on bad roads.

Under the hood, Bugatti installed an inline-eight mill that produced 138 HP (149 PS), and it was paired with a three-speed manual. In 1930, the manufacturer offered a supercharger as an option, and the upgraded version received the Type 46S name.