BUGATTI Type 38 1926-1927 Photos, engines & full specs

The 1926 Type 38 was the replacement model for the former Bugatti Type 30. It was produced only for a year, but it had a great influence on future models.

The famous 2.0-liter engine with an inline-eight layout was a masterpiece of its time. The precision needed to craft that motor was achieved only by the Bugatti engineers. Other car-makers chose a safer way by installing inline-six units with the same displacement.

The Type 38 featured a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the Type 30. That helped the car at high speeds, ensuring better balance. The car was offered as a 2-seat roadster or as a 4-seat Gran Tourer. Some models featured a canvas top and were able to be covered in case of bad weather. As it was the era habit, some vehicles were completed at custom coachbuilders.

Inside, the vehicles featured the same instrument panel with the dials mounted in the center of the dash. The classic, four-spoke steering wheel was big. Some roadsters didn't feature a windshield but two metallic bulges that deflected the wind above the occupants. But they had to wear helmets and goggles anyway.

The technical part of the car was a masterpiece. The inline-eight engine featured a long-stroke piston formula and three valves per cylinder. It offered a maximum of 60 hp for the naturally aspirated version. For racing versions, the Type 38 was offered with a supercharger that boosted the power.