Type 37
The Bugatti Type 37, produced between 1926 and 1930, is an iconic Grand Prix car in the 1.5-litre category. It was designed to replace the Bugatti Brescia, offering a more accessible alternative while maintaining the brand's characteristic performance. Equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower, the Type 37 could reach a top speed of approximately 150 km/h. Its lightness and reliability made it a preferred choice for private drivers and competitions of the era. (motorlegend.com)
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Bugatti Type 37, produced between 1926 and 1930, is an iconic Grand Prix car in the 1.5-litre category. It was designed to replace the Bugatti Brescia, offering a more accessible alternative while maintaining the brand's characteristic performance. Equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower, the Type 37 could reach a top speed of approximately 150 km/h. Its lightness and reliability made it a preferred choice for private drivers and competitions of the era. (motorlegend.com)
History
The Bugatti Type 37 was introduced in 1926 to replace the Bugatti Brescia in the 1.5-litre racing category. Based on the Type 35 chassis, it featured a similar body but with Rudge wire wheels and smaller brake drums. Its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, derived from the eight-cylinder engine of the Type 28, produced 60 horsepower, allowing the car to reach a top speed of approximately 150 km/h. In 1927, to increase power and face competition, Bugatti introduced the supercharged Type 37A, equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, boosting power to 90 horsepower and top speed to 170 km/h. The total production of the Type 37 is estimated between 290 and 300 units, of which approximately 67 were Type 37A. These cars achieved significant success in competitions, participating in prestigious events such as Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Targa Florio. (motorlegend.com)
Generations
The Bugatti Type 37 had two main variants during its production: 1. **Type 37**: Introduced in 1926, this version was equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower. It was aimed at private drivers and competitions in the 1.5-litre category. 2. **Type 37A**: Launched in 1927, this supercharged version featured a Roots-type supercharger, increasing power to 90 horsepower. It offered superior performance, with a top speed of approximately 170 km/h, and was intended for drivers seeking enhanced performance. Both variants shared many technical characteristics, including the chassis and body inspired by the Type 35, but differed primarily in the engine's supercharging system. (motorlegend.com)
Key differences
The main differences between the Bugatti Type 37 and Type 37A lie in the supercharging system and associated performance. - **Type 37**: Equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower, it offered a top speed of approximately 150 km/h. - **Type 37A**: Fitted with a Roots-type supercharger, this supercharged version increased power to 90 horsepower, allowing a top speed of approximately 170 km/h. These differences influenced drivers' choices based on their performance needs and racing conditions. (motorlegend.com)
Photo recognition
To identify a Bugatti Type 37, look for the following features: - **Body**: Resembling that of the Type 35, with Rudge wire wheels and smaller brake drums. - **Engine**: 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder, with a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder. - **Suspension**: Rigid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and rigid rear axle with reversed quarter-elliptic leaf springs. - **Brakes**: Mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels, operated by cables. These distinctive elements help differentiate the Type 37 from other models of the era. (motorlegend.com)
Important versions
The most significant versions of the Bugatti Type 37 are: - **Type 37**: Base version produced between 1926 and 1930, equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower. - **Type 37A**: Supercharged version introduced in 1927, with a Roots-type supercharger increasing power to 90 horsepower. These two versions have marked the history of motorsport by offering performances suited to the needs of both private and professional drivers. (motorlegend.com)
References
- Bugatti Type 37 - Saga BugattiMotorlegend
- 1927 Bugatti Type 37 | Christie'sChristie's
- https://classiccars.fandom.com/wiki/Bugatti_Type_37classiccars.fandom.com
- https://www.supercars.net/blog/1925%E2%86%921933-bugatti-type-37/supercars.net
- https://www.motorlegend.com/histoire-automobile/saga-bugatti/bugatti-type-37/6%2C13207%2C13204.htmlmotorlegend.com
- https://www.guide-automobiles-anciennes.com/VOITURE/bugatti-type-37-2646.htmguide-automobiles-anciennes.com