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Bugatti Type 55 1931

The 1931 Bugatti Type 55 Base version marks the initial concrete form of a model introduced by Bugatti at the Paris Motor Show of the same year. This car combines competition-derived engineering — notably a straight-eight engine with dual overhead camshafts and a supercharger — with a design suited for road use. It embodies Bugatti's intent to bring the prestige and technology of racing cars closer to everyday driving. This Base version, known as the prototype, exemplifies the key technical features shared across all Type 55 productions.

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Bugatti Type 55 1931
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History

The Bugatti Type 55 emerged during a period when the brand aimed to bring its road cars closer to its competition models. Officially unveiled in 1931 at the Paris Motor Show, this car features a 2.3-litre straight-eight engine whose technology directly derives from the Grand Prix Type 51. The Base road version, including the prototype known by chassis number 55201, is equipped with a supercharger and delivers power generally estimated around 130 horsepower. Its design emphasizes a chassis and suspension influenced by racing cars while maintaining a transmission suitable for road use. The bodywork often varied based on customer preferences, although the two-seater roadster designed by Jean Bugatti is the most emblematic shape from this era.

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Bugatti Type 55 1931 · Photo by noah.vrst
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Production

Production of the Type 55 was very limited, with about 38 units built between 1931 and 1935. The Base version corresponds to the earliest chassis delivered at launch, including the prototype commonly identified by chassis number 55201. Exact production figures by version are not detailed, but it is likely that the Base covers the initial built examples before variations introduced in subsequent years.

Evolution

The 1931 Base version represents the original introduction of the Type 55 model and is not distinguished from other mechanical versions during its brief production span. Changes over this period mostly involve bodywork commissions, finishes, or minor technical adjustments, without a clear renewal or segmentation. This Base version is the starting point of the Type 55 family, produced until 1935, maintaining the original technical character and a 2.3-litre supercharged engine. Visible differences among examples typically concern body styles rather than notable mechanical evolution.

Variants

The term “Base” refers to the cataloged 1931 Type 55 version, without specific indication of a distinct finish or performance level. The model adheres to the common Type 55 mechanical setup, featuring its 2.3-litre straight-eight engine with a supercharger. Major variations among examples lie in their bodywork: the factory two-seater roadster is the most renowned, while some models also exist as coupes or with coachwork by independent firms, leading to differences in door presence, windshield shape, or proportions. These choices are unrelated to the Base version itself.

References