Bugatti Type 28 classic cars for sale

History of the Bugatti Type 28

First shown at the 1921 Paris Motor Show, the Bugatti Type 28 was an advanced automotive prototype by Automobiles Ettore Bugatti. This car represented Bugatti’s early attempts at integrating a powerful inline-eight engine in a passenger vehicle. Despite drawing attention on its debut, the Type 28 was abandoned after the prototype stage. Yet, its innovations directly impacted future Bugatti models—especially the Type 30—making the Type 28 a crucial link in the brand's engineering evolution.

Model History of the Bugatti Type 28

Development of the Bugatti Type 28 began in the early 1920s, following intensive experimentation with eight-cylinder engine design by Bugatti engineers since 1913. The engine design used in the Type 28—a pair of four-cylinder blocks sharing a single crankcase—paved the way for subsequent Bugatti engines up to the Type 57 and Type 50. Although the Type 28 was only produced as a prototype, its technical solutions influenced the production-ready Type 30 and subsequent generations.

Highlights and Unique Features

Among its defining features, the Bugatti Type 28 was one of the first vehicles from the marque to introduce braking on all four wheels, a significant advancement for its era. It incorporated a two-spoke steering wheel with adjustable length and sophisticated control mechanisms for both carburetion and throttle, operated via levers mounted behind the wheel. The engine was meticulously assembled: the blocks were hand-scraped for perfect fit without the need for additional gaskets. Exterior details included engine-turned finishes and elaborately safety-wired fasteners, underscoring Bugatti’s attention to functional beauty and engineering precision.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectors’ Models

The Type 28 existed only as a prototype and did not see broad production, so there are no officially recognised special editions or variations. Its influence, though, directly shaped the Bugatti Type 30 and later models, making original prototypes and engineering drawings highly prized by marque historians and dedicated collectors.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Given that the Bugatti Type 28 did not progress beyond prototype, maintenance advice is necessarily limited. For the running mechanical concepts that made it to later models, attention should be paid to the precision of the inline-eight engine assembly and brake systems, both of which require specialist knowledge and hand-crafted upkeep, as shown by Bugatti’s own meticulous engine construction techniques.

Engine Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Type 28’s eight-cylinder engine delivered strong performance for its era, highlighted by the estimated 130 km/h top speed and pronounced smoothness from the uniquely constructed straight-eight. The chassis benefitted from full four-wheel braking, improving safety and handling relative to earlier designs. Steering adjustment offered additional driver comfort and adaptability—a rare feature in early 1920s cars. The Type 28 sits apart from other Bugatti models as a crucial technical forerunner. The technology and engineering lessons learned were implemented most notably in the production Bugatti Type 30.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Designers imbued the Type 28 with technical elegance. The interior highlighted an adjustable, two-spoke steering wheel and precisely laid-out controls mounted behind the wheel. Exterior detailing included hand-scraped engine blocks and engine-turned finishes that not only looked refined but offered practical benefits regarding assembly and durability. High-quality materials and meticulous workmanship underlined Bugatti’s approach, even at this early stage. Although special colours or upholstery variations are not documented for the prototype, the car set early benchmarks for the distinctive Bugatti design ethos.

Other Noteworthy Features

A further testament to Bugatti’s engineering foresight is the layout of safety wiring over almost every engine fastener—a complex and attractive technique that provided both mechanical reliability and visual distinction. This refinement, alongside the advanced brake and control systems, exemplified the forward-thinking character of the brand.

Summary

The Bugatti Type 28 represents a pivotal experiment in early Bugatti engineering philosophy, marrying novel technical concepts with advanced design aesthetics. Though it never entered full production, its influence lived on in subsequent models and helped to define the DNA of Bugatti grand tourers that followed. Today, the Type 28 stands as a fascinating case study for collectors and enthusiasts interested in the evolution of pre-war French automotive performance and artistry.