Bugatti Type 23 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Bugatti Type 23 Brescia

Production of the Bugatti Type 23 Brescia began in the early 1920s in Molsheim, Alsace, as a direct descendant of the Type 13. Ettore Bugatti continued the concept of a compact, light sports car with a torque-rich four-cylinder engine and pushed technical refinement with one of the world’s first 16-valve engines. The Brescia’s racing roots are unmistakable: its predecessor, the Type 13, claimed a quadruple victory at the 1921 Voiturette Grand Prix in Brescia, Italy, an achievement that influenced the naming of all subsequent 16-valve models as "Brescia." Deliveries initially went to Paris, and many Type 23s left the factory as rolling chassis for bodywork by Bugatti or prestigious coachbuilders.

Model Series Development

The Type 23 built on the legacy of the Type 13, offering both technological evolution and greater usability. It maintained the lightweight construction and agile character of the original, while introducing new details like front drum brakes starting from 1924. After the Type 23, Bugatti’s series moved on to more powerful and luxurious models, but the Type 23 remained the last of the pur-sang lightweight sports cars that shaped Bugatti’s early reputation. Its innovative features echo through Bugatti's engineering philosophy even in later decades.

Distinctive Features and Popularity

Notable for being among the first production vehicles to use a multi-valve engine, the Type 23 Brescia combined race technology and road usability. The 16-valve head was first realised during 1914, postwar production resumed in 1920. As a rolling chassis, each Type 23 Brescia typically received custom bodywork—some directly from Bugatti, others by leading European coachbuilders. The sporting four-seat configuration, removable soft top, and exclusive cockpit instruments (often Jaeger gauges and machined aluminium dashboard) underline the bespoke nature. Historical documentation and restoration histories are commonly available, adding to the model’s provenance.

In supply and demand statistics, Bugatti Type 23 listings constitute 100% of both Bugatti cars listed and all views for the brand in our marketplace, underlining its unique status and focus among historic Bugatti models.

Technical Data

Special and Collectible Editions

Models fitted with the 16-valve engine and certified as 'Brescia' are considered particularly significant due to their direct connection with Bugatti’s motorsport victories, especially at the Brescia Grand Prix. Individually bodied examples—especially those linked to notable Bugatti drivers such as Louis Chiron—enjoy elevated desirability. Vehicles with a FIVA passport and detailed restoration history are also considered highly collectible within the Type 23 lineage.

Engine, Performance, and Handling

The Type 23’s lightweight chassis, small-displacement but lively four-cylinder engine, and early adoption of multi-valve technology yield nimble driving characteristics. The power-to-weight approach gives the Brescia agile acceleration and response, while its relatively modest power remains useable on modern roads. Handling was upgraded by the addition of front drum brakes from 1924 onwards, improving stopping power substantially. The four-seater convertible layout offers open-air motoring, with rear seats that can be covered with a removable tarpaulin for added practicality. - Bugatti Type 23 Brescia 16V: Standout for its 16-valve engine and individual coachbuilt bodywork.

• Notable coachwork: Many examples are uniquely bodied by third-party builders, making each restoration distinct.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Customisation sets the Type 23 apart. Delivered as rolling chassis, the cars were often dressed in exclusive coachwork—including bespoke paint colours and interior trims inspired by Bugatti factory designs or notable drivers like Louis Chiron. Cockpits typically feature Jaeger gauges and machined aluminium dashboards, sometimes with wood or turned metal finishing. Seat layouts are practical four-seaters; a snap-on fabric roof can be fitted for poor weather. Period accessories and individualised features abound—from tailored luggage racks to original Bugatti and Jaeger instrumentation, making each specimen a reflection of its early 20th-century context.

Other Relevant Details

Many Type 23 Brescias have extensive documentation, including restoration files and historic photographs. A number of vehicles are FIVA-registered, confirming their originality and historic significance. Owing to their unique bodywork and provenance, individual histories may include famous previous owners or appearance in historic motorsport events.

Summary

The Bugatti Type 23 Brescia embodies technical innovation, motorsport history, and craftsmanship from the 1920s. With its multi-valve four-cylinder engine, low weight, and customisable coachwork, it set benchmarks for performance and design in its era. Its legacy lives on as the only Bugatti model listed and sought after within our platform, capturing collectors’ and enthusiasts’ attention through its documented history and individuality.