Bugatti Type 5 Classic Cars for Sale

The Bugatti Type 5 was manufactured by De Dietrich from 1902 to 1903. Two versions of the car were created under the De Dietrich brand for the Licence Bugatti 60CV course. Of the race cars built, the Type 5 is considered the best of the Bugatti models for its era. Bugatti is still known to this day as a premier source of race cars with modern designs and fast, efficient engines. You can also find a limited amount of luxury Bugatti cars for leisure driving.

History of the Bugatti Type 5

Before the age of 21, Ettore Bugatti hand-built his first car for racing. By 1901's Milan Grand Prix, he won the top prize for his self-made vehicle, and this was the debut of the first known racing Bugatti car. The same year, at the 1901 International Exhibition in Milan, Bugatti rolled out his Type 2 racing car model. This was also where he met Eugene de Dietrich.

As a designer for de Dietrich, Bugatti could create automobiles which were licensed by Turcat-Mery, and the models were known as Dietrich-Bugatti cars. His Bugatti Type 5 was designed for speed and strength whereas other models - the Type 3 and Type 4 - were meant for luxury use, although they bore similar design elements to the racing models. The two Type 5 models which Bugatti took to race in the Paris-Madrid race in 1902 were unfortunately disqualified before taking to the track. They were built with the seats too far back, thus disallowing a proper view of the race course, in the opinion of the judges.

Variations of Bugatti Type 5

Later models of the Bugatti Type 5 were built more in line with racing tournament regulations in mind. The next version Bugatti created offered a more conventional steering configuration and elevated seating. The original Bugatti Type design carried over through the next three models, until into the double digit of Bugatti Type designs. As time progressed, later models had the modern additions one may be more familiar with in a contemporary racing vehicle such as lighter metals and engines.