Bugatti Type 45 classic cars for sale

History of the Bugatti Type 45

Bugatti launched the Type 45 project in 1929, aiming to revolutionise Grand Prix racing with innovative engine technology. The company, founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909 in Alsace, had already cemented a reputation for excellence with its success in major European races and with models such as the Type 35. The Type 45 was conceived as the beginning of a new racing era, intended to surpass the dominance of the Type 35—which had amassed over 2,000 wins in a seven-year production run. The project focused on a radical U16 engine layout, reflecting Bugatti’s drive to stretch technical boundaries. Despite its promise and competitive aspirations, the Type 45’s development ended after just two units were built due to technical challenges and reliability issues highlighted in actual race conditions.

Model Series History

The Type 45 was developed as a successor to the successful Type 35, taking inspiration from its chassis design but innovating heavily in engine configuration. Unlike series models, the Type 45 remained a prototype and did not enter mass production. Plans were drawn up for a road-going variant, the Type 47, which was intended to feature a similar U16 engine, though this model never progressed beyond the chassis stage.

Highlights of the Bugatti Type 45

Distinctive features of the Type 45 include its U16 3.0-litre engine—essentially two inline-eight engines joined with two separate crankshafts. This configuration was chosen to maximise shared components and achieve high power outputs. With a maximum of 250 hp, the Type 45 demonstrated Bugatti’s commitment to mechanical innovation. However, the increased weight from the complex powertrain presented significant challenges, limiting the model’s competitive success. Only two cars were built, both of which competed in races with limited but notable success before development ended. The Type 45 represents Bugatti’s quest for technical superiority during a pivotal era in motorsport history.

Technical Data of the Bugatti Type 45

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Type 45 itself is essentially a special edition, as it was produced only as a prototype in two examples. No other official variations or collectible production derivatives were made. The closely related Type 47 was planned as a street version but never went beyond a completed chassis, making the Type 45 a singular highlight of Bugatti’s experimental period.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Due to its prototype status and extremely low production numbers, the Type 45 is not subject to typical collector issues or weak points encountered in road cars. However, the main historical weaknesses identified during its development were high engine weight and resultant reliability problems, both of which ultimately curtailed its racing and production prospects.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The U16 engine in the Type 45 was designed for pure performance, aiming for significant power output by effectively combining two inline-eight Bugatti blocks with dual crankshafts. While the design delivered 250 hp—an impressive figure for the era—it also introduced handling challenges due to additional weight. The transmission and suspension were based on proven Type 35 architecture, but no detailed public records exist on driving dynamics due to the prototype nature. The Type 45’s limited race outings were marked by mixed results, reflecting both its innovation and its technical limitations. - Bugatti Type 35: Predecessor, renowned for reliability and competition success, provides technical DNA for Type 45 suspension.

• Bugatti Type 47: Planned successor as a road-going variant, did not proceed beyond prototype chassis.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Type 45 took clear exterior design cues from the Type 35, featuring classic Bugatti proportions and engineering-centred aesthetics. The chassis was reinforced and adapted to accommodate the heavier and more complex U16 engine. No evidence exists for a bespoke interior, as the prototypes served strictly competition purposes, prioritising minimalism and functionality over luxury. The cars would have featured simple instrumentation and stripped-back racing seats. Accessories and colour schemes would have been dictated by race team requirements, not customer tastes.

Other Noteworthy Details

The Type 45 and its planned sibling, the Type 47, stand as some of the most ambitious technical experiments in Bugatti’s history, demonstrating the company’s willingness to push boundaries for competitive advantage in Grand Prix racing. The U16 engine concept, with roots in World War I aero technology, remains one of the rarest and most complex Bugatti engineering projects.

Summary

The Bugatti Type 45 is a singular figure in automotive history—an ambitious experiment with a U16 racing engine, created in just two examples and now nearly impossible to encounter outside museum collections. Its rarity, technical audacity and close link to the innovative spirit of 1930s motorsport makes it a subject of fascination for true Bugatti enthusiasts and automotive historians.