Bugatti Type 18 112-1914
The Bugatti Type 18, also called the Garros, is an automobile produced from 1912 through 1914.
Produced shortly after the start of the business, the design was something of a relic. It had much in common with the cars Ettore Bugatti had designed for Deutz Gasmotoren Fabrik but with the radiator of the Type 13. Only 6 or 7 examples were built.
| Manufacturer | Bugatti |
|---|---|
| Production | 1912-1914 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5,027 cc (307 cu in) Straight-4 |
| Transmission | four-speed sliding-pinion gearbox final drive by side chains |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in (2,550.2 mm) Track 49.2 in (1,249.7 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 2,750 lb (1,247 kg) |
| Bugatti Engine type 18 |
|
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bugatti |
| Combustion chamber | |
| Configuration | vertical straight four-cylinder in front of the car |
| Displacement | 5,027 cc (307 cu in) |
| Cylinder bore | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Piston stroke | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Valvetrain | 2-exhaust valves and 1-inlet valve per cylinder mechanically operated by fingers between the overhead camshaft and the valves |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | ignition by high tension magneto |
| Output | |
| Power output | 100 bhp (75 kW; 100 PS) maximum r.p.m. 2,400 UK tax rating 24.8 h.p. |
Engine
Power came from a large 5.0 L (5027 cc/306 in³) straight-4 engine with 3 valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. This large engine had a 100 mm bore and very long 160 mm stroke, so it could only rev to about 2400 rpm. The rear wheels were chain driven.
Garros
Roland Garros (1888-1918) aviator, sportsman, close friend of Ettore Bugatti was the first owner of Black Bess in 1913. It was the fourth car built and was to be the only Bugatti with chain drive. A keen tennis player the French Open was named after Garros in 1927.
Black Bess
Named Black Bess, after Dick Turpin's mare, by 1920s owner Ivy Cummings, this car had a considerable career at Brooklands soon after the first World War.
Road test
In spite of the advanced nature of its design the engine gives little of the harsh racing car impression. Again, in spite of the size of that engine it does not give the impression of a big car and in spite of the tall radiator the short wheelbase lends it the appearance of a small sports car. On the road that impression is reinforced, the delicacy of control makes it a joy to drive and one can still flick the gearlever about as you may do only in an early Bugatti.
The subdued howl and occasional suggestion of snatch from the side chains remind that this is a period car. If this car is typical of what the Prince Henry Tours produced the Prince Henry period can only be regarded as a most important constituent of the Golden Age.
Kent Karslake, 1956.
Two other survivors
The only other surviving examples are in the Schlumpf Collection, Musée National de l'Automobile de Mulhouse, France and the other car is privately owned and in England.
Black Bess changed stable in 2009 for €2,427,500.
Specifications
Garros
Identifying Features:
Chain Drive; early Brescia-style radiator, but larger, and set behind front axle. Double front springs
Years Made
(approx): 1912-14
Number built:
6 or 7
Engine
No of cylinders: 4
Bore x stroke: 100 x 160mm
Capacity: 5027cc
BHP (approx): 90 (?)
RPM limit (prudent): 2800
Camshaft: sohc
Valves per cylinder: 3
Camshaft Drive: Front, bevel
Camshaft bearings: 5 plain
Carburettor: Zenith
Ignition: Bosch magneto
Plugs per cylinder: 1
Clutch:
Type: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox:
Location: Well back, integral with bevels and chain shaft housing, 4-speed and reverse
Gear change lever: Right hand
Rear Axle:
Chain drive
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 100.4in (2.55m)
Track: 49.2in (1.25m)
Weight (approx): 2750lb (1250kg)
Brakes:
Location and Type: Foot, transmission; right hand, rear wheels
Wheels:
Type: wire. Tyre size: original 880 x 120, modern fitment 21 x 4.75
Crossbreeding with Other Types:
Some similarity with pre-Molsheim Deutz designs