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Another evolution of the basic 8 platform, the Type 43 borrowed the supercharged 2.3 L (2262 cc/138 in³) engine from the Type 35B and combined it with the basic chassis of the Type 38.

The engine produced about 120 hp (89 kW), bringing the little car to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 12 seconds.

The Type 43 was noted at the time as the world's first 100 mph (161 km/h) production car — in fact, it could hit 110 mph (177 km/h) when most fast cars could only reach 70 mph (113 km/h). 160 of these "Grand Sport" cars were made from 1927 through 1931, with a Type 43A roadster appearing that year and lasting through 1932.

By the early 1930s Ettore Bugatti had established an unrivalled reputation for building cars with outstanding performance on road or track; the world’s greatest racing drivers enjoying countless successes using the Molsheim factory’s products and often choosing them for their everyday transport. 

His earlier efforts notwithstanding, the foundation of Bugatti’s not inconsiderable repute was his family of eight-cylinder cars, the first of which – the Type 30 – appeared in 1922. The Type 30 shared its chassis, axles and gearbox with the later four-cylinder Type 13 Brescia model and was powered by an inline eight displacing 1,991cc. Developments of this superb engine, with its single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, would go on to power the Type 35 Grand Prix car, the Type 38 tourer and Type 43 sports car. 

Introduced in 1927, the Type 43 was, in essence, a road-going version of Bugatti’s most successful Grand Prix racing car, the Type 35. The Type 43 used the 2,262cc engine, complete with Roots supercharger, introduced on the Type 35B, which was installed in a new chassis similar to that of the Grand Prix racer. Type 35 wheels were used, together with the larger radiator and brakes also found in the Type 38. Not surprisingly, considering its Grand Prix derivation, the Type 43 proved immensely successful in sports car racing, being campaigned by the factory and a host of private owners. 

Specifications

Grand Sport

Identifying Features:
Alloy GP wheels, large brakes, supercharger blow-off valve hole in RH bonnet, exhaust pipe diameter, engine noise, dash magneto, T43A roadster body

Years Made
(approx): 1927-31 (T43A, 1931-2)

Number Made:
160

Engine:
No. of cylinders: 8
Bore x stroke: 60 x 100mm
Capacity: 2262cc
BHP (approx): 120
RPM Limit (prudent): 5000
Camshaft: sohc
Valves (per cylinder): 3
Camshaft drive: Front, bevel
Crankshaft bearings, No. and Type: 3 + 1 ball, 2 roller, roller rods
Supercharger: Roots
Carburettor: Solex 46 or Zenith 48
Ignition: Magneto
Plugs per cylinder: 1
Firing Order: 1, 5, 2, 6, 3, 7, 4, 8

Clutch:
Type: Wet, multi-plate

Gearbox:
Location, Central, Separate, 4-speed and reverse
Gear change lever: Central

Rear Axle:
Normal Ratio: 13/54 = 4.15

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 117in (2.972m)
Track: 49.2in (1.25m)
Weight (approx): 2400lb (1100kg)

Brakes:
Location and Type: 4-wheel cable operated
Brake drum diameter: 330mm

Wheels:
Type: Cast, integral drum, detachable rim
Tyre size: original 28 x 4.95; modern fitment, 5.00 x 19

Crossbreeding with Other Types:
T35B engine and wheels, T38 radiator and axles