Bugatti Type 44 1927-1930
The Type 44 was the widest-production variant of this range, with 1,095 known.
A larger and sometimes enclosed tourer, it used a new 3-valve SOHC 3 L (2991 cc/182 in³) engine derived from the Type 43's unit. It was built from late 1927 through 1930. From 1927 to 1930, Bugatti produced the Type 44 as a mid-size car built to the same high standards as their race cars. Thus, it became the firm’s most common model with over 1100 examples sold.
Specifications
Tourer
Identifying Features:
Wire wheels, large brakes, circular section axle, single plug, single cam engine
Years Made
(approx): End 1927-30
Number Made:
1095
Engine:
No of cylinders: 8
Bore x stroke: 69 x 100mm
Capacity: 2991cc
BHP (approx): 80
RPM Limit (prudent): 4000
Camshaft: sohc
Valves (per cylinder): 3
Camshaft drive: Central, bevel
Crankshaft bearings: 9 plain, plain rods
Carburettor: 1 Schebler
Ignition: Coil
Plugs per cylinder: 1
Firing Order: 1, 6, 2, 5, 8, 3, 7, 4*
Clutch:
Type: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox:
Location: Central, Separate, 4-speed and reverse
Gear change lever: Central, gate
Rear Axle:
Normal Ratio: 12/50 = 4.16
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 122.8in (3.122m)
Track: 49.2in (1.25m)
Weight (approx): 2400lb (1100kg)
Brakes:
Location and Type: 4-wheel, cable operated
Brake drum diameter: 330mm
Wheels:
Type: Wire
Tyre size: Original 28 x 4.95; modern fitment 5.00 x 19
Crossbreeding with Other Types:
Similar in most respects to later T49
* Some early engines were 1, 5, 2, 6, 4, 8, 3, 7
NOTE: Engines from No. 292 have pressure fed lubrication (oil gallery pipe with 9 unions not 8) and low mounted pump
It was built around an inline-8 engine that was similar the Type 35’s with two engine blocks of four cylinders each. Displacing nearly three liters, it produced an ample 80 bhp which was flexible enough to propel any variety of aluminum or steel bodies. Furthermore, it was designed to run quietly and without vibration. As an example, the engine was balanced enough to reach 4,500 rpm.
Chassis details were similar to the other Bugatti models sold concurrently. Semi-elliptic leaf springs were used upfront with reversed quarter-elliptic springs were in the rear. Upgrades from the Type 38 included new shock absorbers, a wet multi-plate clutch and a DeWandre-Repusseau servo for the cable-operated brakes.
Many of the French coachbuilders designed bodies for the Type 44 including Weymann, Kellner and James Young.
After 1930, Bugatti upgraded the model to the Type 49 and offered the 5-litre Type 46 as a more luxurious model.
“Le Patron” Ettore Bugatti always offered “road” versions of his automobiles, but they were road cars for racing drivers. That changed at the Paris Motor Show of 1927, where Bugatti debuted the Type 44. This model featured an inline eight-cylinder engine, in two cast-iron blocks of four, with a single overhead camshaft and two inlets and one exhaust valve per cylinder, displacing 2,991 cubic centimetres and producing an estimated 80 horsepower. Fitted with a vibration damper and on a long, by Bugatti standards, 3,119-millimetre chassis, it was still a powerful and fast car, but make no mistake, this was a kinder, gentler Bugatti. The late dean of automotive writers, Ken W. Purdy, a man who knew Molsheim’s creations, reported that “a good one will do 80 miles an hour; it’s reasonably quiet, starts easily, is pleasant to shift, and has the softest clutch I, at least, have ever laid foot to”.