Bugatti Type 46 1929-1936
Pictured: Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe
The Type 46 used a 5.4 L (5359 cc/327 in³) straight-8 engine with 3 valves per cylinder driven by a single overhead camshaft.
Power was reported at 140 hp (104 kW). The engine was undersquare like most Bugatti designs with an 81 mm bore and 130 mm stroke.
The Type 46 was a large car, weighing 2500 lb (1134 kg) and riding on a 138 in (3505 mm) wheelbase. 400 examples were produced from the end of 1929 through 1936. The three speed gearbox was in unit with the live rear axle, resulting in high unsprung weight, and a relatively harsh ride. Despite this, the model was a favourite of Le Patron, and it remained in production longer than might have been expected
140 bhp, 5,359 cc SOHC inline eight-cylinder engine with three valves per cylinder, three-speed manual gearbox, front semi-elliptic leaf springs and rear inverted quarter-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel, cable-operated drum brakes. Wheelbase: 3,505 mm (138")
Specifications
5 Litre Luxury Model
Identifying features
Large size, 20 ins wheels
Years made
T46 = End 1929-32
T46S = 1930-33
Number made
T46 = 444
T46S = 18
Engine
No. of cylinders: 8
Bore x stroke: 81 x 130mm
Capacity: 5,359cc
BHP (approx): T46 140; T46S 160
RPM limit (prudent): 3,500
Camshafts (overhead): 1
Valves per cylinder: 3
Camshaft drive: Front, bevel
Crankshaft bearings (no. & type): 9 plain, plain rods
Supercharger: Roots, T46S only
Carburettor: 1 Smith multi-jet
Ignition: Coil
Plugs per cylinder: 2
Firing order: 1, 6, 2, 5, 8, 3, 7, 4
Clutch
Type: Dry multi-disc
Gearbox
Location: In rear axle
No. of speeds (+ reverse): 3
Gear change lever: Central, ball type
Rear axle
Normal ration: 12/47 = 3.91
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 138 ins, 3.5m
Track: 55 ins, 1.4m
Chassis weight (approx): 2,500 lb, 1.150kg
Brakes
Location and type: 4-wheel cable operated, auto adjusters
Brake drum diameter: 16 ins
Wheels
Type: Early T46 wire; later and T46S cast alloy, vane type
Tyre size: Original 32 x 6; modern fitments 6.00 x 20
Crossbreeding with other Types
Chassis, radiator, rear axle and gear box as on (long wheelbase) T50
History
Barely 30 years elapsed from the emergence of the first Type 13 Bugatti until the cessation of production at the onset of the Second World War. In that time, an almost endless stream of models and variants poured forth from Ettore Bugatti’s works, each of them meticulously crafted from the finest materials and lovingly detailed by dedicated artisans. Of all Bugatti models, one of the most elegant, imposing and luxurious was the Type 46. The steel ladder-type chassis of the Type 46 featured a long 138-inch/3,505-mm wheelbase and was powered by an equally impressive, long-stroke 5.4-liter inline eight engine featuring a single overhead camshaft. Its impressive specifications included three valves per cylinder and twin spark plugs per cylinder, which delivered a stout 140 brake horsepower. Engine durability was also very good, by virtue of the engine block casting itself, which extended down to the main-bearing supports. Consequently, the engine’s structure was rigid and thereby provided exceptionally smooth operation.
The three-speed manual gearbox was mounted within a rear-transaxle unit, marking another technical innovation of the basic T46 design. Four-wheel, self-adjusting cable-operated brakes with 16-inch drums provided stopping power. Wire-spoke wheels were used early in the T46 production run, while stylish, vane-type “Royale-style” alloy wheels were fitted to the later cars. The T46 also influenced the mechanical specifications of the long-wheelbase T50, which shared the T46 chassis, radiator and transaxle assemblies.
The combination of Type 46 attributes, especially when its fine chassis and engine is clothed in sophisticated coachwork, makes it one of the most appreciated Bugattis. In fact, the T46 is perhaps best known as the “Petit Royale,” so-named for its striking resemblance to the Type 41 Royale, which remains famous for its massive 4.3-meter wheelbase and 12.8-liter engine. With the Type 41 Royale’s engine displacing roughly 2½ times the volume of the next Bugatti model offered, the Type 46 “Petit Royale” very capably bridged this otherwise massive gap in the manufacturer’s model range.
As described in the definitive book Bugatti Type 46: La Petite Royale by Bohuslav Klein, Roland Saunier and Kees Jansen, the T46 remains highly significant in the Bugatti pantheon as one of the marque’s most influential road-going models. As they wrote, “no other Bugatti Type motivated so many European bodymakers in the thirties, to build such exclusive bodies, as this one did.” They further stated that no fewer than some 40 custom coachbuilders applied their unique artistry to the T46 chassis during the model’s relatively brief production run.
As noted in their authoritative reference, chassis 46208 was originally mated to and still retains engine number 77. It was ordered as part of a package of two cars, the other being 46202, by Bugatti dealer Dominique Lamberjack of 68 Rue Bayen, Paris on January 10, 1930. These chassis cost 72,200 Francs apiece and were delivered on February 1, 1930. It is believed that the original coachwork on 46208 was the four-door style known as conduite interieure. In 1932 the car was registered in Agen, capital of the Lot-et-Garrone department, with plate number 3630 JV1. In 1935 it was sold to a gentleman by the name of Grenier and on to another fellow named Rodriguez in 1937, who lived in nearby Villenueve-sur-Lot. Some time around this period it returned to Paris wearing plate number 6324 RL4. Later on, it was bought by Baron John Raben-Levetzau, owner of Aalholm Automobile Museum in Nysted, Denmark.
The present owner of the one pictured opted to have the drab sedan coachwork replaced with a faithful recreation of the “Superprofile” coupe penned by Jean Bugatti, which some argue is the finest of all of his designs. The coachwork was produced by Mr. Ken Haywood of New South Wales, Australia, who has been responsible for many award-winning cars. This photo-documented restoration and coachbuilding effort is regarded as one of his finest results. Only a very small number of the profile series of cars, with their steeply raked windshields coupled with dramatic fender lines that predate those of the celebrated Mercedes-Benz 500K, are known to exist. Jean Bugatti’s gifted ability to follow through when he penned these lines is evident in the marvelous upward curve at the end of the rear fenders and the yellow panel sweep that contrasts with the deep black paint.
The beautifully appointed interior is brown ostrich leather complemented by a flawlessly finished wood dash and steering wheel rim, which appear even more inviting due to the warm glow of the dual instrument lights. The balance and presentation of the interior is highlighted by the front seats which look more like lounge chairs belonging on a sunny patio than automobile seats. This design is so timeless that its simplistic style was emulated with the interior of the Spyker “Peking to Paris” SUV. The engine turning on both sides of the firewall, cylinder head and other components displays not only the cleanliness and quality of presentation but also serves as a reminder of the legendary machine fit of the engine components.
The entire finish of this car is consistent from the body and concours-quality paint which is matched by the finish of the chassis and suspension components. The lithe Superprofile body is augmented by a restrained amount of chrome that adorns the handles and latches, horseshoe radiator surround, Scintilla headlights and matching fender lights. The entire assembly rides on Royale-style wheels shod with period correct Goodrich Silvertown tires. Chassis 46208 was shown and won honors at the 2011 Sydney Concours and will garner high praise and attention wherever it is shown around the world. It is a remarkable feat of coachbuilding prowess as well as legendary Bugatti engineering.
Type 46S
A supercharged version, the Type 46S, was introduced in 1930. With just 160 hp (119 kW), from its Rootes-type blower, it was not a great success. 18 supercharged cars were made in all.