Bugatti Type 49 1930-1934
The Bugatti Type 49 was an enclosed touring car similar to the earlier Type 44.
Produced from 1930 through 1934, about 470 examples were built. The Type 49 was the last of the early 8-cylinder Bugatti line which began with the Type 30, though its gearbox would later be reused on the Type 55.
The Type 49 featured a straight-8 engine of 3.3 L (3257 cc/198 in³) displacement. Bore and stroke were 72 mm by 100 mm and three valves per cylinder were used with a single overhead camshaft.
Specifications
3.3-Litre Tourer
Identifying Features:
Vane-type Bugatti wheels, twin plug, single cam engine, with fan
Years Made
(approx): 1930-34
Number Made:
470
Engine:
No of cylinders: 8
Bore x stroke: 72 x 100mm
Capacity: 3257cc
BHP (approx): 85
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: 2
Firing Order: 1, 6, 2, 5, 8, 3, 7, 4
Clutch:
Type: Dry, multi-plate*
Gearbox:
Location: Central, Separate, 4-speed and reverse
Gear change lever: Central, ball type
Rear Axle:
Normal Ratio: 12/50 = 4.16
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 122.8; 1.267in (3.122; 3.222m)
Track:: 49.2in (1.25m)
Chassis Weight (approx): 2400lb (1100kg)
Brakes:
Location and Type: 4-wheel, cable operated
Brake drum diameter: 330mm
Wheels:
Type: Usually cast alloy, vane type
Tyre size: Original 28 x 5.25; modern fitment, 18 x 5.50
Crossbreeding with Other Types:
Similar in most respects to earlier T44; gearbox used on T55
* A few early cars had wet clutches
History
Built between 1930 and 1934, only 470 examples of the Type 49 were produced, but they quickly earned a reputation as reliable touring models famed for their engine flexibility, supple ride, satisfying performance and rugged build quality.
These characteristics were confirmed in a November, 1932 issue of The Motor. When reporting on a road test of an open Type 49, the journalist was quoted as saying,
It is indeed a car with a dual personality – a comfortable carriage and a lively sports model. ” The report went on, “… one has no hesitation about driving at the maximum whenever road conditions permit …” and noted, “The gear change is exceptionally rapid …” and “… on the road the car handles delightfully.” Today, this would mark a Type 49 as an excellent choice for the collector who wishes to enjoy the delights of thoroughbred Bugatti performance without the temperament and complexity for which some Bugatti models are known.
By the early 1930s Ettore Bugatti had established an unrivalled reputation for building cars with outstanding performance on road or track. Indeed, the world's greatest racing drivers enjoyed countless successes aboard the Molsheim factory's products and often chose them for their everyday transport. Although Bugatti is best remembered for its racing models, most of the 6,000-or-so cars produced at the Molsheim factory were touring cars of sporting character.
Ultimate expression of Ettore Bugatti's original design, the Type 49 debuted at the Paris Salon in 1930 and was produced from then until 1934. The Type 49 would be the last of the maestro's eight-cylinder, single-camshaft touring cars and is considered by many to be the finest of all 'real' Bugattis. The new 3.3-litre model featured twin-plug ignition, an enlarged radiator, ball-change gearlever and (later) very pretty cast aluminium wheels among many other improvements. Total Type 49 production amounted to 470 cars, around 76 of which are believed to exist today.
A civilised grande routière to match those of rivals Delage and Delahaye, the Type 49 attracted coachwork of the finest quality executed in a wide variety of styles by both the Molsheim factory and by other coachbuilders throughout Europe, the three-position drophead coupé body carried by this example being the work of B T van Rijswijk & Son.
Established in The Hague, Holland, van Rijswijk moved from repairing horse-drawn carriages to making motor bodies around the turn of the 19th Century and soon moved to larger premises in Voorburg. The company specialised in bodying quality makes such as Minerva, Rolls-Royce and Isotta- Fraschini, numbering Dutch Royalty among its customers and receiving a Royal Warrant from HM Queen Wilhelmina.
The last Type 49 constructed by the factory in 1933, '495780' was sold new to a Mr Lagerwey by the Dutch Bugatti importer, van Ramshorst. The Dutch Bugatti Register states that when Lagerwey travelled with van Ramshorst to Molsheim to buy a Type 57 there were none available and so he bought this Type 49 instead.