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The Type 50 was a sporting coupe version of the Type 46. It rode on a shorter wheelbase, 122 in (3099 mm), and used a smaller 5.0 L (4972 cc/303 in³) version of the engine.

This engine had squarer dimensions, however, at 86 by 107 mm, and twin camshafts actuated two valves per cylinder. Power output was impressive at 225 hp (167 kW). Many cars had landaulet roofs and Bugatti-style two-tone paint.

Type 50T

The Type 50 Touring was a sedan version of the Type 50. It used the same 138 in (3505 mm) wheelbase as its predecessor, the Type 46, but shared the 5.0 L engine of the Type 50. The engine was tuned for torque, though, with just 200 hp (149 kW) on tap. In total, 65 Type 50 and Type 50T Bugattis were produced between 1930 and 1934.

Type 50B

A racing version, the Type 50B, was also produced. It shared the 5.0 L 2-valve engine but was blown to produce 470 hp (350 kW). It was used from 1937 through 1939. A pair of these engines were installed in the Bugatti P100 airplane, with specially cast magnesium crankcases.

Specifications

4.9-Litre Grand Sport
(T=Tourism Version)

Identifying Features:
Large size, alloy wheels (sometimes), 20in wheels

Years Made
(approx): 1930-34

Number Made:
65

Engine:
No of cylinders: 8
Bore x stroke: 86 x 107mm
Capacity: 4972cc
BHP (approx): T50: 225; T50T: 200
RPM Limit (prudent): 4000
Camshafts: dohc
Valves (per cylinder): 2
Camshaft drive: Front, spur train
Crankshaft bearings: 9 plain, plain rods
Supercharger: Roots, bevel driven
Carburettor: 2 Zenith 36 or Schebler
Ignition: Coil
Plugs per cylinder: 1
Firing Order: 1, 6, 2, 5, 8, 3, 7, 4

Clutch:
Type: Dry, multi-plate

Gearbox:
Location: In rear axle, 3-speed and reverse
Gear change lever: Central, ball type

Rear Axle:
Normal Ratio: 14/54 = 3.85

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: T50: 122in, T50T: 138in; (T50: 3.1, T50T: 3.5m)
Track: 55in (1.4m)
Chassis Weight (approx): 2600lb (1200kg)

Brakes:
Location and Type: 4-wheel, cable operated, auto adjuster.
Brake drum diameter: 16in

Wheels:
Type: Cast alloy, vane type
Tyre size: Original and modern fitment: 20 x 6.50

Crossbreeding with Other Types:
Chassis, radiator, rear axle and gear box as on T46; engine used in Grand Prix T54 and FWD T53

History

Ettore Bugatti debuted the Type 50 in 1930. It was derived from the Type 46, sharing many mechanical components, but with a higher price. Part of this price was the eight-cylinder DOHC engine; the most powerful Bugatti-designed engine at the time. Though physically smaller because of a decreased bore and stroke when compared with the Type 46, it was capable of producing over 200 horsepower with its Roots-type supercharger and dual Zenith carburetors. Depending on the body style the Type 50 might reach a top speed of 105 mph and a 0-60 time of eight seconds. 

The Type 50 was introduced in 1930 as a super sports car with outstanding performance. It was the first Bugatti with twin overhead camshafts. The Type 50 was designed to be a high-performance, daily driver automobile. The traditional steel-ladder frame chassis was available in two sizes, a short and long version. The Type 50T had a longer wheelbase. With its three-speed manual gearbox and live axles, it was suitable for long trips.

This body style is a roadster with a rumble seat. It rides on the shorter 120 inch wheelbase chassis. Bugatti supplied a rolling chassis to coachbuilders to outfit the vehicles according to the customer's wishes. The specifications for the vehicles varied greatly; most of the vehicles were given enclosed coupe bodies. This example is a drophead coupe, with four seats, two doors, a folding roof and sloping rear.

Production of the Type 50 lasted from 1930 through 1933 with just 65 built. Many magnificent bodies, both closed and open, were installed on the Type 50 chassis. With the costly chassis and typically elaborate coachwork, this car was only for the wealthy. Today, with the production volume and various body styles and coachwork, the Type 50 is highly regarded as a collectable and rare automobile in modern times.

In 1931 Ettor Bugatti debuted the Type 50. It was a derivative of the Type 46, sharing many mechanical components and drawing from its design. Different from the Type 46 was the eight-cylinder dual-over head camshaft which replaced the single-overhead camshaft unit. This meant that the Type 50 was the first Bugatti to be powered by a DOHC engine and also its most powerful Bugatti designed power plant. Though smaller in size due to a decreased bore and stroke when compared with the Type 46, it was capable of producing 225 horsepower, though this was with the help of a roots-type supercharger and dual Zenith carburetors. Depending on the bodystyle the vehicle could reach a top speed of around 105 miles per hour with a zero-to-sixty time of about eight seconds, impressive for a 1930 era vehicle.

The Type 50 was designed to be a high performance, daily driver automobile. The traditional steel-ladder frame chassis was available in two sizes, a short and long version. The Type 50T, T representing Tourisme or Touring, sat atop the longer wheelbase and given a 200 horsepower engine. With its three-speed manual gearbox and live axles, it was suitable for long trips. As was typical of the time, Bugatti supplied a rolling chassis to various coach builders to outfit the vehicles according to the customer's wishes. This meant that the specifications for the vehicles varied greatly. Most of the vehicles were given enclosed coupe bodies. 

Jean Bugatti convince his father to enter three examples of the Type 50 in the 1931 grueling 24 Hours of LeMans. After one of the vehicles suffered a tire-failure, the rest of the Type 50 racers were withdrawn from the race. The Type 50 continued to visit the LeMans for the next three years with their greatest success occurring in 1935 where it was able to lead the race for a period of time.

Production of the Type 50 lasted from 1931 through 1933 with 65 examples being created. With the expensive chassis and elaborate coachwork, the Type 50 was reserved for the wealthy individual. With the low production number and various body-styles and coachwork, the Type 50 is highly regarded as a collectable and rare automobile in modern times.
By Daniel Vaughan