Bugatti · 1929–1936

Bugatti Type 46

The Bugatti Type 46 and later Type 50 and Type 50B were touring cars produced by Bugatti from 1929 to 1936.

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Type 46

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 Ettore Bugatti. 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.

Type 50

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.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Bugatti Type 46, Bugatti Type 50
Manufacturer: Bugatti
Production: 1929–1936, 462 produced
Assembly: France: Molsheim, Alsace (Usine Bugatti de Molsheim)
Class: Grand tourer
Layout: FR layout
Engine: 5359 cc I8, 4972 cc I8
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Wheelbase: 3505 mm (Type 46), 3099 mm (Type 50)
Related: Bugatti Type 57

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16041232CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Type_46CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1371150125 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bugatti_Type_46.jpgPublic domain · Photo: MPW57 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.