May 24

1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe

Etceterini
Written by Donald Osborne   
Sunday, 01 July 2012 15:04

1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe

Of all Bugatti models, one of the most elegant, imposing and luxurious was the Type 46, introduced in late 1929. Approximately 450 examples were produced until 1933.

The steel ladder-type chassis of the Type 46 featured a long 138-inch 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 horsepower.

The combination of Type 46 attributes, especially when its fine chassis and engine are clothed in sophisticated coachwork, makes it one of the most appreciated Bugattis. In fact, the Type 46 is perhaps best known as the “Petit Royale,” so-named for its striking resemblance to the Type 41 Royale.