After being showcased at the Paris Motor Show late in 1930, the Type 51 took to the track and picked up where the 35 had left off by racking up many wins. After the success of the Type 43, it was no surprise that a road-going version of the new Grand Prix racer would again be produced.

The twin-overhead-cam straight eight delivers 145 horsepower, detuned slightly from its racing version. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

Announced late in 1931, the Type 55 Super Sport was similar in idea to the Type 43, but much different in execution. While the four-seat Type 43 was a big hit, Jean Bugatti's increasing influence persuaded his father Ettore to do something different for the Type 51 road car.

The twin-cam engine was carried over from the new race car but fitted in a ladder-frame chassis similar to the ones used for the 16-cylinder Type 45/47 and the 4.9-liter Type 54 Grand Prix car. The chassis was slightly wider and a lot stronger, making it ideal for the road-going Type 55.

In good Bugatti tradition, the chassis was suspended by solid axles and leaf springs. Slightly detuned for reliability reasons, the straight eight produced around 145 horsepower. It was mated to the same four-speed gearbox used in the Type 43.

Jean Bugatti added his magic touch by designing absolutely stunning two-seater Roadster bodywork that has gone into history as one of the all-time greats. Its lovely lines were further accentuated by a two-tone finish. The eight-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with integrated brake drums were directly lifted from the Type 51 and revealed the car's competition roots.

The prototype Super Sport was restored with a completely re-created body modeled from another Type 55 for accuracy. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

In addition to the Roadster body, the Type 55 catalog also featured a Coupe design along similar lines. Most of these bodies were built by the factory with the exception of a few Roadsters that were constructed by Gangloff to relieve the work-load in Molsheim. With such a spectacular “standard” design, it was not surprising that less than a handful were clothed by other coach-builders.

Even though the last one was not built until 1935, more than half of all Type 55s were constructed in 1932. Compared with the Type 43, the Type 55's production figure of just 38 examples might sound disappointing. However, considering it was a substantially different car and aimed at the richest of customers, the number constructed and sold is still relatively high, especially after the commercial failure of the Type 41 Royale.

A true supercar in its era, the Type 55 Super Sport is still a highly desirable car thanks to its design and great driving.


For a gallery of photos, see Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport.

Read more stories like this at: The Ultimate Car Page.