Bugatti Type 55 I gallery (1932–1935)

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in late 1931 and entering production in 1932, the Bugatti Type 55 was designed by Jean Bugatti as the ultimate road-going sports car for private enthusiasts. It married the robust chassis framework developed for the heavy Type 54 Grand Prix machine with the high-revving supercharged 2.3-liter (2,262 cc) twin-cam inline-eight engine from the Type 51. In road-going tune with a Roots supercharger, the DOHC powerplant produced approximately 130 to 135 hp and was mated to a robust four-speed manual transmission sourced from the Type 49. The car featured solid axles with traditional leaf-spring suspension and large cable-operated aluminum drum brakes. The factory Jean Bugatti roadster bodywork achieved legendary status due to its doorless cutaway profile, integrated swept fenders, and sweeping two-tone livery. Several chassis were also fitted with stylish coupe or cabriolet bodies by outside coachbuilders such as Gangloff. Distributed across major European markets, only 38 examples were built, making the Type 55 one of the most celebrated pre-war sports cars in history.