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List of Bugatti prototypes
This is a list of prototype vehicles created by Bugatti that never reached or were never intended for serial production.
The Type 29 racing car, which began development in 1921, used a new 2 L (1991 cc/121 in³) straight-8 engine which would subsequently be used in the Type 30 production model. Four of the cars were entered in the 1922 French Grand Prix where they performed well, with three of the four completing the full distance behind the sole other surviving car, a FIAT, from an original field of 18 cars.
The Type 36 racer was produced in 1925, and used a new 1.5 L (92 cu in) straight-8 engine. With a 60 mm × 66 mm (2.4 in × 2.6 in) bore and stroke, the engine later saw use in the Type 39A, though the Type 36 itself was more of an experiment. At first, the rear axle was bolted directly to the frame with no springs. In 1926, Bugatti added both rear springs and a supercharger to the Type 36. This was the experimental base for the Type 35C.
The Type 45 racing car's U16 engine was made up of 2 parallel 8-cylinder banks, hence the 8 exhaust runners per side, and had two crankshafts. The Type 45 (from 1934) and similar Type 47 "Grand Sport" were to become a new generation of cars from Bugatti. The engine, a 3-valve SOHC design, was based on the 3-valve straight-8 from the Type 35. Two versions were made: a 3.0 L (180 cu in) version fitted to a Type 47 prototype shared the Type 36's cylinder dimensions, while the Type 45 prototype used a stroke of 84 mm (3.3 in) for a displacement of 3.8 L (230 cu in). Output would have been 200 to 250 hp (150 to 190 kW) with a Roots-type supercharger.
The entire vehicle was unique, including its chassis. The Type 45 used a 2,600 mm (100 in) wheelbase, while the Type 47 was stretched to 2,750 mm (108 in). Both had a 1,250 mm (49 in) track.
The Type 56 was an electric vehicle. Originally designed for private use by Ettore Bugatti as a factory runabout, popular demand from previous customers convinced him to build more examples. The number built is controversial; six seems the most likely answer.
The Type 56 was a tiny 2-seat open car very much in the style of turn-of-the-century horseless carriages or voiturettes. Power came from a single 28 amp electric motor producing 1 hp (0.75 kW). Energy was stored in six 6 volt accumulators in series for a total of 36 volts. The motor was mounted directly to the frame and drove the rear wheels through gears. Electric braking was integrated, and both hand- and foot-brakes operated on rear wheel drums. Four forward speeds were available, and the vehicle could accelerate to 28 km/h (17.4 mph). Steering was via a tiller.
Ettore Bugatti's personal Type 56 is part of the collection at the Musée National de l'Automobile de Mulhouse.
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List of Bugatti prototypes
This is a list of prototype vehicles created by Bugatti that never reached or were never intended for serial production.
The Type 29 racing car, which began development in 1921, used a new 2 L (1991 cc/121 in³) straight-8 engine which would subsequently be used in the Type 30 production model. Four of the cars were entered in the 1922 French Grand Prix where they performed well, with three of the four completing the full distance behind the sole other surviving car, a FIAT, from an original field of 18 cars.
The Type 36 racer was produced in 1925, and used a new 1.5 L (92 cu in) straight-8 engine. With a 60 mm × 66 mm (2.4 in × 2.6 in) bore and stroke, the engine later saw use in the Type 39A, though the Type 36 itself was more of an experiment. At first, the rear axle was bolted directly to the frame with no springs. In 1926, Bugatti added both rear springs and a supercharger to the Type 36. This was the experimental base for the Type 35C.
The Type 45 racing car's U16 engine was made up of 2 parallel 8-cylinder banks, hence the 8 exhaust runners per side, and had two crankshafts. The Type 45 (from 1934) and similar Type 47 "Grand Sport" were to become a new generation of cars from Bugatti. The engine, a 3-valve SOHC design, was based on the 3-valve straight-8 from the Type 35. Two versions were made: a 3.0 L (180 cu in) version fitted to a Type 47 prototype shared the Type 36's cylinder dimensions, while the Type 45 prototype used a stroke of 84 mm (3.3 in) for a displacement of 3.8 L (230 cu in). Output would have been 200 to 250 hp (150 to 190 kW) with a Roots-type supercharger.
The entire vehicle was unique, including its chassis. The Type 45 used a 2,600 mm (100 in) wheelbase, while the Type 47 was stretched to 2,750 mm (108 in). Both had a 1,250 mm (49 in) track.
The Type 56 was an electric vehicle. Originally designed for private use by Ettore Bugatti as a factory runabout, popular demand from previous customers convinced him to build more examples. The number built is controversial; six seems the most likely answer.
The Type 56 was a tiny 2-seat open car very much in the style of turn-of-the-century horseless carriages or voiturettes. Power came from a single 28 amp electric motor producing 1 hp (0.75 kW). Energy was stored in six 6 volt accumulators in series for a total of 36 volts. The motor was mounted directly to the frame and drove the rear wheels through gears. Electric braking was integrated, and both hand- and foot-brakes operated on rear wheel drums. Four forward speeds were available, and the vehicle could accelerate to 28 km/h (17.4 mph). Steering was via a tiller.
Ettore Bugatti's personal Type 56 is part of the collection at the Musée National de l'Automobile de Mulhouse.