1922 Bugatti Type 29/30 Indianapolis
After winning many important voiturette races in 1921, Bugatti decided to make a larger capacity engine to compete in Grand Prix racing. The first Bugatti to receive the Inline-8 engine was the Type 23/30 racecar. Bugatti’s Grand Prix debut was at the 1922 French Grand Prix in which the cars took a respectable 2nd and 3rd place. A year later a crew of modified Type 30s were specifically made to race the 1923 Indianapolis 500.
The Indianapolis cars featured slim bodywork that was offset in relation to the wheels. The bodywork was designed by French aviation engineer Bechereau and made by Lavocat & Marsaud. Although the Indianapolis cars showed much promise, especially during corners, the Bugattis couldn’t keep pace with the Mercedes and American cars.Four cars eventually broke down, with the fifth car finishing near the back.
Like the Type 30 roadcar, the Type 29/30 also featured hydraulic front brakes.
Specs & Performance
| engine | Inline-8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 1991 cc / 121.5 in³ |
| bore | 60 mm / 2.36 in |
| stroke | 88 mm / 3.46 in |
| power | 74.6 kw / 100 bhp @ 4500 rpm |
| specific output | 50.23 bhp per litre |
| redline | 5000 |
| front tires | Firestone |
| rear tires | Firestone |
| front brakes | Drums w/Hydraulic Assist |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| front wheels | F 53.3 x 12.7 cm / 21.0 x 5.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 53.3 x 12.7 cm / 21.0 x 5.0 in |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Friction Dampers |
| r suspension | Live Axel w/Reversed Quarter-Ellptic Springs, Friction Dampers |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
