1925 Bugatti Type 39 Grand Prix

To comply with the 1.5 litre Grand Prix regulations, Bugatti built the Type 39 which was similar in specification to the larger Type 35C. Only the engine was modified to have a shorter stroke that was reduced by 22mm.

The Type 39 was also available with a supercharger and known as the Type 39A. Some engines were produced with an smaller bore to produce 1092cc.

Our feature car is chassis 4607 that was driven by Meo Costantini to 7th overall and first in class at the Grand Prix de l’ACF Tourisme at Montlhéry on July 19, 1925. The formula at Montlhéry was similar to the ACF’s 24 Hours of Le Mans which required fenders, lights, ballast and starters and similar road equipment.

Among the five factory entrants by Bugatti, Costantini managed to beat the Darracqs and his teammates to score a Bugatti 1-2-3-4.

Pictures & Gallery

See full 1925 Bugatti Type 39 Grand Prix Gallery here

Specs & Performance

type	Racing Car
built at	France
production	10
engine	Inline-8
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Magneto
block material	Cast Iron
valvetrain	SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Zenith Carburettor
displacement	1496 cc / 91.29 in³
bore	52 mm / 2.0 in
stroke	88 mm / 3.5 in
power	67.1 kw / 90 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	60.16 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	120.0 bhp per tonne
torque	81.3 nm / 60 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm
body / frame	Aluminum Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Cast Aluminum w/Integral Brake Drum
front tires	28 x 4.95
rear tires	28 x 4.95
front brakes	Drums
rear brakes	Drums
front wheels	F 48.3 x 12.7 cm / 19 x 5 in
rear wheels	R 48.3 x 12.7 cm / 19 x 5 in
steering	Worm & Wheel
f suspension	Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Friction Dampers
r suspension	Live Axle w/Reverse Quater-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Friction Dampers
curb weight	750 kg / 1654 lbs
wheelbase	2400 mm / 94.5 in
front track	1200 mm / 47.2 in
rear track	1200 mm / 47.2 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
final drive	4.15:1
top speed	~185.03 kph / 115 mph
0 – 100 mph	~9.0 seconds