1931 Bugatti Type 37A Hanni Roadster
The Type 37 was established to bring the successful Type 35 chassis to the road. It used an Inline-4 from the Type 40 within the Type 35 chassis. Some cars had a Roots-type supercharger and received the designation 37A. It became a favorable car among amateur drivers, who especially appreciated the car in voiturette racing.
The car featured above started life with a cigar-like Grand Prix body. In 1937 the owner commissioned Hanni, a Swiss coachbuilder based in Zurich, to a rebody it with a roadster design. To fit the theme set out, the gearshift and handbrake, which are normally mounted outside the car, were relocated to fit within the interior. Highlights of Hanni’s design included a smaller, redesigned radiator and an ostrich skin upholstery .
In 1996, the car sold at a Christies’ auction for $220 000 USD. At the time of sale the car was reported as original.
If anyone has any more information on this car, we will post what is sent. Thanks.
Pictures
See full 1931 Bugatti Type 37A Hanni Roadster Gallery here
Specs & Performance
| engine | Inline-4 w/Roots Supercharger |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Roots Supercharger |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 1496 cc / 91.3 in³ |
| bore | 69 mm / 2.72 in |
| stroke | 100 mm / 3.94 in |
| power | 67.1 kw / 90 bhp |
| specific output | 60.16 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 125.0 bhp per tonne |
| redline | 5000 |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 27 x 4.40 |
| rear tires | 27 x 4.40 |
| front brakes | Drums |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| curb weight | 720 kg / 1587 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2400 mm / 94.5 in |
| front track | 1200 mm / 47.25 in |
| rear track | 1200 mm / 47.25 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| final drive | 3.86:1 |
