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1926 Bugatti Type 38

Bugatti Type 38

1926 Bugatti Type 38

Replacing the Type 30, the Type 38 was a road-tourer featuring a second generation straight-eight, two-liter engine. The first inline-eights had built up a great reputation with the Type 30. As such many components remained the same including the crankshaft.

Compared to the Type 30, the Type 38 introduced a longer wheelbase and a wider track. The engine was very similar to the Type 35A unit, having a triple ball-bearing crankshaft.

A select few Type 38s received the supercharger off the four-cylinder Type 37A. These car were correspondingly called the Type 38A.

Type 38s were produced for a short period from 1926, until 1927, when they were replaced by the Type 43. A few type 38s were built after 1927, but only in limited numbers. Total production to 385 Type 38s were made, with 39 having superchargers.

Pictures & Gallery

See full 1926 Bugatti Type 38 Gallery here

Specs & Performance

   
engine Inline-8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Twin Zenith or Solex Carbs
displacement 1990 cc / 121.4 in³
bore 60 mm / 2.36 in
stroke 88 mm / 3.46 in
power 44.7 kw / 60 bhp
specific output 30.15 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 69.61 bhp per tonne
front tires 5.00×19
rear tires 5.00×19
front brakes Drums
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Drums
r brake size mm / in
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Elliptic Springs
r suspension Rigid Axle w/Reversed Quarter-Elliptic Springs
curb weight 862 kg / 1900 lbs
wheelbase 3124 mm / 123.0 in
front track 1250 mm / 49.2 in
rear track 1250 mm / 49.2 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
gear ratios :1
final drive 4.67:1

Auction Sales History

1926 Bugatti Type 38

1927 Bugatti Type 38 Roadster 38385 – sold for $264,000 Believed to Have Been Reconnaissance Car for Elizabeth Junek. Formerly Part of the Peter Williamson Bugatti Collection. Highly Sought After 8-Cylinder Example In Wonderful Unrestored Condition. Classic Blue with Black Color Scheme. Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company

1926 Bugatti Type 38

1927 Bugatti Type 38 Roadster 38385 – sold for $198,000 Largely Complete And Appropriate For Restoration. An Eight-Cylinder Bugatti With Interesting Provenance. Believed To Be Elizabeth Junek’s Reconnaissance Car For The 1928 Targa Florio. 346 Naturally Aspirated Type 38s Built From 1926 To 1927. Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview