Bugatti
Type 45 / Type 47 (16-cylinder)

Why it matters

The Type 45 and Type 47 were Bugatti's 16-cylinder cars – a competition car and a Grand Sport – and only two were made. Apart from axles and some engine parts nearly everything on them was unique, making them among the most ambitious and least-produced Bugattis of the vintage era.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

Built around 1929–30, the cars used a 16-cylinder engine with two crankshafts geared together, three valves per cylinder and a rear-mounted twin Roots supercharger. The Type 45 engine displaced 3801 cc for about 250 bhp, while the Type 47 Grand Sport used a shorter-stroke 2986 cc version of about 200 bhp and a longer 2.75 m wheelbase.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Identifying features listed by the Bugatti Trust are the 16-cylinder engine (cranks geared together, two magnetos, two Zenith carburettors), a wide rear spring mounting and a deep chassis frame. Wheelbases are 2.60 m (T45) and 2.75 m (T47).

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   The Bugatti Trust – Type 45, 47 data page Level A

   • 2 cars made

   Accessed 2026-11-11
2. 2
   Bugatti Type 45, 47 Level A The Bugatti Trust

   • 16-cylinder; cranks geared together; twin Roots supercharger
   • 3801cc (T45)
   • approximately 250 bhp (T45)
   • Separate, centrally located 4-speed gearbox with reverse
   • 102.2in (2.60m) (T45)

   Accessed 2026-11-11