Concept Cars1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports

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The 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports represents a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, embodying the extraordinary vision of Ettore Bugatti during the golden age of motorsport. This remarkable machine emerged as a testament to innovative engineering, blending breathtaking performance with unparalleled aesthetic elegance.

The Birth of a Racing Legend

Introduced on September 24, 1933, at the San Sebastian Grand Prix, the Type 59 Sports was more than just a racing car. It was a mechanical masterpiece that showcased Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. The car featured a supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,300 cc, generating an impressive 250 horsepower at 5,500 RPM.

Technical Brilliance

The Type 59 Sports boasted several groundbreaking features that set it apart from contemporary racing machines:

  • Innovative Wheel Design: Piano-wire spoke wheels that minimized unsprung mass
  • Advanced Suspension: Sophisticated shock absorbers ensuring balanced handling
  • Precision Engineering: A complex chassis with split front axles for improved stability

Racing Pedigree

During its racing career, the Type 59 Sports achieved notable successes. René Dreyfus secured a remarkable third place at the Monaco Grand Prix in April 1934. The car continued to impress with performances at various prestigious racing events, including:

  • French Grand Prix in Montlhéry (Fourth place)
  • Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Spanish Grand Prix (Sixth place)

A Royal Connection

The car’s fascinating history took an intriguing turn when it was acquired by King Leopold III of Belgium. Ettore Bugatti personally had the car repainted in black with a yellow stripe, reflecting the Belgian racing colors. The vehicle, affectionately nicknamed “La Grand Mère” (Grandmother) by Bugatti mechanics, became a cherished piece of automotive history.

Preservation of Automotive History

What makes this particular Type 59 Sports truly extraordinary is its remarkable preservation. Over the decades, the car passed through just five owners, each respecting its original condition. The current owner has carefully conserved the car’s incredible patina, maintaining its original leather seats and preserving the scars of its racing history.

🏎️ Note: Only seven Type 59 vehicles were produced between 1933 and 1936, making this car an extremely rare and valuable piece of automotive heritage.

How powerful was the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports?

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The car featured a supercharged 3.3-liter inline eight-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower at 5,500 RPM.

How many Bugatti Type 59 Sports were produced?

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Only seven Type 59 vehicles were produced between 1933 and 1936, making them extremely rare collector’s items.

What made the Bugatti Type 59 Sports unique?

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Its innovative design included piano-wire spoke wheels, sophisticated suspension, and a powerful supercharged engine. It was also the only Grand Prix car converted to a sports car at the Bugatti factory.