Cars from 1920 to 1950 - The golden age of the car

1932
Code 0609
Body style: roadster

The Type 55 followed in the footsteps of the Type 43 and 43A, making another step forward towards the ultimate dream car, a blend of racing performance and elegance. Jean Bugatti, son of Ettore, came up with this design which targeted customers with a taste for large roadsters.  It is a genuine sportscar based on Grand Prix racing principles, but slightly tuned down, for greater reliability and a pleasant driving experience.
The sacrifices in terms of power were fairly modest, because the vehicle could get up to 180 kph (110 mph), with impressive acceleration. The body built by Jean Bugatti sits on the exceptional chassis and boasts long wings that look like they were designed in one sweep of the pencil - the crowning glory of this beautiful vehicle. It still holds a place as one of the world’s most attractive cars. The whole vehicle is somehow lowered and shifted towards the back, giving a feeling of speed. The original version had a clever combination of two tones of very contrasting lacquer. The raised front wing shape reveals the famous Bugatti mechanics and the lightweight alloy Grand Prix wheels. It all gives the impression of a wild cat, crouching and ready to leap forward, with an unmistakeable engine roar. 

The Code 0601 model is in the original version and was driven for many years in the USA. A coupé version was also built in the same period and is also on display in the museum. The Cité de l’Automobile is lucky enough to have an exceptional selection of this Bugatti, in roadster and coupé versions, which is considered by collectors as a priceless jewel.