The 1930-1931 Bugatti Type 43/43A is generally considered
one of Bugatti's four greatest creations. Ettore Bugatti's cars had been around since 1910, and by
the mid-1920s had become famous in European competition. Built at Molsheim in
eastern France, all "Bugs" had a flexible chassis, rock-hard
suspensions, and either four- or eight-cylinder engines.
The straight-eight Type 43 offered a 100-mph top speed, but MGA/Triumph TR3 acceleration. It was really a long-chassis Type 35/38 with a larger supercharged engine. Most were built with narrow torpedo-style sports bodies, but some four-seat roadsters are known. The 43A had American-style rumble-seat bodywork.
The straight-eight Type 43 offered a 100-mph top speed, but MGA/Triumph TR3 acceleration. It was really a long-chassis Type 35/38 with a larger supercharged engine. Most were built with narrow torpedo-style sports bodies, but some four-seat roadsters are known. The 43A had American-style rumble-seat bodywork.
Pluses of the 1930-1931 Bugatti Type 43/43A:
- Impeccable vintage racing pedigree
- Eight-cylinder smoothness
- High-quality design
- Charisma
- A CCCA Classic
Minuses of the 1930-1931 Bugatti Type 43/43A:
- Rock-hard ride
- Crude suspension
- Floppy chassis
- Few creature comforts
- Very costly to buy and restore
Production of the 1930-1931 Bugatti Type 43/43A:
Approximately 150 (began in 1927)
Specifications of the 1930-1931 Bugatti Type 43/43A:
Wheelbase, inches: 117.0
Length, inches: 154.0
Weight, pounds: 2,300
Price, new: NA
Engine for the 1930-1931 Bugatti Type 43/43A:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohc I-8 | 2,262 cc (138 cid) | 115 | 1930-1931 |
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