Bugatti Type 43 by Matisse: A €3.5 Million Pre War Masterpiece Heading to Auction

In the golden era of pre war motoring, few names carried as much prestige as Bugatti. During the 1920s the brand built some of the most technically advanced and fastest road cars in the world. Among them, the Type 43 stood out as a refined grand tourer with true racing DNA.

Only around 160 chassis of the Type 43 were produced between 1927 and 1931. That makes every surviving example extremely rare today. However, the car heading to auction in Italy this May is not just another Type 43. It is the only one in the world fitted with a unique two seat open body created by Belgian coachbuilder Eugène Matisse.

The car will be offered by Broad Arrow at auction, with an estimated value ranging from €2.5 million to €3.5 million. For collectors of historic European automobiles, this is a once in a generation opportunity.

Technical Specifications of the Bugatti Type 43

The Type 43 was often described as a gentleman’s express. It combined high performance with long distance usability, effectively creating one of the earliest true supercars of its time.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.3 litre inline eight cylinder engine derived from the legendary racing platform of the Bugatti Type 35B. This was not a detuned road unit but a serious performance machine.

Key technical data include:

• Engine: 2262 cc supercharged inline 8
  Power output: approximately 120 horsepower
  Transmission: 4 speed manual
  Drive layout: rear wheel drive
  Top speed: around 160 km per hour
  Supercharger: Roots type

For the late 1920s, a top speed of 160 km per hour was extraordinary. At a time when most cars struggled to reach 100 km per hour, the Type 43 delivered race car levels of performance in a road going package.

The chassis featured solid axles, semi elliptic leaf springs and mechanical drum brakes. While primitive by modern standards, this setup offered remarkable stability and responsiveness for its era. The lightweight construction and compact proportions further enhanced its agility.

Racing Heritage and Tazio Nuvolari

The Type 43 shared much of its engineering philosophy with Bugatti’s racing machines. Among the drivers associated with Bugatti’s competition efforts in that period was Tazio Nuvolari, one of the greatest racing drivers in motorsport history.

Although the Type 43 was primarily a road car, its close technical relationship with racing models gave it immense credibility. Owners could drive to an event, compete, and return home in the same vehicle. That dual character is one of the reasons collectors prize the model so highly today.

The Unique Body by Eugène Matisse

What makes this particular car exceptional is its coachwork. The chassis was delivered to its first owner in early 1929 with a temporary body. In the early 1930s, Brussels based coachbuilder Eugène Matisse created a bespoke two seat open body in contemporary style.

This is the only known Type 43 to wear such coachwork. The flowing fenders, elegant proportions and restrained detailing reflect the transition from the more upright 1920s aesthetic to the streamlined influences of the 1930s.

Unlike factory bodied examples, this car represents a collaboration between engineering excellence and artistic individuality. In the collector market, one off coachbuilt bodies significantly increase historical and financial value.

Restoration and Provenance

The car changed owners several times during its long life. At one point it was even fitted with an alternative engine sourced from Chevrolet. However, during the 1980s it was restored with a power unit matching factory specifications, returning it to mechanical authenticity.

For the past 45 years the Bugatti has been part of one of the most notable private collections in the United Kingdom. During that time it has undergone careful restoration focused on mechanical integrity. Interestingly, the interior has intentionally been left with visible patina, preserving the authentic atmosphere of a true pre war automobile.

The vehicle is accompanied by extensive documentation confirming its origin, ownership history and authenticity. For collectors at this level, provenance is as important as condition.

How It Compares to Other Pre War Bugatti Icons

While €3.5 million is a substantial figure, this Type 43 is not the most expensive pre war Bugatti. Models such as the Bugatti Type 57, particularly the rare Atlantic and SC variants, have achieved prices in the tens of millions of dollars.

One notable Type 57 was recently displayed at Rockefeller Center in New York as both a festive installation and a promotion for a major classic car exhibition. Such events underline the cultural and investment value of pre war Bugatti automobiles.

Still, the uniqueness of this Type 43 body places it in a very special category. Collectors often value rarity and individuality as highly as outright model prestige.

The Bugatti Type 43 by Eugène Matisse is more than a rare car. It is a symbol of an era when engineering innovation met handcrafted artistry. With only around 160 chassis ever built and just one carrying this unique Belgian body, its estimated €2.5 to €3.5 million price tag reflects true exclusivity.

As the global classic car market continues to mature, vehicles like this remind us that performance, beauty and heritage have always defined the upper echelon of motoring.

For enthusiasts in the U

AE who admire automotive excellence, even if only from afar, this Bugatti stands as a benchmark of what makes cars timeless.