1913 Bugatti Type 15 Carrosserie Torpedo

The Type 15 was a refinement of the first production Bugatti, the Type 13, which appeared in 1910; these tiny cars were part of the 8-valve series built between 1910 - 1920 and included the Type 13, 15, 17, 22 and 23. Styles included 2-, 3- and 4-passenger open or closed bodies.

The Bugatti Trust, Prescott Hill, Gotherington, Cheltenham, England has records validating that only 435 cars in the 8-valve series were constructed during this ten-year period.

Early Bugattis - dubbed petit pur-sang or little thoroughbred for Ettore Bugatti’s love of horses - established a reputation for being quite successful in track competitions, hill climbs and other motor racing events. The red oval-shaped badge was becoming well known.
Ettore Bugatti had created a new breed of small car.. .with incredible performance and style!

The oval-shaped radiator first appeared in the 1913-1914 Bugatti Data Catalogue, which also contains race results up to October 1913; this radiator shape evolved into the “horsecollar” radiator, which remains one of the marque’s strongest trademarks.

In 1914 the Types 15 and 17 became the Types 22 and 23 respectively.

Engine
4 cylinders, SOHC
2.56” bore; 3.94” stroke
80.95 cubic inch (1327 cc)
15 bhp. @ 2500 rpm. (estimated)

BodylCoachbullder
Carrosserie Chauvet
Le Vallois, France

Price when new: N/A

Manufacturer
Automobiles E. Bugatti
Molsheim, France

March 1, 2010, 6:00 am