Bugatti Type 38

1926 Bugatti Type 38

Replacing the Type 30, the Type 38 was a road-tourer featuring a second generation straight-eight, two-liter engine. The first inline-eights had built up a great reputation with the Type 30. As such many components remained the same including the crankshaft.

Compared to the Type 30, the Type 38 introduced a longer wheelbase and a wider track. The engine was very similar to the Type 35A unit, having a triple ball-bearing crankshaft.

A select few Type 38s received the supercharger off the four-cylinder Type 37A. These car were correspondingly called the Type 38A.

Type 38s were produced for a short period from 1926, until 1927, when they were replaced by the Type 43. A few type 38s were built after 1927, but only in limited numbers. Total production to 385 Type 38s were made, with 39 having superchargers.

Pictures & Gallery

See full 1926 Bugatti Type 38 Gallery here

Specs & Performance

   
engine Inline-8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Twin Zenith or Solex Carbs
displacement 1990 cc / 121.4 in³
bore 60 mm / 2.36 in
stroke 88 mm / 3.46 in
power 44.7 kw / 60 bhp
specific output 30.15 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 69.61 bhp per tonne
front tires 5.00×19
rear tires 5.00×19
front brakes Drums
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Drums
r brake size mm / in
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Elliptic Springs
r suspension Rigid Axle w/Reversed Quarter-Elliptic Springs
curb weight 862 kg / 1900 lbs
wheelbase 3124 mm / 123.0 in
front track 1250 mm / 49.2 in
rear track 1250 mm / 49.2 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
gear ratios :1
final drive 4.67:1
Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.

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