The Bugatti Type 49, built between 1930 and 1934, was produced in a run of fewer than 500 units. It is a convertible with a soft top. This car was sometimes nicknamed the “little Royale” because of the resemblance of its lines and light-alloy wheels to those of the extravagant Bugatti Royale Type 41.

Ettore Bugatti loved horses so much that he designed the grille of his cars in the shape of a horseshoe. All of his passenger cars had the spirited character of sports cars, inherited from his “thoroughbred” race cars. This was true of the Type 49, which could exceed 80 mph thanks to its 85 hp engine.

Built in Molsheim, France. The body of this convertible is said to have been crafted by the Swiss coachbuilder Gangloff, which had a branch in Colmar.

• 4-seater convertible 
• Inline 8-cylinder engine, 3 valves per cylinder, 3,257 cm³, 85 hp
• 4-speed transmission + reverse
• Top speed: 80 to 90 mph