Bugatti Prototypes

Bugatti created a number of prototype vehicles which never reached full production.

Type 73C

Begun in 1943 and completed in 1947 after the war, the Type 73C was to be a comeback for Bugatti. But the death of Ettore Bugatti that year doomed the project. An engine-less Type 73 was shown at the 1947 Paris Motor Show two months later. Although five chassis had been constructed in Paris, no coachwork was completed for these cars and they were never assembled and tested by the company.

Related Topics:
1943 - 1947 - The war - Ettore Bugatti - Paris Motor Show - Paris

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The Type 73C used a new 1.5 L (1488 cc/90 in³) straight-4 engine with 3 valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. This was a new design with a 76 mm bore and 82 mm stroke, wet cylinder liners, a detachable cylinder head, and a single cast iron exhaust manifold. Much to the chagrin of Bugatti purists, the Type 73 used off-the-shelf hex fasteners rather than the custom-designed parts used in all previous cars.

Related Topics:
Straight-4 - 3 valves per cylinder - Single overhead cam

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The five Type 73 chassis were sold off after the company exited automobile production. Most were later assembled, and one (number 2) was even given a body based on the original Bugatti drawings. This car sold at auction in 2002 for just over US$100,000, the low price reflecting the lack of interest in the incomplete car.

Related Topics:
2002 - US$

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