Aug 10

Bugatti Type 46 Petite Royale Book

The Type 46 (1929-1932) was essentially a more practical, scaled-down version of the extravagant Type 41 Royale, filling the gap between that ultra-exclusive model and Bugatti’s smaller cars.

I have had this book unopened on my shelf for quite a while. I believe it was a birthday present a couple of years ago. We lost power for most of the day on Saturday so it was a good time to read a book. The first chapter is a full register of every Type 46 that still exists. No other Bugatti model got so many European coachbuilders fired up in the 1930s to create super cool bodies. About 40 different coachbuilders created a number of dream coachworks, and the book features plenty of unpublished photos of them. Each of those bodybuilders is shown with examples of their work. There’s also a society section that name-checks a bunch of the personalities who owned or drove a Type 46 back in the day. Plus, there’s a complete list of more than 450 cars that were ever built.

I think it is out of print so you have to buy on the used market so it is not cheap. I saw copies in the 400 dollar range. What I like is that every chassis number is represented. So if I win the lottery and I'm interested in a car I'll have some reference material to look at.

https://www.hortonsbooks.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=371

Aug 10, 2026

Reply to alsancle…

Replies (15)

· Aug 10

Here is an example of one chassis 46-501.

· Aug 10

This is the car that got me interested in the Type 46. Gooding sold it for 550k back in 2024. I really really liked it.

https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1930-bugatti-type-46-cabriolet

· Aug 10

Pictures from the auction.

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· Aug 10

Always loved the Bugatti Grand Prix cars. Almost built a replica before I came to my senses. Looked up the specs on the type 46. Interesting it has a trans axle. Wondering how many other Bugatti models used that?

5,359 CC SOHC Twin-Plug Inline 8-Cylinder Engine

Single Smiths Multi-Jet Carburetor

140 BHP at 3,500 RPM

3-Speed Manual Transaxle

4-Wheel Cable-Operated Mechanical Drum Brakes

Front Solid Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs

Rear Live Axle with Reversed Quarter-Elliptical Leaf Springs

· Aug 10

I like the two-tone on these. I don't know Bugatti but it looks like these and the type 50 really must have pulled away from the competition. The specs on the type 50 engine is in Duesenberg territory, but a lighter package.

· Aug 11

Dan, this was basically the biggest Bugatti you could buy (as nobody could afford a Royale). The specs are pretty hefty as these are not huge cars by our American standards.

Here is another cool one that brought almost a million bucks.
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20582/lot/313/la-petite-royale-ex-william-bill-borchert-larsen1930-bugatti-type-46-faux-cabriolet-chassis-no-46293-engine-no-157/

· Aug 11

...just fantastic!

· Aug 11

Does anyone know how they drive? Are they fast cars? How were the thought of?

· Aug 11

One of us needs to buy one to do a driving report. 140 HP in basically a mid size car for 1931 is very peppy I'm sure.

· Aug 11

Another one that sold for 461k.

https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am24_r044/1929-bugatti-type-46-cabriolet

· Aug 11

The front brake cable transitioning to chain and back again is just crazy! Amazing detail he had in the design. Can one of those engines even be overhauled in America currently?

· Aug 11

There were 18 Type 46S cars built with a supercharger and 160hp? I bet those bring absurd money.

· Aug 12

I imagine you are correct. According to this advertisement this is supposed to be the only open one still in existence. Do not know what the sale price was.

The Type 46 proudly offered by Fiskens (chassis 46525) is one of the ultra-exclusive S models sold new to Swiss Bugatti importer Bucar. Bodied in Switzerland by Reinboldt & Christie as a four-door cabriolet, 46525 eventually resurfaced in the USA.

Discovered and acquired in the 1980s by world-renowned collector Henry Petronis, 46525 began a 14-year long restoration in which key original parts were sourced to return the car to its former splendour. Finished in enchanting claret red with a complementary beige folding hood, this is believed to be the only open T46 S left in existence, and arguably the best restored example.

· Aug 12

Gooding has this one!

https://bid.goodingco.com/lots/view/1-D65BZ0/1930-bugatti-type-46-convertible-coupe

· Aug 13

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