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Temporary UK Import
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

The Bugatti Type 40 model was introduced in mid-1926 to replace the highly successful Type 22 and Type 23 “Brescia” Modifie 16-valve models, which had been in production with several improvements since 1920. It used a similar-style chassis as the longer-wheelbase Type 23, and the engine was that of the popular Type 37: a four-cylinder, 69 mm x 100 mm, five plain-bearing crankshaft, plain rods, and three valves per cylinder with parallel crankcase arms, unlike the stepped arms of the Type 37 sports model. A variety of coachbuilders including Jarvis and Gangloff supplied coachwork; however, many examples wore a close-coupled, four-seat torpédo with a single passenger-side door and a hatch on the long tail to provide access to a luggage and tool compartment. This was the famous “Grand Sport” which would be later adapted to the larger Type 43 model.

This Type 40 Grand Sport, chassis 40565 with engine and running gear no. 481 on frame no. 496, was delivered in August 1928 to J.B. Arnaud, a small Bugatti agency in Niort, France, reputedly with closed coachwork of uncertain origin. Much of this car’s subsequent 42 years is unknown. However, it emerged in Marseille, France in 1970, with attractive Million-Guiet two-seater coupe body and began a very active life in the hands of several well-known and highly regarded French collectors and enthusiasts, including Louis Quételart, Guy Dubrulle, and Michel Blanchard.

The consignor reports that during M. Blanchard’s brief ownership in 2005 the Million-Guiet coupe coachwork was removed and retained, and the present Grand Sport body obtained, restored, and fitted to the car. The restored coachwork, the substructure of which is believed to retain factory numbering, had been in the hands of the legendary Bugatti mechanic and restorer Henri Novo. The Type 40 was then acquired by Marc Rinaldi for his son, François, and daughter-in-law, Caroline Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s granddaughter. Mme. Bugatti drove the Type 40 frequently and she participated in numerous rallies with the Club Bugatti France, including the 1st Rencontres Internationales Bugatti rally in Corsica in June 2007. She and the Rinaldis sold the car to the current owner in 2022.

According to the consignor, 40565 has benefited from a recent engine rebuild by noted marque specialist Laurent Rondoni, and the gearbox was also overhauled in the past year. The Grand Sport body is attractively finished in black with a tan leather interior and black top with aluminum wheel discs. Remarkably, the original chassis plate proudly remains in place. The beautiful Million-Guiet coupe body is included with the sale, and the next custodian will have the exciting opportunity of continuing this fascinating Bugatti’s history.