• Chassis no. 454
• 12-volt electric engine
• Dunlop Cord Balloon tyres
• Eligible for Little Big Mans

The automobile held a special place in the Bugatti family. Roland, Ettore's youngest son, could not be left out. For his fourth birthday in 1926, Ettore built him a faithful 1:2 scale replica of the celebrated Bugatti 35 Grand Prix, then at the height of its glory. This would become the famous « Baby Bugatti » type 52.

Presented on the marque's stand at the Milan Motor Show in 1927, rich and famous clients acquired them for their offspring. It was a modest commercial success. Less than 500 examples were built as Ettore Bugatti realised that not all children were comfortable with the ½ scale. The chassis was soon lengthened, with 22 louvres on the bonnet in place of 20 on the rare first models.

This model enjoyed its own catalogue and was displayed at Bugatti dealerships alongside its big sisters. Often to be spotted at fashionable beaches such as Deauville and Nice, it gave rise to fiercely contested competitions with its top speeds of 15 to 18 km/h. Proud owners included the future Kings Hassan II of Morocco and Baudouin of Belgium.

This Baby Bugatti, chassis no. 454 features aluminium bodywork and wheels, with a steel chassis. Dashboard with Bugatti-branded ammeter and gear change lever (forward, neutral and reverse). Fitted with a 12-volt electric engine operated by a rheostat-accelerator, "Dunlop Cord Balloon" tyres on removable spoke wheels. Leather bonnet straps, seat and spare wheel strap. Boyce Motometer type radiator cap and 2-eared petrol cap. Brakes on all four wheels operated by external lever. Restored in the iconic blue, presented in working condition.
The promotional four-page brochure will be passed on to the buyer. It rests on four correctly sized jack stands.
122cm