Chassis No. 43172

Engine No. 12

- Bugatti’s legendary GP car for the road with a supercharged 8-cylinder 2300

- A highly original, matching-numbers Bugatti retaining its original frame, engine, supercharger, rear axle, and a majority of its desirable factory coachwork

- Impeccable provenance including Tom Perkins, Michel Seydoux, Peter Grogh and Jan Smits

- Engine rebuilt in current ownership and event proven and ready

- One of roughly 160 examples built, and far fewer genuine original ones that remain

- Thoroughly documented by marque authority Pierre-Yves Laugier and a FIVA identity card

One of the all time great pre-war sports cars, the Type 43 utilized Bugatti’s legendary Grand Prix supercharged 8-cylinder engine - matching the specification of the Alfa Romeo 8c 2300. The cars were capable of 100 mph, Bugatti’s first road car to make that claim. Roughly 160 examples were built, making it one of the rarest of the desirable Bugatti models. Fitted with the factory Grand Sport body, the lightweight sports cars were often used in competition, though they provided far more usability than their Grand Prix siblings.

This example, a very genuine and quintessential T43 Grand Sport, was sold new to Parisian oil heir Maurice Lesieur and remained in France until 1956. Subsequently owned by Italian and British enthusiasts, the car eventually ended up with the well-known collector Tom Perkins of California, though Perkins kept the car in Europe for touring event use. In 1989 the car was bought by noted collector Michel Seydoux of Paris. Offered by Christies in 1997, the car sold to yet another notable collector, Peter Groh of Germany. At the time, Christie’s described the car as “an exceptionally original, well documented example of one of Bugatti's masterpieces, offered for sale in outstanding condition; a rare find indeed. On the occasion of a recent test drive, the car performed faultlessly, making all the right noises.”

The car was acquired in 1999 by Jan Smits, a significant Dutch collector and Bugatti aficionado. Retaining the car for two decades, the Type 43 was used as intended and was a common sight on European Bugatti rallies.

The current owner, a noted California collector of significant pre-war European sports and racing cars, acquired the Bugatti in 2019. The car received an engine rebuild by marque expert Simon Klopper which included a new roller-bearing crank. The car also received a sympathetic repaint from blue to a very striking dark grey. The body was stripped to bare aluminum (photos of which show the originality of this examples coachwork) and refinished though care was taken to preserve the car’s wonderful, and authentic, patina.

Documented by a comprehensive report by Bugatti authority Pierre-Yves Laugier, this Grand Sport retains almost all its original bodywork with exception of the boot lid, lower tail panels and fenders. Furthermore, the report confirms the car’s known history, continuous and notable provenance, and, unlikely many Bugattis, the continuity of its make up. Laugier confirms this Bugatti retains its original chassis plate, frame, engine, supercharger and rear axle - all numbered as expected. Additionally, the unnumbered bonnet, bulkhead and front axle are thought to be original to the car.

This Type 43 Grand Sport is a highly genuine, original example with provenance that proves its desirability and appeal. Heralded as a true driver’s car, a Type 43 in such condition is a rare sight on the market. This Bugatti Type 43 is highly eligible for all of the great touring events and great examples such as this remain a stand out in many of the World’s best car collections.