Jacob's Bugatti Pages
 

BUGATTITYPE54
 

The massive Type 54 had a 4.9 litre, 300hp engine.
Photo: Courtesy of the Guild of Automotive Restorers Reference

HISTORY

Type 54 first appeared at the Monza Grand Prix in 1931. Two cars entered, one retired after a tyre failiure had cut a brake cable (driver Chiron tried to contiue without brakes, but gave up), the other came in third after also having had tyre troubles.
The main competitors in this race were 12 cylinder Alfas and 16 cylinder Maseratis, and the 4.9 litre Type 54 was conceived to take up the fight with these large engined cars, as an alternative to the 16 cylinder Type 45 that Bugatti didn't want to persue.
Type 54 didn't have a very successful carreer, even if it had a few wins, and broke the World's Hour Record going over 210 km/h with Czaykowski at the wheel.

Only five or six Type 54 were built in 1931-34 (or -33).

TECHNICAL DATA


The huge, for the car, Type 54 engine. Note the brutally beautiful implementation of the exhaust manifold of this the rebodied 'Prince Lobkowicz' roadster.
Photos: David Sisson, Reference

Years made: 1931-34
Engine type: 8 cyl. in-line, 2 valves/cyl., 2 over-head cams
Engine size: 4972cc (86x107)
Supercharger: yes
Power [hp @ rpm]: 300 @ 4000
Clutch: dry
Forward gears: 3
Drive: shaft
Front suspension: solid axle, 1/2-elliptical springs
Rear suspension: solid axle, reverse 1/4-elliptical springs
Brakes: cable operated drums
Wheelbase [m]: 2.75
Track [m]: 1.35
Tyre size: 29x5.00

PICTURES

The 1931 Type 54 'Prince Lobkowicz' car with "new" (post-production) roadster body.
Photo: David Sisson, Reference

MUSEUM PIECES


 
The accuracy of the above information is not guaranteed. However, the information is compiled with the sincerest intentions of accuracy. Corrections, comments and additions are gladly received!
This is copyrighted material! You may NOT use the text without expressed permission from the author. Photographs are copyright of the respective photographer and used with permission.
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Editor: Jacob Munkhammar.     Design: MUNKHAMMAR.     Page updated: 5/2-98.