Bugatti Type 15

Key facts

Year

1910
Country

France
Capacity

1,327cc
Cylinders

4
Valves

Overhead
Output

15bhp at 2,500rpm
Maximum speed

58mph/93.34kph
Price new

£350
Owner

Accepted by H.M. Government in lieu of inheritance tax
Manufacturer

Automobiles E. Bugatti

The Bugatti Type 15 was a longer wheel base version of the Type 13 and is one of the cars that helped to establish the Bugatti reputation. It is believed that this car was owned by the Bugatti family and was originally fitted with a saloon car body by coachbuilders Wiederkehr of Colmar. It is reputed to have been used on the Western Front during World War One. The two-seat sports body was fitted after it was imported to Britain around 1920. This is the second oldest surviving Bugatti and the oldest in Britain.

Italian designer Ettore Bugatti worked for a number of German manufacturers before establishing his own factory at Molsheim, Alsace in 1909. Car production started in 1910 with the Type 13. Following World War One, with Molsheim now in French territory, Bugatti gained a reputation for building fine racing and sporting cars.