Bugatti Type 55
A Grand Prix racer in a tuxedo, the ultimate pre-war sports car.
- Power
- 130 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.0 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
- Est. value
- $5m–$11m
About the Bugatti Type 55
The Bugatti Type 55 was the road-going equivalent of the Type 51 Grand Prix racer, featuring a detuned version of its 2.3-litre twin-cam supercharged engine. Designed by Jean Bugatti, it is most famous for its striking doorless roadster bodywork, which featured deep-scalloped wings and a two-tone paint scheme. The chassis was derived from the Type 54, providing a rigid platform that allowed for exceptional handling for the era. Despite its racing pedigree, the Type 55 was a refined tourer, though its straight-cut gears and mechanical noise made for a visceral driving experience. With only 38 units produced, it remains one of the most coveted and valuable pre-war collector cars in existence.
Bugatti Type 55 specs
The Bugatti Type 55 produces 130 bhp (97 kW). It reaches 60 mph in 13.0 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).
| Make | Bugatti |
|---|---|
| Model | Type 55 |
| Trim | 2.3 |
| Years | 1932–1935 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | France |
| Production | About 38 built |
| Engine | 2.3-litre supercharged straight-8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,262 cc (2.3 litres) |
| Induction | Supercharged |
| Power | 130 bhp (97 kW) at 5,000 rpm |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.0 s |
| Top speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 820 kg (1,808 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 159 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Bugatti Type 55 worth?
A typical Bugatti Type 55 is estimated to be worth $5,000,000 – $10,500,000 (about £3,730,000 – £7,830,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Bugatti Type 55 rarity in CarSpot
The Bugatti Type 55 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bugatti Type 55 fun facts
- The factory-bodied Jean Bugatti roadsters were famous for having no doors, requiring occupants to hop over the sides to enter.
- A Type 55 was the first Bugatti to ever sell for more than $10 million at a public auction, achieving $10.4 million in 2016.
- The Type 55's engine was so advanced for its time that it used a twin-overhead camshaft layout, a feature Ettore Bugatti initially resisted.
