Jacob's Bugatti Pages
 

BUGATTITYPE41

La Royale


1931, "Coupé Napoleon", by Jean Bugatti, at the six Royales gathering at Pebble Beach in 1985
Photo: David Sisson, Reference

HISTORY

The Type 41, "La Royale", was a grand project, only to be sold to persons with royal blood.
The number of Royales build has been a disputed matter. Number from 6 to 8 have been suggested.
If we sum up the production and restoration of the Royales, it looks like we have 6 chassis produced, wearing 11 bodies. Of these 6, 7 are in existence - one of them a rebuild.
The first chassis may in reality have been 2 different chassis, though, making a total of 7 produced.

Only 3 of the 6 or 7 chassis built from 1926 to 1933 were actually sold. None to a royal. The plan was to build 25, but the financial breakdown in 1929 made this fairytale impossible.
All 25 engines were built though, and some were used in Bugatti's Autorail.

The 6 Royale chassis are, in chronological order, after their first body:
Chassis 41 100: (bodies #1-4,6) This chassis went through a lot, after first being built in 1926 or 27, and is today known as the 1931, Coupé De Ville "Napoleon", designed by Jean Bugatti - it's 5th body. This chassis number may have been assigned to two chassises though.
Chassis 41 150: (body #5) 1929, Berline de Voyage, by Bugatti
Chassis 41 111: (bodies #7,11) 1932, Roadster, by Jean Bugatti. This chassis was later rebodied with a Coupé de Ville by Binder, which is its current body.
Chassis 41 121: (body #8) 1932, Cabriolet, by Ludwig Weinberger
Chassis 41 141: (body #9) 1932, Coupé, by Kellner
Chassis 41 131: (body #10) 1933, Limousine, by Park, Ward & Co.

TECHNICAL DATA

Years made: 1927-33
Engine type: 8 cyl. in-line, 3 valves/cyl., over-head cam
Engine size: 12736cc (125x130)
Supercharger: -
Carburettor: 1 Bugatti
Ignition: 2 sparkplugs/cyl.
Power [hp @ rpm]: 260 @ 1700
Torque [nm]: 200
Clutch: wet
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
Top speed [km/h]: over 160
Wheelbase [m]: 4.3
Track [m]: 1.6
Tyre size: 6.75x36
Curb weight [kg]: c.3200
Note 1: gear box in rear axle
Note 2: Fuel consumption (according to an owner in the 50's):
open road: 7 mpg (34 l/100km),
city traffic: 1.5 mpg (157 l/100km)!!!
conversions to l/100km assumes American gallons (=3.8l)

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.

Navigate: Jacob's Bugatti Pages:
[ News | Cars and Machines | Information Hunt | Articles | Museums | Art | Links ]
[ Pre-Bugatti | Bugatti | Other Marques | non-Cars | Remodellings | Resurrection | Replicas ]
Type 40 < -- Type 41, "La Royale" -- > Type 43

Editor: Jacob Munkhammar.     Design: MUNKHAMMAR.     Page updated: 5/2-98.