1927 BUGATTI BRESCIA TYPE 27
No. 1442
French vehicle registration certificate
The spirit of the “Petit Pur-Sang,” at the origins of the Bugatti legend
In the early 1930s, the Bugatti name was synonymous with mechanical excellence, sports performance, and refinement. From his workshops in Molsheim, Ettore Bugatti had created exceptional automobiles, capable of shining on the most demanding racetracks as well as captivating the most discerning enthusiasts on the open road. The greatest drivers of the era had contributed to their legend, while their dynamic qualities also made them particularly prized companions on the road.
The history of the Brescia traces its origins to the Type 13, the first automobile produced in Molsheim in 1910. This small sports car would quickly become one of the most accomplished expressions of Ettore Bugatti’s philosophy: prioritizing lightness, mechanical precision, and efficiency over the mere pursuit of power. The Type 22 and Type 23, featuring a longer wheelbase, continued this lineage, notably benefiting from the remarkable 16-valve engine, designed as early as 1914 and offered alongside the 8-valve version, affectionately nicknamed “Petit Pur-Sang.”
Introduced in 1919, the 16-valve engine gained international renown thanks to its racing successes, including a victory at Le Mans in 1920. The name “Brescia” became established following the factory’s one-two-three-four finish at the Italian Grand Prix for small cars, held at the Brescia circuit in Lombardy. Between 1914 and 1926, approximately 2,000 units of this model family were produced, with engine displacements ranging from 1,368 to 1,496 cm³.
A true benchmark among the small sports cars of its time, the Brescia combined qualities that were rarely found together back then: responsiveness, endurance, driving pleasure, and fuel efficiency. Capable of maintaining a speed of 100 to 110 km/h under ideal conditions, it demonstrated that a modest engine displacement could deliver remarkable performance. Its particularly well-engineered design allowed it to retain, well beyond its production run, a prominent place in the history of sports cars.
The Brescia Type 27 presented here is part of this prestigious lineage. Related to the Type 22 and Type 23, it features a 1,496 cm³ 16-valve engine producing 50 ch—a power output that attests to Ettore Bugatti’s technical ambition. More than just a mechanical evolution, it embodies a formative period in the brand’s history, when its creator’s ingenuity enabled small, lightweight, and refined automobiles to hold their own against machines that were sometimes far more imposing.
This example underwent a restoration in France, carried out by a renowned workshop in the Vaucluse region, using numerous original parts. This artisanal work has breathed new life into this classic car while preserving several historic elements. Its current configuration, however, differs from its original one.
The restoration notably included the rebuilding of the engine block, engine casings, and rear axle by the workshop responsible for the project. The engine features a 1,500 cm³ displacement with 16 valves, in keeping with the technical specifications of the Brescia. Front brakes were also added.
Fully functional, this Bugatti has been on the road for nearly ten years, participating in events and car rallies dedicated to the brand, notably the Solo Brescia and the Bugatti Club’s outings.
Its maintenance is still handled by the garage that carried out its restoration, ensuring continuity in mechanical upkeep and in-depth knowledge of the vehicle.
From an administrative standpoint, the car has a period registration certificate as well as an FFVE certificate, both of which are included in its file.
With its history, its artisanal restoration, the presence of numerous original parts, and its regular participation in Bugatti events, this example is a car with character, intended for the enthusiast eager to bring a classic to life through historic drives and gatherings of fellow enthusiasts.
Bugatti Brescia Type 27
No. 1442
French vehicle registration document
The spirit of the “Petit Pur-Sang,” at the origins of the Bugatti legend
In the early 1930s, the name Bugatti was synonymous with mechanical excellence, sporting performance, and refinement. From his workshops in Molsheim, Ettore Bugatti had created exceptional cars, capable of shining on the most demanding circuits while also captivating the most discerning enthusiasts on the open road. The greatest drivers of the era had contributed to their legend,