Description
1930 Bugatti Type 46 Coupé Superprofilée Registration: EEC registration and EEC taxes paid Chassis number: 46208 The combination of attributes of the Type 46, especially when its fine chassis and engine are clothed in a sophisticated body, makes it one of the most highly prized Bugattis. In fact, the T46 is perhaps best known as the "Petit Royale", so called because of its striking resemblance to the Type 41 Royale, which is known for its massive 4. 3 metre wheelbase and 12. 8 litre engine. As the Type 41 Royale's engine displaced about 2½ times the volume of the next closest Bugatti model, the Type 46 "Petit Royale" very skilfully filled this otherwise large gap in the manufacturer's model range. As described in the authoritative book "Bugatti Type 46: La Petite Royale" by Bohuslav Klein, Roland Saunier and Kees Jansen, the T46 remains one of the brand's most influential road models and holds a high place in Bugatti's history. They wrote: "No other Bugatti type motivated so many European coachbuilders in the 1930s to build such exclusive bodies as this one." No fewer than 40 coachbuilders transferred their unique craftsmanship to the chassis during the relatively short production period of the T46. As mentioned in the authoritative reference, chassis 46208 was originally associated with engine number 77 and still bears it. It was ordered on 10 January 1930 from Bugatti dealer Dominique Lamberjack at 68 Rue Bayen in Paris as part of a package of two cars, the other being 46202. These chassis cost 72, 200 francs each and were delivered on 1 February 1930. It is believed that the original body of 46208 was a four-door car, which was designated as a conduite interieure. In 1932, the car was registered in Agen, the capital of the Lot-et-Garrone department, with the licence plate 3630 JV1. In 1935 it was sold to a gentleman named Grenier and in 1937 to another man named Rodriguez, who lived near Villenueve-sur-Lot. It was around this time that it returned to Paris with the licence plate 6324 RL4. It was later bought by Baron John Raben-Levetzau, the owner of the Aalholm Automobile Museum in Nysted, Denmark. A previous owner decided to replace the body of the drab saloon with a faithful replica of the "Superprofile" coupé designed by Jean Bugatti, which some consider to be the most beautiful of all his designs. The bodywork was created by Ken Haywood from New South Wales, Australia, who has been responsible for many award-winning vehicles. This photo-documented restoration and coachbuilding work is considered one of his finest achievements. Very few examples of the profile series with its steeply raked windscreens and dramatic wings that precede the famous Mercedes-Benz 500K are known to exist. Jean Bugatti's gifted ability to follow these lines is evident in the marvellous upward curve at the end of the rear wings and the yellow trim that contrasts with the deep black paintwork. The beautifully appointed interior features brown ostrich leather, complemented by an immaculately finished dashboard and wooden steering wheel rim, made all the more inviting by the warm glow of the twin instrument lighting. The balance and presentation of the interior is emphasised by the front seats, which look more like deckchairs on a sunny terrace than car seats. This design is so timeless that its understated style has been echoed in the interior of the Spyker "Peking to Paris" SUV. The turning of the engine on both sides of the firewall, cylinder head and other components not only shows the cleanliness and quality of the presentation, but also serves as a reminder of the legendary machine fit of the engine components. The overall finish of this car is consistent, from the body and concours-quality paint, which is complemented by the finish of the chassis and suspension components. The sleek super profile body is complemented by a restrained amount of chrome adorning the handles and locks, horseshoe radiator surround, Scintilla headlights and matching wing lights. The entire body rides on Royale-style wheels fitted with contemporary Goodrich Silvertown tyres. Chassis 46208 was exhibited and awarded at the 2011 Sydney Concours and will attract great praise and attention wherever it is exhibited around the world. It is a remarkable feat of coachbuilding and legendary Bugatti engineering. The car is currently in Denmark, where it can be viewed by appointment. Suffice to say that both this and the blue example we have are in excellent condition.
