1913 Bugatti Type 18 Sports Two-Seater 'Black Bess'

Type 18 Sports Two-Seater 'Black Bess' image

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The Bugatti Type 18 Sports Two-Seater 'Black Bess' 1913 is a vintage car that is renowned for its beauty, performance and technical innovation. It is named after a famous racehorse from the 18th century and is considered one of the rarest and most valuable classic cars in the world.

The engine of the Bugatti Type 18 is one of its most extraordinary features. It is a 5.0-liter, four-cylinder unit that is capable of producing a remarkable 100 horsepower. This engine is equipped with a twin overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder, which was an advanced technology for its time. The engine is also air-cooled and is attached to a four-speed manual gearbox that is capable of reaching a top speed of 100 mph.

The chassis of the Bugatti Type 18 is made of aluminum and was designed to be lightweight and sturdy. The suspension system consists of semi-elliptical leaf springs and solid axles, which provide a smooth ride on rough terrains. The car's brakes are drum-type and are operated mechanically with a hand lever on the dashboard.

The exterior of the Bugatti Type 18 is designed to be aerodynamically efficient. Its long hood and tapered tail are characteristic of the Bugatti style. The car is painted in black with polished alloys, which gives it a striking appearance. The interior of the car features a wood-framed dashboard with a full set of gauges, which includes a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, and ammeter. The car has two bucket seats upholstered in leather for added comfort.

The Bugatti Type 18 Sports Two-Seater 'Black Bess' 1913 is considered an icon in the world of classic cars. Its beautiful design, advanced engineering, and impressive performance make it a true masterpiece of automotive history. It is a rare opportunity to own and experience the beauty of this vintage car, and it is sure to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Milestones

- The Bugatti Type 18 Sports Two-Seater 'Black Bess' was first conceptualized in 1912 by Ettore Bugatti. - The car was completed in 1913 and showcased at the Paris Salon Auto in October of that year. - 'Black Bess' is one of only seven Type 18 Sports Two-Seaters ever produced and considered the most iconic of them all. - The car was named after an infamous mare owned by Napolean Bonaparte and was known for its speed and power. - Powered by a 5-liter, four-cylinder engine, 'Black Bess' could reach speeds of up to 100 mph. - 'Black Bess' was sold to a wealthy Frenchman named Joachim Bonnier in 1913 and was later sold to a British owner. - The car was eventually retired and stored for decades before being restored in the early 2000s. - In 2012, 'Black Bess' was sold at auction for a record-breaking price of $4.4 million.


Technical

- The Bugatti Type 18 Sports Two-Seater 'Black Bess' was manufactured in 1913. - It was designed by Ettore Bugatti and named after a famous racehorse owned by the Rothschild family. - The car was powered by a 5.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 100 horsepower. - It had a top speed of around 100 miles per hour. - The car featured a lightweight aluminum body with a long hood, short wheelbase, and low seating position. - It had a four-speed gearbox and chain drive to the rear wheels. - The car was known for its exceptional handling and agility, thanks to its advanced chassis and suspension design. - It was one of the first race cars to use hydraulic brakes, which provided superior stopping power compared to traditional mechanical brakes. - The 'Black Bess' was raced extensively by Bugatti himself, as well as other notable drivers of the era, including Louis Chiron and Jean Bugatti.