The Bucciali was a French automobile manufacturer that operated from 1922 to 1933. Founded by brothers Angelo and Paul-Albert Bucciali, the company's first vehicle was a cyclecar sold under the name Buc. The early models were equipped with 1,340 cc two-cylinder two-stroke engines. In 1925, the company introduced a larger model powered by a 1,600 cc S.C.A.P. engine, which was available in two versions: the "Tourisme" and the "Quatre Speciale" supercharged. Additionally, the company also offered a six-cylinder car with a displacement of 1,500 cc. The company is best known for its avant-garde, art deco-inspired designs, including the 1932 "TAV 12" model with its curved fenders and swooping lines. Despite their innovative designs, the company struggled financially and eventually ceased production in 1933. Today, Bucciali cars are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
History
In 1928, Bucciali introduced the TAV-6 at the 22nd Paris Motor Show, which was a sensation due to its front-wheel drive system, which was innovative at the time. The car featured the Sensaud de Lavaud infinitely variable automatic transmission and independent suspension. The TAV-6 sat on a 3,470 mm wheelbase and was powered by a Continental side-valve 2.4-liter engine. Later versions of the car would be offered with 6 or 8-cylinder engines.
In the 1930s, the company produced the Double Huit, which was also a front-wheel drive model, powered by a pair of Continental straight-eight engines mounted side by side. The last of the prototypes took a Voisin 12-cylinder engine. Very few of the front-wheel-drive Buccialis ever reached the road.
While it is not known exactly how many of the TAV 12 models were produced, only three are known by automotive enthusiasts to still exist: one in the USA, one in France, and one in Canada. The black Bucciali that still exists was rebuilt by Bruce Kelly with the help of Robert LeMire at Lake Country Classics in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
