Vehicle Description
In 1929, Ettore Bugatti introduced a new car to fill what was a
vast gap between the 3.0-liter Type 44 and the massive, extravagant
12.75 liter Type 41 Royale. This new car was called the Type 46,
and it featured a 5,350 c.c. Monobloc inline eight-cylinder engine,
a three-speed rear-mounted transaxle and Bugatti's typical and
proven solid axle chassis design. The Type 46 resonated with
buyers, as approximately 467 examples were built between 1929 and
1933. While this might seem like a lot of cars by Bugatti
standards, its nearest competitor, the Delage D8, was made in
numbers approaching 2,000 examples. Typical for Bugatti, the bodies
fitted to the Type 46 chassis were as varied as their customers.
Ranging from formal and understated saloons to flamboyant and
sporty roadsters, the Type 46 proved to be quite versatile and
fine-driving car in true Molsheim tradition. It shared particular
characteristics with the massive Type 41, including the transaxle
gearbox and fabulous cast-alloy disc wheels. Its power, grace and
stature earned the Type 46 the nickname "La Petit Royale." Our
featured Type 46 is chassis number 46524. According to information
in Barrie Price's book Bugatti Type 46 & 50, as well as the
definitive reference guide La Petit Royale, this particular chassis
was ordered in a batch of 29 cars (a mix of type 46 and 49) by
Swiss Bugatti agent Bucar of Zurich. The first owner is listed as
Hans Lindt of Stockholm, Sweden (incorrectly noted as "Schmidt" by
Mr. Price). It is understood that the car was delivered wearing the
optional alloy wheels and ordered to receive four-seat Gangloff
Touriste cabriolet coachwork. Upon completion by Gangloff, it was
driven back to Molsheim, collected by Mr. Lindt, who drove the
1,700 KM across Europe and back to Stockholm; a task for which his
Type 46 was no doubt ideally suited. Following Mr. Lindt's time
with the car, it was purchased by Rene Chatard, a fashion boutique
owner, and well-known Bugatti connoisseur. It is believed that
sometime during Chatard's ownership, the body was separated from
the chassis and fitted with blackout lights and rudimentary seats,
perhaps to make the car unattractive to occupying forces during the
war. In 1940, it was equipped with a "Gazogene" unit in an attempt
to run the car on wood fumes instead of gasoline, but the
experiment was a failure, and the car was parked up. Chatard and
his mistress were killed in 1955 when his Type 57 Atlantic was
struck by a train. Chatard's widow sold 46524 along with six other
cars to the famous Bugatti collector Jean De Dobbeleer. He would
quickly sell this car as a running chassis with radiator, bonnet,
and cowl, to Bob Estes and Otto Zipper of Precision Motor Cars in
California, as noted in H.G. Conway's The Bugatti Register. At some
point, the car joined the Harrah Collection in Reno, still in the
same state as De Dobbeleer found it in 1956. In 1973, 46524 was
sold via auction at Harrah's and purchased by Ed Morgan and his
son. The Morgans are avid collectors and restorers, and the car
remained as found for many years as they planned the best course of
action to restore it. During their research, they learned that Dr.
Joseph Fuchs, who had commissioned the magnificent
Weinberger-bodied Type 41 Royale Cabriolet had also owned a
Weinberger-bodied Type 46. No photos of that car were available at
the time, but the inspiration was set, and the Morgans traveled to
The Henry Ford to measure and photograph the Weinberger Royale.
Numerous drawings, measurements, and templates were made before a
design was settled upon. In 1992, the car was finally handed over
to Monty and Greg Montiller to receive its coachwork. The chassis
and mechanicals were restored in the Morgan's personal restoration
shop, which included a full engine rebuild, and the upholstery work
was handed over to Ken Niminek, executed in lovely two-tone green
and tan leather. The rebirth of 46524 was completed in 1998, and
while it differs in detail from Dr. Fuchs' Type 46 (photos of that
car have since surfaced), it remains a magnificent tribute and
incredibly beautiful in its own right. The Type 46 rides on a
rather long 140" wheelbase chassis, though the impeccably
proportioned coachwork makes this car seem much smaller. Among most
notable features of the body are the sweeping Jean Bugatti-style
wings which form one continuous and graceful line from front to
rear. The Royale-style 20-inch alloy wheels are a perfect match for
the coachwork, and the upholstered trunk, close-coupled body, and
dual rear-mount spare wheels give it a distinctly sporting
appearance. Fresh from restoration, the Type 46 was shown at the
1998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was promptly awarded
first in class. Over the next five years, it was shown extensively,
winning Best in Show at the 2000 Hillsborough Concours and Most
Elegant Open Car at the 2003 Palo Alto Concours. The Morgans
participated in the 2003 Bugatti West Coast Rally with the Type 46,
and while it has not been shown publically since 2003, it has
remained a prized part of their private collection, accruing just
500 KM since its restoration. 46-524 has been meticulously
maintained over the years and still presents in near-concours
condition. The two-tone green paintwork is in excellent order,
highlighted with finely restored brightwork. As expected of a
Pebble Beach class winner, detailing is impeccable. The beauty of
the coachwork is matched by the striking interior, which is
finished in two-tone tan and green leather, with lavish woodwork
and appointments. The tan top has never been down since it was
fitted and is therefore excellent and crease-free. This Type 46 is,
quite simply an exquisite and breathtaking machine. The history is
well-documented, and it benefits from forty-five years of
continuous ownership in the hands of its passionate caretakers. It
is ready for its next chapter and remains in showable condition,
yet would also make for an outstanding touring car, where the
powerful 5.3-liter inline eight can be thoroughly enjoyed. We are
thrilled to offer this splendid Bugatti, ready for a new keeper to
cherish it for its ageless beauty and impressive performance.