Introduced in 1922, the Type 30 Bugatti has a special place in motoring history, for it was the first small straight-eight to go into production and the first to use Bugatti’s classic single-overhead-cam engine, one of the most famous automobile power units of all time.

Typical of the time, the Bugatti eight was a long-stroke design of 60x88mm bore/stroke for a capacity of 1,991cc.

The three valves per cylinder were operated by single gear-driven overhead camshaft, while the crankshaft was carried in three roller bearings with plain big ends.

Breathing via twin Solex carburettors, this jewel-like power unit produced approximately l00bhp at 4,500rpm.

This engine was installed in what was essentially a Brescia type chassis, resulting in a car that was notably fast and powerful for its day, possessing many of the characteristics of the racing Bugattis.

The eight-cylinder engine was very flexible and, once mastered, the Brescia-type gearbox a delight to use.

Of some 600-or-so Type 30...