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The Bugatti Type 40 model was introduced in mid-1926 to replace the highly successful Type 22
and Type 23 “Brescia” Modifie 16-valve models, which had been in production with several improvements since 1920.

Built on a chassis similar to the longer-wheelbase Type 23, the Type 40 was powered by the well-known Type 37 engine.

This four-cylinder unit (69 mm × 100 mm) employed a five plain-bearing crankshaft, plain connecting rods, three valves per cylinder, and featured parallel crankcase arms – a contrast to the stepped arms found on the Type 37 sports model.

A variety of coachbuilders, including Jarvis and Gangloff, supplied coachwork; however, many examples wore factory-supplied four-seat torpédo bodies.

This was the famous Grand Sport, which would be later adapted to the larger Type 4...