Like many vintage Bugatti models the Type 38 built from 1926 to 1927 shares many interchangeable parts with other models built since the original 2 litre 8 cylinder Bugatti Type 30.

For example the Type 38 chassis and radiator seen here are identical to that found on the 1927 supercharged Type 43’s among the earliest production cars capable of more than 100 mph.

This particular Type 38 scene in the Bugatti Trust at Prescott carries the chassis number #38428 and was sold to the London Bugatti agent Sorel in September 1927.

Type 38’s are powered by the same 60hp 2 litre straight 8 cylinder 24 valve motor as the replica racer Type 35A but with slightly wider mountings. A Type 38A had a supercharger fitted boosting the power to 100hp.

The prudent RPM limit is 4000, something the owners of #38428 would appear to have adhered to because it is still fitted with it’s original motor number #332.

Some of the fixtures and fittings on this Type 38 including this exquisite lamp appear to owe much to the fast disappearing age of the coach and horse.

The gearbox and cable operated front and rear brakes are shared with the Type 40, inside as to be expected of a vehicle of this age there is plenty of wood trim.

The cabin with it’s highlighted panels even looks like it was grafted on from a horse drawn coupé.

I particularly like the opulent cow hide trunk, not to sure how difficult it would be to keep this in pristine condition but if one could afford it one imagines one might leave ones chauffeur to deal with the trifling details.

Thanks for joining me on this “Crossbreeding” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !