Dive into the world of the Bugatti Type 59/50 Monoposto from 1936 – it is like a journey back in time to the glamorous past of automotive engineering
The Bugatti Type 59/50 B Monoposto from 1936 was not just a car, but an amazing symphony of shapes and curves, created by the most talented craftsmen of its time. Unfortunately, a great deal of this racing car’s history, with its various engines, remains unclear. For example, many types of engine and vehicle were built between 1935 and 1937, and different information is available depending on the sources you consult. It is likely that nine Type 59/50 B vehicles were built.
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Mileage (km) | - |
| Engine size | 4500 cc |
| Performance (kW/hp) | 420 |
| First registration date | 1936 |
| Vehicle condition | 2 |
Ours is a reconstruction of the model T 59/50 B which has been lovingly assembled by hand over the years using some original parts. At its heart is, in all likelihood, an original 4.5-litre Bugatti engine from 1936, and the story goes that this engine also powered a ship for a time.
Many cars have been assembled using components, engines, axles and chassis from various years of manufacture throughout the history of Bugatti and Molsheim, which is why the year and original type from which parts originate is not always crystal clear. The records also often contain unclear links which, due to the way in which Bugatti racing cars were built, only fuels the fascination surrounding these historic vehicles.
The current owner acquired the vehicle as a semi-finished project. After hundreds of hours, the car was finally completed in 2009 and brought back onto the race track. In homage to the original T 59/50 B racing car, this vehicle was built with a great deal of talented craftsmanship, enthusiasm and captivating attention to detail. This one of a kind is a nod to the road and circuit champions of its time – riding in daring, high-performance vehicles without fearing any risks, darting around at break-neck speed on the tight, dusty streets, racing to the next victory. It is these fearless men from days gone by who continue to fascinate us to this day.
As it stands, the racing car we have up for auction corresponds to the 1936 design which competed in the 1936 Bern Grand Prix with Jean-Pierre Wimille behind the wheel.
Our auction lot has always been met with great curiosity and admiration when presented at various international and national exhibitions – even the devilish roar of the engine starting up becomes an incredible spectacle. As soon as the reconstructed racing car from 1936 sets off, it takes everyone’s breath away within a radius of several hundred metres. The mere thought of sitting behind the wheel of this reconstructed Bugatti Type 59/50 B Monoposto is enough to spark excitement.
