<< Prev Page 2 of 2 The new engine was installed in a steel ladder frame chassis that was virtually identical to the Type 35s. Rigid axles were used on both ends with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front and reversed quarter-elliptic leafs at the rear. In good Bugatti tradition, the drum brakes were operated by cables. Compared to the Type 35, stronger aluminium wheels with reinforced spokes were fitted. Among the few distinguishing features compared to its predecessor was a wider radiator and twin fuel filler caps on the Type 51's tail.
Bugatti introduced the Type 51 during the 1931 season. Its principle rivals were the more powerful but also heavier Alfa Romeos and Maseratis. Using the well-honed chassis, the Type 51 had a superior handling and often remained the Bugatti of choice even after the five-litre engined Type 54 was introduced in 1932. Between 1931 and 1934, it is believed that Bugatti produced around 40 examples of all versions of the Type 51. Several of the earlier Type 35s were also upgraded with twin-cam engines.
Although not as popular with customers as the immensely successful Type 35, the twin-cam Bugatti was nevertheless successful on the track. Arguably facing much stronger opposition, the Type 51 added two more Monaco Grand Prix victories to Bugatti's tally. Victories were also scored in the French and Belgian Grands Prix. Not a pure a single seater, the Type 51 also regularly competed in sports car events, equipped with cycle fenders and headlights.
Not as revered as its record breaking predecessors, the Type 51 does hold the distinction as the last truly successful Bugatti Grand Prix car. As the French manufacturer persisted with the ageing chassis design, the subsequent Bugatti racers could no longer compete at the highest level. Highly sought after, many more replicas exist today than genuine cars, often built using chassis and running gear from 'lesser' Bugattis. Fortunately, the few remaining original cars are still regularly shown and raced in historic events. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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The new engine was installed in a steel ladder frame chassis that was virtually identical to the Type 35s. Rigid axles were used on both ends with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front and reversed quarter-elliptic leafs at the rear. In good Bugatti tradition, the drum brakes were operated by cables. Compared to the Type 35, stronger aluminium wheels with reinforced spokes were fitted. Among the few distinguishing features compared to its predecessor was a wider radiator and twin fuel filler caps on the Type 51's tail.