The first Bugatti of this type was manufactured for Ettore Bugatti's second son Roland. It was designed to look like a miniature version of the Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix race car. Following exhibition at the Milan Salon, so much interest was shown in the diminutive Bugatti that the the decision was made to put the model into production as the "Baby," later dubbed the Type 52.
Auburn Spring 2019
Baby Bugatti 'Type 52', c. 1929
{{lr.item.text}}
$31,625 USD | Sold
| Auburn, Indiana
{{internetCurrentBid}}
{{internetTimeLeft}}
Aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 8 years old, the car was driven by a rear-mounted 12-volt battery-powered electric motor giving it a maximum speed of 15-18 kph. A reverse gear was operated via a switch to reverse the polarity of the motor.
This example, numbered 355A, is believed to be an original Molsheim-built Baby. Currently unrestored, it is presented in traditional Bugatti blue with silver-painted brightwork. The wheels and spare are fitted with Dunlop 'juvenile' pneumatic tires and the car is powered by Paris-Rhone 12-volt electric motor.
