1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys
A 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys will be available at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction on 16th May 2026.
Broad Arrow Auctions will offer this vehicle as one of their lots, with an estimate currently of €2.500.000 - €3.500.000.
Chassis No. 43248 - Matthys Body No. 2189
1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys: Estimate €2.500.000 - €3.500.000
In 1927, a year defined by landmark achievements in aviation and motorsport, Ettore and Jean Bugatti unveiled the fastest road car of its era: the Bugatti Type 43. Drawing inspiration from the cultural optimism and technological progress of the 1920s, the Type 43 blended Grand Prix performance with road-going usability.
At its heart was the supercharged 2.3-litre inline eight-cylinder engine from the legendary Type 35B, detuned slightly for touring. Combined with running gear from the Type 38, the Type 43 became Bugatti’s first supercharged road car, producing 120 hp and capable of 160 km/h—making it the fastest production car of its time.
Despite its touring intentions and premium price, the Type 43 quickly proved competitive. In 1928, examples competed in the Mille Miglia and RAC Tourist Trophy, achieving respectable results against purpose-built racers.
Of approximately 160 Type 43s built, chassis 43248 was completed in Molsheim and delivered new on 15 January 1929 to Belgian enthusiast Frédéric Deflandre. Initially fitted with a temporary two-seater body, the car was soon entrusted to Brussels coachbuilder Eugène Matthys, who created the elegant and unique two-seat roadster body it wears today—styling that foreshadows the later Type 57.
1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys: Estimate €2.500.000 - €3.500.000
Highlights
One-off two-seater coachwork by Eugène Matthys in Brussels, and one of approximately 160 Type 43 ever produced
Delivered new in Belgium, where it remained for half a century
Retained within the same family for the last 45 years, forming part of one of the United Kingdom's most significant and fascinating private collections
Exquisitely preserved and accompanied by a detailed report from Pierre-Yves Laugier, documenting its ownership history and attesting to its exceptional authenticity
One of the finest pre-war Bugattis, combining grand touring elegance with the Grand Prix engineering of the Type 35B
1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys: Estimate €2.500.000 - €3.500.000
Evidence suggests the car may have seen light competition use early on, indicated by traces of an auxiliary oil system. Deflandre likely retained the car until 1936, after which its history resumes post-war in the nearby village of Angleur, owned by Edouard Hanquet. By that time, it was temporarily fitted with a Chevrolet six-cylinder engine.
In 1965, the car was rediscovered by Belgian collector André Monin, who acquired it directly from Hanquet. After passing through several respected custodians—including Luc Janssens, Keith Butti, and Roland J. B. Duce—the car entered an important British collection in April 1981, where it has remained through family ownership ever since.
Remarkably original, chassis 43248 retains its one-off Matthys bodywork and numerous original components, fully documented in the accompanying Laugier report. To restore mechanical authenticity, a correct Type 43 engine was sourced from renowned Bugatti authority Hugh G. Conway.
Over the past three decades, the car has benefitted from careful, well-documented mechanical and cosmetic work, including preservation of its original burgundy leather interior by The Leather Conservation Centre in the UK.
Offered for sale for the first time in nearly 50 years, Bugatti Type 43 chassis 43248 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a uniquely bodied, historically significant, and beautifully preserved example of one of Bugatti’s most important road cars.
1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys: Estimate €2.500.000 - €3.500.000
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