100 Years of the Bugatti Brescia. Or more...?

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It seems a bit odd that the mighty Bugatti concern has chosen 2021 as the year to celebrate a centenary of the Bugatti Brescia, while the Type 13 — as far as we know — dates back to 1910 (or should that be 1912?). Or even a few years earlier as the Type 10. But, hey, who are we to criticise the company that wants to keep its heritage alive?

So over to the supercar manufacturer of Molsheim, which in a press release of last September writes: “In 1921, the Bugatti Type 13 'Brescia' heralded a new trend in motorsport. The open-top sports car brought the era of large, heavy racing cars to an end. The lightweight body, superior chassis and powerful engines made the Type 13 a race car that was way ahead of its time.”

Ah, we can see where they’re coming from now. 1921 was the year when the Type 13 made headlines on the Circuito di Brescia, reputedly finishing in the first four places and earning its Brescia moniker. Before that the Type 10 is believed to have been nicknamed ‘la Baignoire’ (the Bathtub) by Ettore Bugatti’s staff due to its shape.

Nowadays, wherever a Bugatti Brescia is spotted it gets fond looks because of its miniature size and apparent simplicity. It’s hard to think that these cars were driven at 150km/h a hundred years ago. Speaking of which: we’re not sure if any of the five pictures attached to Bugatti’s official press release — and attached here also — actually shows a Type 13 at the Brescia circuit on that memorable day of September the 12th in 1921. Do you know?

Words by Jeroen Booij. Pictures courtesy of Bugatti.

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