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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Bugatti T44 Torpedo Ghia

1929Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1929
Body style
Torpedo
Chassis
44477
Type
One-off
Production
1

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The 1929 Bugatti T44 Torpedo, featuring bodywork by Ghia Torino, is a classic example of early 20th-century automotive elegance and craftsmanship. This particular model, built on chassis T44 #44477, is notable for its exquisite and slender design, which combines the advanced engineering of Bugatti with the artistic flair of Carrozzeria Ghia. The body of the Bugatti T44 Torpedo is crafted from a combination of wood and pegamoid (Weyman), a pioneering material used for its lightweight and durable properties. The use of pegamoid, a type of synthetic fabric, along with traditional wooden framing, highlights the innovative approach taken by Ghia in designing the Torpedo. This material choice not only enhanced the car’s aesthetic appeal but also contributed to its performance by reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. The design of the Torpedo is characterized by its streamlined and slender profile, which exemplifies the elegance and sophistication of automotive design during the late 1920s. The Ghia Torino bodywork features smooth, flowing lines that accentuate the Bugatti’s sporty and refined character. The Torpedo’s sleek silhouette is complemented by well-integrated details, including its distinctive grille and aerodynamic curves, which reflect the craftsmanship and artistry of the era. The Bugatti T44 itself was a notable model in the Bugatti lineup, renowned for its engineering excellence and luxury. The T44’s chassis provided a robust and reliable foundation, which, when paired with Ghia’s innovative bodywork, resulted in a vehicle that was both aesthetically pleasing and technically proficient. The 1929 Bugatti T44 Torpedo Ghia stands as a testament to the collaboration between two iconic names in automotive history: Bugatti and Ghia. It represents a blend of high performance and artistic design, capturing the spirit of its time while continuing to be admired by classic car enthusiasts and collectors today.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off
Body & configuration · Legacy attribution
Torpedo

Engine & performance

Specification notes
Construction-system evidence conflicts: some exact-car/seller material calls chassis 44477 Weymann/pegamoide, while a specialist Bugatti reconstruction identifies Ghia's Triplex process. Keep construction_system blank until stronger period/factory evidence resolves the conflict.

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Manufacturer · Documented
Bugatti

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Chassis 44477
Chassis number
44477
Engine number
44477
Year
1929

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

THE CONVERSATION

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