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.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 14 photographs
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08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.











THE CONVERSATION
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