THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1930
- Body style
- Berlina
- Type
- Fuori-serie
- 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 Bugatti T46 Sala (1930) was coachbuilt by Sala. The T46 was developed during a period marked by innovative design in the automotive industry, reflecting the evolving tastes and technological advancements of the late 1920s. The coachbuilding process involved meticulous attention to proportions and construction methods, with a focus on elegance and streamlined forms that characterized the era’s stylistic context. Mechanically, the Bugatti T46 featured a robust chassis that supported its luxurious bodywork, while documentation indicates that it was powered by a V8 engine. This configuration provided the vehicle with a balance of performance and refinement, aligning with Bugatti’s reputation for engineering excellence. The suspension system was designed to ensure a smooth ride, complementing the model’s overall construction quality. Production of the Bugatti T46 Sala was limited, with only one unit documented. Surviving examples are recorded, highlighting the rarity of this model and its significance within the context of Bugatti’s coachbuilding history. The chassis was based on Bugatti’s established engineering principles, contributing to the vehicle’s structural integrity and performance capabilities. Documentation indicates that the Bugatti T46 Sala was exhibited in various automotive shows of its time, showcasing the collaboration between Bugatti and Sala, a prominent coachbuilder known for its craftsmanship. This partnership exemplified the intricate relationships between manufacturers and designers in the automotive field during the early 20th century. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Bugatti T46 Sala remains an important subject of study for automotive historians, reflecting both the technological advancements of its time and the artistry of bespoke coachbuilding.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- Fuori-serie
- Production notes
- Migrate the 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Sala identity with mechanical claims guarded. Exact chassis and one-off/production quantity are not independently established.
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Sala
- Designer · Candidate
- Oliviero Bergomi
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Bugatti
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Automobileweb — Bugatti Type 46 Sport Berlina Castagna www.automobileweb.net | Independent bugatti specialist exact body reference |
| Bugatti Register — T46 unknown Sala reference www.bugattiregister.com | Marque register historical misattribution |
| Cesare Sala archive — Bugatti T46 Sala www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Legacy coachbuilder archive misattribution |
| RM Sotheby's — Bugatti Type 46 model history rmsothebys.com | Major auction model history |











THE CONVERSATION
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