Bugatti Type 40 on tour: pioneer spirit

| 14 Jan 2025
Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

It is a scene from a century ago: a stream of rumbling machines tackling a hill, commanding full throttle with ignitions set to advance.

The age-old contest of power is played out by a gutsy Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim and Ford Model A, leaving chugging Model Ts in their wake.

The thick blat of a single-cylinder Norton motorcycle adds to the drama, and ‘our’ Bugatti Type 40 is thrumming, revving, raring to follow.

Only a modern MINI sidling along trying to get a photograph breaks the spell.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

Joining the pioneering machines on the Corrida dos Fundadores in a Bugatti Type 40, on 27-29 September 2024

Following much of the original route of the 1902 Raid Figueira da Foz Lisboa, the Corrida dos Fundadores (Founders’ Run) has since 2022 invited pre-war cars on this 300km tour from Figueira da Foz, midway along Portugal’s west coast, to Lisbon in the far south.

The original event was won by Giuseppe Bordino in a Fiat 12hp belonging to Infante Dom Afonso, the then King of Portugal’s brother, and it accelerated both a national motorsport movement and the formation of the Automóvel Club de Portugal in 1903.

As well as the similarly inspired event run by ACP Classics in late October, the Corrida now takes place across a leisurely two days, and the key challenges today are navigation, reliability and trying not to linger too long at coffee stops.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The Bugatti Type 40 impresses in the beachfront test at Figueira da Foz

The revival in 2022 was instigated by the Museu do Caramulo’s Salvador and Tiago Patrício Gouveia, both descendants of João de Lacerda, a pioneer Portuguese car collector.

Having founded an art museum with his brother Abel in the 1950s, João’s four-wheeled passion found its own building in the mountain town of Caramulo, creating what is now one of the world’s oldest car museums.

“He was a real enthusiast,” says Salvador. “He bought a Jaguar XK120 in 1950 and a Citroën 15CV the following year, but the collection grew from many veteran cars found almost as scrap.”

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The Bugatti Type 40’s details sparkle in the sun

Since the museum’s public opening in 1953, all of the cars have been kept in running order, and its location is the perfect launchpad for the Founders’ Run.

“We wanted to bring back the same spirit that had inspired the creation of the Automóvel Club de Portugal,” says Tiago.

“The motoring passion in Portugal continues today. This is another way for enthusiasts to enjoy these pioneering cars on the road.”

The museum has brought along a number of its moving exhibits, including a Minerva 20hp Torpedo (acquired in March 1956), a Bugatti Type 35 (April 1956) and a 1937 Rudge 499cc motorcycle (donated in ’92).

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

Four dials are set into the Bugatti Type 40’s timber dashboard

It is also how I find myself at the wheel of a 1929 Bugatti Type 40 on 27 September, beside co-driver and local journalist Adelino Dinis.

This remarkably original car joined the collection in 1991 and, while it sits somewhat in the shadows of the two Type 35s in this year’s entry, it nonetheless reveals all that is great about Bugatti.

That ought not to be much of a surprise, because the T40 was a cunning amalgamation of Molsheim principles and parts crafted into a relatively affordable first step on the Bugatti ladder, following the much-loved compact Brescia models of 1910-’34.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

Technicians from Museu do Caramulo tinker with the Bugatti’s monobloc ‘four’

The chassis was a shortened version of the Type 38’s, using the refined quirks of Ettore Bugatti’s design by now familiar to marque enthusiasts: the solid front axle is located by semi-elliptic leaf springs that pass through its centre, just like the legendary GP cars; reversed quarter-elliptics suspend the live rear; and an impressive box of eccentric metallic tricks lies under the bonnet.

Laid out with all the neatness of an obsessive, the 12-valve, 1496cc monobloc four-cylinder sparkles with engineering ingenuity as much as it does motivation for ‘our’ Grand Sport’s modest 900kg.

Compacted within the squared-off engine covers are the oil pump, the vertical shaft that drives the camshaft and the tightly packed alloy pistons served by big valves machined into the cylinder walls.

Below is an aluminium crankcase incorporating the sump, and featuring fins and novel air channels for cooling.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

1934 Plymouth gains on a Ford Model A

Although detuned from its Type 37 origins, its 50bhp at a lively 4500rpm feels like plenty, even today.

Perhaps especially today, since only the roaring straight-eight Type 35 racers are able to leave us behind; everything else in our vintage convoy is well within the junior Bugatti’s envelope.

Sneers of ‘Ettore’s Morris Cowley’ are long since forgotten, and deservedly so.

As we line up along the Figueira da Foz beachside promenade on the Friday evening, spectators only recognise the Bugatti horseshoe grille as something special.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

This Ford Model A roadster explores Portugal’s scenic routes during this 27-29 September 2024 event

A quick test has been laid out to kick off the weekend, and this remarkable sports car soaks up more of my enthusiasm than expected.

Stable, wieldy and powerful on the brakes, the weighty percussion of the Bugatti ‘four’ delights in its chance to be let loose.

Only the snagging gearchange upsets the rhythm, but there’s all of the weekend to fathom the unobligingly tight gear gate and multi-plate, semi-wet clutch.

Befitting its junior sports-tourer role, the Type 40 tolerates all but the coldest mornings and doziest owners.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The elegantly imposing Mafra National Palace hosts a combined refreshment and maintenance break for the pre-war cars

A flick of the ignition and a stab of the starter on the timber dash, then it bursts happily into life.

It refuses the choke to the point of reopening the Solex itself – at least with the oversprung linkage on ‘our’ car – and there is none of the anxious observation of warming oil pressure required of the high-compression T35 engine.

It immediately settles to a smooth idle, easily controlled via a hand-throttle to the right of the steering wheel.

The pre-war road train relaxes into a cruise along the roads towards the beaches of Leiria, a landscape where pine trees blend with sand dunes.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

Fuel stop for the 1496cc Bugatti Type 40

We follow in the wake of a 1929 Morgan Super Aero three-wheeler, its JAP engine thumping through the crisp morning air at a pace kind to the Bugatti: it needs barely a quarter throttle to hold 45mph at 2500rpm.

A pack of Ford Model As is taking it just as easy when one of the T35s tears past in a raucous cloud of spent hydrocarbons.

The deep buzz of its drainpipe exhausts seems to carry for miles.

We get our chance to dice with both of these dramatic Grand Prix racers at the Leiria on Wheels motoring festival, where a makeshift circuit around the town’s stadium has been laid out.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The 1935 Lagonda LG45 cruises up a busy sliproad

With revs close to 4500rpm, the five-bearing ‘four’ feels smooth and some way off its limit.

Decisive use of throttle and gearlever results in some surprisingly easy changes; as the Type 40 slinks around this tight course, there emerges a certain pace best suited for all the controls: brisk, and not far off the T35s.

It’s more of a challenge navigating the dual carriageways and complex junctions out of this busy regional centre, before the relief of a long, sweeping run south along the N8, where we’re followed by an elegant 1938 Lancia Aprilia Viotti (see below) and a couple of Norton ’bikes to the day’s last stop at the Centro de Artes e Criatividade, a cultural centre in Torres Vedras.

Sunday begins with a spectacular hillclimb into the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, the leafy hunting grounds of King João V (1706-’50) and where the 1916 Diatto makes a valiant effort to keep pace with a 1930 DeSoto CK Roadster and the museum’s 1923 Minerva 20hp Torpedo.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

A 1961 Citroën tow-truck on the Corrida dos Fundadores run in September 2024

The Bugatti has been intermittently fouling a plug and running on three cylinders when cold, before eventually warming to the idea of all four, so it’s a blessing to have a long downhill stretch on the overrun, ignition retarded.

It’s also a chance for the T40 to give a masterclass in pre-war braking: these four-wheel, cable-operated drums must have reassured even those accustomed to other period sports cars.

It’s a calm environment for Adelino to recount the horrors he encountered down this very hill in 2022, at the wheel of a 1902 Darracq.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The Bugatti Type 40’s simple cockpit and large, four-spoke steering wheel

A coffee break at the 18th-century Mafra National Palace sets the tone for an afternoon of scenic cruising, although sadly nothing is heard from the 92-bell carillons, recently restored to operation at this World Heritage Site.

Another stop soon appears on the horizon: the fairytale Pena Palace in the historic town of Sintra, as we thread ourselves around the edge of Lisbon.

The roads get busier, our group instinctively bunches together and we are happy when a Bentley 4½ Litre takes the lead to broad-shoulder its way through the traffic.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The understated Bugatti Type 40 packed in clever engineering

A cautious run along Lagoa Azul, the former Rally de Portugal stage, becomes a glorious coastal cruise beside beaches Guincho and Crismina.

A final assembly at the Casino Estoril frames our vintage champions against the neat lawns and extravagant water features of this ’30s landmark, and draws the greatest number of bystanders yet.

From the most charming Art Deco details of the 1937 Wolseley 14/40’s plush interior to the extraordinary motorsport history of Portugal’s homegrown 1933 Felcom ‘Question Mark’ racer, the headline news is that so many of these motoring relics have made it.

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The Casino Estoril’s lawns and fountains provide a fitting backdrop to the pre-war gathering towards the end of the 2024 Founders’ Run

As if cursed by this premature thought, when we hop in the Bugatti for the final mile to our official finish further along the coast, I forget to retard the ignition lever and – pop, pssh – the cylinders gasp for air.

We limp to the bay, tired, reflective and a little bit relieved, but equally disappointed it’s over, and tasting a hint of the achievement earned by those who completed the original run, 122 years ago.

Images: Joel Araújo

Thanks to: Museu do Caramulo; Corrida dos Fundadores


Javier Martínez: 1916 Diatto 20hp

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

This Diatto 20hp placed second in the 1916 Vuelta a Cataluña in Spain

The Diatto is the oldest participant in this year’s run, but this vast seven-seater 20hp Phaeton bodied by Spanish coachbuilder Francisco Capella offers an impressive turn of speed.

“Stopping is the main concern – the transmission brake is almost non-existent,” laughs Javier Martínez, who is joined by wife and fellow enthusiast Sonia.

“It leaks a bit of oil, too, but it goes well enough and doesn’t overheat.”

This very car placed second in the inaugural Vuelta a Cataluña, a 650km race in three stages across Spain, held from 1916 to 1920.


Luís Guilherme da Costa and Alexandre Rainha: 1932 Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit
Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The gutsy Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim wasn’t fazed by the route’s hilliest sections

“It comes into its own on a longer trip such as this,” says Luís Guilherme of his rare 370S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet.

“I’ve long been a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, but almost always with 1950s, ’60s and ’70s cars.”

From a collection that includes a Pagoda SL, the 370S is a 92-year-old exception.

Despite a faulty connection to the dynamo that required regular tinkering across the weekend, Luís reports that he and his co-driver Alexandre Rainha are able simply to sit back and enjoy the ride.

“Only add fuel and drive,” he beams. “Generally, the car behaves very well, with its good brakes, lots of torque and smooth, three-speed gearbox with overdrive.”

As you’d expect, from a 3689cc straight-six that’s good for 75mph.

“The Figueira da Foz-Lisbon rally experience has been a great surprise,” he adds. “The atmosphere has been fantastic and I’m now thinking about more opportunities to drive this wonderful car.”


Raúl Aranda: 1938 Lancia Aprilia Viotti

Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit
Classic & Sports Car – Bugatti Type 40 on the Corrida dos Fundadores: pioneer spirit

The freshly restored Lancia Aprilia Viotti stood out from the crowd

“When I found it, the Lancia was just in pieces and I wasn’t even sure what it was,” says Raúl Aranda, owner of this unique Aprilia Berlina Sport Aerodinamica.

“I spent a lot of time trying to discover its history, but it was the Viotti badge that provided the first clue because it fitted perfectly in the holes in the wing.”

From there, Raúl was able to restore the extraordinarily modern – and genuinely aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.34Cd – body to its former glory, as first seen at the 1937 Paris Salon.

“The restoration was only finished this year [2024], and it’s something very special even to see the car in the metal, never mind to drive it,” smiles Raúl. “Lancias were just so far ahead of their time.”

Among the upright pre-war selection on the Founders’ Run, the Aprilia’s flowing lines, penned by Count Mario Revelli di Beaumont and tested in the wind tunnel at the University of Turin, provide a remarkable contrast.


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