Forgetting about driving a Bugatti, just seeing one the road is enough to be a special occasion. The Bugatti Chiron may be the automaker’s latest piece of art, but there are a few antique Bugattis out there that are just as cool. This 1913 Type 22 that landed at Jay Leno’s Garage is a prime example of one.
The vehicle’s owner, Alan Travis, is a lover of pre-WW1 vehicles. And unlike other owners that collect vehicles that are 100 years old, he actually drives them. Apparently, Travis drove the Type 22 in the video to a Cars and Coffee meet that Jay Leno frequents.
The vehicle, which was one of first that Ettore Bugatti built, is just a gorgeous thing to behold. The Type 22 is pure Bugatti with its blue paint scheme, wire wheels, oval radiator, round headlights, and curvy fenders. For a 105-year-old vehicle, the machine looks pristine.
The 1.4-liter SOHC four-cylinder engine is also a work of art and features all types of innovative components for 1913. Power goes to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox and, despite the vehicle’s old age, runs incredibly well. At 50 mph, the engine’s only turning over at 1,300 rpm, which allows passengers to actually have conversations at somewhat of a normal level despite the lack of a windshield.
Travis was incredibly lucky, as he snagged the Type 22 on Prewarcar during a late night trip to the restroom. But the vehicle wasn’t purchased in pristine condition. Travis states that he had to complete a 1,800-hour restoration, which saw every single thing on the car get replaced.
No, it’s not as fast as a Veyron or as dramatically-styled as one, but it makes up for it with history and an unshakeable amount of wonderment. You might see a Veyron or a Chiron on the road, but you’ll probably never see a Type 22.