Bugatti Type 22 1920

1920 Bugatti type 22 ,16 valve 

Car number 922

Delivered 12th October 1920 to Jarrot and Letts, London

An exceptional opportunity to acquire an early Bugatti with great provenance within New Zealand.

922 holds a unique place in New Zealand Motoring history, being the first Bugatti imported into New Zealand. 

It arrived in 1924, purchased by racing enthusiast A.J Roycroft, father of Ron Roycroft who had an extensive NZ racing history, running this at such places as Muriwai Beach and Hennings speedway.

922 was sold late 1920s then brought back again in 1937. Roycroft used the original chassis, axles, wheel hubs and steering gear as the basis of his Riley- Bugatti dirt track special, mated to a Brooklands Riley engine and gearbox. This set up proved highly successful in competition for a few years. It was on sold.

A number of owners later in the 1960s , Ron Roycroft devoted a lot of time buying all the Bugatti parts and cars that were available, this car included . 

In 1967 the car in parts were sold to Gavin Bain Christchurch who undertook a meticulous long term restoration. Following completion its debut event was 1990 Grand New Zealand Bugatti rally.

Today the car is still in very tidy condition, runs and drives well & offers strong performance. The attractive coachwork was built by Auto Restorations ChCh and is built to a Labourdette Torpedo body style .

The Bugatti Type 22 was powered by Ettore Bugatti’s advanced 16 valve, four cylinder overhead cam engine, light weight with remarkable performance for the early.

A rare opportunity to acquire an early Bugatti with a unique place in New Zealand’s motoring and racing history.