After winning many important voiturette races in 1921, Bugatti decided to make a larger capacity engine to compete in Grand Prix racing. The first Bugatti to receive the Inline-8 engine was the Type 23/30 racecar. Bugatti’s Grand Prix debut was at the 1922 French Grand Prix in which the cars took a respectable 2nd and 3rd place. A year later a crew of modified Type 30s were specifically made to race the 1923 Indianapolis 500.

The Indianapolis cars featured slim bodywork that was offset in relation to the wheels. The bodywork was designed by French aviation engineer Bechereau and made by Lavocat & Marsaud. Although the Indianapolis cars showed much promise, especially during corners, the Bugattis couldn’t keep pace with the Mercedes and American cars.Four cars eventually broke down, with the fifth car finishing near the back.

Like the Type 30 roadcar, the Type 29/30 also featured hydraulic front brakes.

engine	Inline-8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
displacement	1991 cc / 121.5 in³
bore	60 mm / 2.36 in
stroke	88 mm / 3.46 in
power	74.6 kw / 100 bhp @ 4500 rpm
specific output	50.23 bhp per litre
redline	5000
front tires	Firestone
rear tires	Firestone
front brakes	Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
f brake size	mm / in
rear brakes	Drums
r brake size	mm / in
front wheels	F 53.3 x 12.7 cm / 21.0 x 5.0 in
rear wheels	R 53.3 x 12.7 cm / 21.0 x 5.0 in
f suspension	Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Friction Dampers
r suspension	Live Axel w/Reversed Quarter-Ellptic Springs, Friction Dampers
transmission	4-Speed Manual