A vehicle produced between 1912 and 1914 in only 7 units, The Bugatti Type 18 is one of the most famous of the prewar Bugattis.
The model was produced shortly after the start of the business and was also called the “Garros,” after the French aviator and famous sportsman Roland Garros. A close friend to Ettore Bugatti, Roland got the Chassis No. 474, which was the fourth car built.

Roland Garros commissioned Labourdette to design a small torpedo body for his brand new Type 18 upon its delivery. The model offered seating for two in its narrow body.

While the Bugatti Type 18 Chassis No. 474 was sold to the chief engineer of Sunbeam, Louis Coatalen, the car’s racing history developed when the model got into Ivy Cumming’s hands. Cummings raced the car at events such as Bexhill Speed Trials, Top Kill, Octon Bank, and others, the Type 18 Garros acquiring the name of “Black Bess.”

The Type 18 was fitted with a 5.0-liter straight-4 engine, able to rev up to 2400 rpm, developing 90 hp. The power was sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. The Bugatti Type 18 had a maximum speed of close to 160 kph (100 mph), making it one of the fastest cars at the time.