Bucciali (France) - AllCarIndex

Bucciali was a French automobile manufacturer founded in 1928 by Paul Albert Bucciali and his brother. The company initially operated under the name Bucciali Frères in Courbevoie, Seine, before transitioning to SA des Automobiles Bucciali in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1930. The brand was known for its innovative engineering and unique designs, particularly in the realm of front-wheel drive vehicles.

The technical foundation of Bucciali cars was established with the development of the LCV and 11CV BUC TAV-6 prototypes in 1926. Paul Bucciali made significant modifications to the front-wheel drive layout originally designed by Edmond Massip, enhancing the suspension systems and engine placement. A new chassis featuring these advancements was showcased at the Paris Salon in 1927, equipped with a 2443cc L-head CIME engine and a 4-speed gearbox.

In 1929, Bucciali introduced the TAV-8, a four-passenger torpedo powered by a 4398cc Continental straight-8 engine. This model was characterized by its quiet operation and reliability. The company aimed to expand its market presence, showcasing the TAV-30 at the New York Auto Show in 1930, which was essentially a variant of the TAV-8 but equipped with a larger 5217cc engine. Bucciali sought to license its patents to American manufacturers, resulting in a chassis and license being sold to Peerless.

The brand's most ambitious project was the 'Double-Huit,' a prototype displayed at the Paris Salon in 1930. This design featured a unique engine configuration that combined two vertical 8-inline engines into a 16-cylinder unit. Despite the innovative designs, Bucciali faced challenges in production and market acceptance. The company relocated its headquarters to Neuilly in 1930, while prototype construction continued in Angers.

In the early 1930s, Bucciali developed the TAV-12, which utilized a 4890cc V12 sleeve-valve engine sourced from Voisin. The TAV-12 was presented at the Paris Salon in 1932, showcasing the brand's commitment to engineering excellence. The final Bucciali model, a Lycoming-powered TAV-30, was assembled in 1933. Following the closure of the automobile division, the Bucciali brothers shifted focus to their patents, forming the Société de Mécanique et des Brevets Bucciali. Paul Bucciali continued to design military vehicles until the late 1930s, although these designs did not gain official approval.