Although Ettore Bugatti began designing motor cars as early as 1900, it was not until 1910 that the first vehicle under his name appeared. Built with a 1300cc ohc engine, this was designated as a Type 13.
Bugatti's first sporting model was built in 1914 and this was a 5 litre, 4 cylinder chain-driven design. Also in that year he prepared three special versions of his Type 13 car for a Grand Prix which was to be held in August 1914, but this race was cancelled due to the imminence of war.
Before escaping to Italy, Bugatti buried his new engine at Molsheim. In 1919 he returned to the factory and recovered the parts in good condition. The new engine had 16 valves (4 per cylinder) operated by an overhead camshaft.
Using this engine in a Type 13 chassis Bugatti won the 1920 Le Mans Grand Prix des Voiturettes. In 1921 a further improved version had a sensational win in the Brescia Grand Prix, filling the first 4 places and firmly establishing Bugatti's reputation. As a result, the model became known as Brescia.
Production touring models, Types 22 and 23 featuring a longer wheelbase, were listed as 'Brescia Modifies'. Between 1919 and 1926 over two thousand of the 16 valve vehicles were made.