The Avio was introduced in 1919 by Bugatti as a one-off prototype built to experiment with surplus aviation engines after the First World War. Equipped with a 14.5L inline eight engine and an estimated power output of 200 to 250hp, it was mounted on a special chassis with a two-seat roadster body. The transmission was a multi speed manual and drive sent to the rear wheels. Although it was not mass produced, this model served as a test bed for technical solutions that would influence future large Bugattis.