The Type 53 was one of the first racing cars to attempt to drive all four wheels, though Ettore Bugatti himself had designed multi-engine all wheel drive vehicles early in his career.

It was originally conceived by Giulio Cappa, who created a front wheel drive Grand Prix car in 1926.

At the Type 53's debut in the 1932 Monaco Grand Prix, Albert Divo, noted for his size and strength, was chosen to drive the car, but he gave up during practice after exhausting himself.

[2] In June 1932, Jean Bugatti rolled a Type 53 at the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb.

[citation needed] René Dreyfus won the 1934 La Turbie hillclimb with a record average speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) in a Type 53.