Bugatti Celebrates 100 Years of the Type 35 Racer

The Legendary Bugatti Type 35

Bugatti commemorates the centenary of the iconic Type 35 race car, which was campaigned from 1924 to 1930. The Type 35 made its debut at the Lyon Grand Prix on August 3, 1924, after an impressive 300-mile drive from Bugatti’s Molsheim factory to the city.

A Revolutionary Race Car

At its launch, the Bugatti Type 35 featured a powerful 2.0-litre naturally aspirated straight eight engine, delivering outputs ranging from 74bhp to approximately 94bhp. During the 35-lap, 500-mile grand prix, only two out of the five Type 35s entered were able to finish due to tire issues. Autocar’s race report from August 8, 1924, noted that Bugatti had unsuitable tires for the race conditions, resulting in the rubber coming off at high speeds. Despite the challenges, the two Bugatti finishers secured seventh and eighth place, while an Alfa Romeo P2 claimed victory.

An Enthusiast’s Dream

Autocar had the opportunity to test a road-registered Bugatti Type 35 on June 11, 1926. The reviewer concluded that the car was “something worth having” when driven at full speed. The open-wheel, open-air body of the Type 35 was highly praised, with the reviewer stating that it was “a hundred times better” for enthusiasts. Despite the challenges of driving on muddy roads, the experience was described as thrilling, with the feel of rain against the face and the freshness of the cold air adding to the excitement.

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Unmatched Capabilities

The Bugatti Type 35 impressed with its versatility, as it could be driven comfortably at 10mph in London, a quality that remains essential for Bugattis even after a century. The reviewer mentioned the importance of avoiding excessive exhaust noise but noted that once mastered, it was quite easy. The steering, cornering, and brakes were considered revelations for the average driver. The car’s capabilities were further demonstrated during a 100mph run around the high-speed bowl at Brooklands, achieved without any modifications other than new spark plugs. The reviewer concluded that the car performed exceptionally well with all its regular components in place.

Looking to the Future

Bugatti’s celebration of the Type 35’s centenary reflects its commitment to its heritage as it transitions into the electric age. In 2020, Bugatti unveiled the 57 One of One, a Chiron model paying homage to the Type 57 from 1934. The brand has also hinted at the possibility of developing a GT car inspired by the Type 57’s design.