The Bugatti Type 35 profile – A true racing legend.

Nothing combines design, technology and horsepower in the same way as the legendary Bugatti Type 35. The supercharged inline eight-cylinder 2.3-litre engine resembles a work of art, although it is a serious pure-bred racing motor.

With its unmistakable sound that’s synonymous with eight-cylinder Bugattis, impressive speed and legendary road holding, it’s not difficult to understand why the Type 35 captivates people.

Debut of the Bugatti Type 35

The Bugatti Type 35 made its debut at the 1924 Grand Prix in Lyon, embodying the ethos of Ettore Bugatti, his talent and his sense of aesthetic beauty. With its slim, streamlined body, the Type 35 was, and still is, one of the most important designs of the 20th century. The Bugatti’s elegance was only surpassed by its performance. While it was hampered by defective tyres at its debut in Lyon, its potential was soon recognised at the San Sebastian Grand Prix.

Until early 1926, the Bugatti Type 35 was run only in 2-litre or 2-litre supercharged guises (35C). In early 1926, in preparation for the Targa Florio, Bugatti increased the displacement to 2.3-litre in order to produce the Bugatti Type 35 T. Shortly afterwards, the 2.3-litre engine was also supercharged. These modifications served as the starting pistol for what arguably became the ultimate Bugatti… The Bugatti Type 35 TC – better known as the Bugatti Type 35 B.

The Bugatti Type 35 takes over

In 1928, the 1.5-litre Grand Prix formula was abandoned. From this point on, a dominant era of the Type 35 began. The various forms of Type 35 became a regular scene at races, winning countless Grand Prix and sports car races in the late 20s and early 30s. In fact, the Type 35 won the Targa Florio convincingly in 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929, not to mention the French Grand Prix every year from 1926 to 1930.

One of the most significant victories in motorsport history was at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, where William Grover-Williams raced for Bugatti. The Bugattis of these days were so successful that 14 out of 23 racing cars at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1930 were Bugattis. Even today, these racing machines are driven hard, exactly as the Type 35 was intended.

Photos Classic Trader

Author: Classic Trader

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