Some cars defy the passage of time, not by fading into obscurity but by becoming invaluable relics of automotive history. Such is the case with a 94-year-old Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix car, set to be auctioned in February by RM Sotheby’s in Miami. With a legacy steeped in racing heritage, this iconic vehicle is estimated to sell for between $1,000,000 and $1,800,000—equivalent to what an average American might earn in 22 years.
The Bugatti Type 35, introduced in 1924, was designed with one goal in mind: dominating the race track. While its debut at the Lyon Grand Prix was less than stellar due to tire issues, the Type 35 evolved into one of the most successful race cars in history. Boasting over 1,000 victories, it remains the most accomplished racing car ever produced.
The Type 35B, a later iteration of the model, emerged in the late 1920s. Equipped with a 2.3-liter supercharged eight-cylinder engine, it achieved impressive performance for its time: 0-60 mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. Only 37 examples were built, making this model exceptionally rare.
The specific car up for auction, chassis 4947, was sold in 1930 to Romanian racing driver Georges Bouriano. It competed in numerous prestigious events, including Monaco and Le Mans, though frequent mechanical issues often kept it from finishing strong. After its racing career ended, it found a home in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has resided since 1960.
Though some components have been restored or replaced, including the front axle and fuel pump, key parts like the engine and rear axle remain original. With only six owners in its nearly century-long history, this Bugatti is not just a car—it’s a masterpiece of engineering and a testament to a bygone era of racing excellence.
Elizabeth Puckett