Bugatti Celebrates 100 Years of the Legendary Type 35 Racer

Bugatti is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Type 35, a car that has left an indelible mark on automotive history. The Type 35 debuted on August 3, 1924, at the Grand Prix de Lyon, establishing itself as a formidable contender in the racing world for the next six years.

The Type 35 was driven from Bugatti’s factory in Molsheim to Lyon, a testament to its durability and design. At launch, it featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated straight-eight engine, delivering between 74bhp and 94bhp. Despite its impressive capabilities, the car faced challenges during its debut race due to unsuitable tires, with only two of the five cars finishing the grueling 500-mile race.

This innovative car was built during a period of rapid advancement in automotive technology. Between 1922 and 1925, Grand Prix regulations required cars to have engines no larger than 2 liters, weigh at least 650kg, and be a minimum of 80cm wide. These rules drove manufacturers to develop more powerful engines through technological improvements rather than simply increasing displacement. The Type 35, designed by Ettore Bugatti, exemplified this era of innovation.

The Grand Prix de Lyon, where the Type 35 debuted, was a renowned race that attracted over 100,000 spectators. The 500-mile race, consisting of 35 laps, demanded not only speed but also reliability. Bugatti’s meticulous engineering ensured that the Type 35 could endure such challenges, even though the debut race highlighted the need for improved tire technology.

Over its six years of production, the Type 35 evolved and improved, winning approximately 2,500 races across various disciplines, including road races, rallies, speed trials, and hill climbs. One of its most notable achievements was securing five consecutive victories at the Targa Florio in Italy from 1925 to 1929, a record that remained until the race’s final event in 1977.

The Type 35’s legacy extends beyond its racing success. Its elegant design and engineering excellence have continued to inspire Bugatti’s modern hyper sports cars. The Bugatti Bolide, Mistral, and Tourbillon all draw inspiration from the Type 35’s lightweight and focused design, reflecting the enduring influence of this legendary racer.

This centenary year has seen Bugatti enthusiast clubs worldwide celebrating the Type 35. Earlier in the year, the Bugatti Club France retraced the car’s route from Molsheim to Lyon. On August 3, the Bugatti Owners Club UK embarked on a journey from England to Lyon, following the original 1924 circuit and paying homage to iconic female racers Hellé Nice and Elisabeth Junek.

Luigi Galli, Bugatti Heritage and Certification Specialist, remarked, “The Type 35 is one of the all-time greats, not only as a racing car but also as a piece of design and engineering. This year alone, for the centenary year, we have seen Bugatti enthusiast clubs from around the world celebrating this legendary car and its debut at the Grand Prix de Lyon.”

From its debut in 1924, the Type 35 has shaped the course of Bugatti’s history. Its influence continues to be felt in the brand’s current lineup, exemplifying Bugatti’s spirit of innovation and excellence.