If you want to feel like a prince, drive a Bugatti Type 35. If you’re going to feel like a king, win a race in one.
Ettore Bugatti was conscious that horsepower was only one ingredient in unrivalled performance; the other was weight reduction.
This philosophy is apparent in all his work: the utilisation of lighter materials and the design and use of alloy wheels without compromising function.
The Bugatti Type 35 acquired over 2,500 victories during its active racing years.
The Type 35’s performance made it a force to be reckoned with, both in performance and innovation; it is etched in the annals of racing lore.
Produced between 1924 and 1931, the Bugatti Type 35 was designed by Ettore’s son, Jean Bugatti, to compete in Gran Prix racing.
To enter the 1926 Targa Floria Bugatti built a Type 35 with an increase in 24-valve straight eight engine size from 2.0 litre to 2.3 litre.
Known as the King of the Targa Floria due to its consistent victories in the late 20s.
Subsequently, Bugatti supercharged the 2.3-litre engine, and due to its punctilious engineering, it was capable of 6,000 rpm.
Remembered for its exceptional engine but often forgotten, a single defining feature is its advanced chassis design, a lightweight, robust ‘ladder’ construction using steel tubes.
This chassis design gave the car exceptional rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum, resulting in superb handling characteristics and responsiveness.
Quite rightly, the Type 35 is considered one of the greatest racing cars of all time and still races competitively in vintage class racing.
According to the drivers, the Type 35 is more addictive than caffeine and twice as exhilarating.
