Bugatti type 35

The Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most successful racing cars ever designed, winning over 2,000 races in its era.

About this subject

The Bugatti Type 35 was introduced in 1924 and quickly became a motorsport icon. Designed by Ettore Bugatti, the model combined lightness, aerodynamics, and power in innovative ways. Its straight-eight engine, initially 2.0 liters and later supercharged, delivered up to 140 horsepower, enabling speeds over 200 km/h. The car featured a lightweight chassis with hollow axles and cast aluminum wheels, a technical novelty that reduced unsprung weight.

The Type 35 dominated European racing between 1925 and 1931, amassing over 2,000 wins worldwide, including five consecutive victories at the Targa Florio. It also won the first constructors' world championships organized by the AIACR (now FIA). Its reliability and performance made it the choice of factory teams and privateers, cementing Bugatti's reputation as a builder of unbeatable racing cars.

Beyond track success, the Type 35 influenced automotive design with its horseshoe grille, elegant lines, and distinctive Bugatti Blue paint. Approximately 96 units were built, with about 40 surviving today. At auction, restored examples fetch millions of dollars, regarded as museum pieces and works of art on wheels. Ettore Bugatti's masterpiece remains a benchmark of engineering and style from the golden age of motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bugatti Type 35 units were built?

Approximately 96 Bugatti Type 35s were produced between 1924 and 1931.

What engine did the Bugatti Type 35 have?

It used a straight-eight engine, initially 2.0 liters naturally aspirated, later supercharged, producing up to 140 hp.

What was the Bugatti Type 35's greatest achievement?

It won the Targa Florio five consecutive times (1925-1929) and secured the first constructors' world championships.