Bugatti type 35

The Bugatti Type 35, one of the most successful racing cars ever, won over 1,000 competitions in the 1920s and 1930s.

About this subject

The Bugatti Type 35 is a Grand Prix racing car produced by Bugatti from 1924 to 1931. Designed by Ettore Bugatti, it was renowned for its lightweight chassis, straight-eight engine, and exquisite aesthetics. The car featured a 2.0 to 2.3-liter engine producing up to 140 hp, enabling speeds over 200 km/h. It employed a solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel drum brakes, offering excellent handling for its era. The Type 35 was among the first to use cast alloy wheels with wire spokes (the iconic Bugatti wheels) and special tires, reducing unsprung weight and improving traction. Its aerodynamic body, with the horseshoe-shaped radiator and colorful Bugatti logo, became a symbol of automotive art.

The Type 35's competition record is legendary: it won over 1,000 races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1934 in a modified version. It dominated Grand Prix racing from 1925 to 1929, securing two World Constructors' Championships. Legendary drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari, Louis Chiron, and Achille Varzi drove the Type 35 to victory. Bugatti also offered road versions like the Type 35A and Type 35B, but the racing pedigree remained central.

Notably, the Type 35 was one of the first cars to use an overhead camshaft (OHC) engine, a technical innovation allowing higher revs and power. Its reliability and lightness contrasted with contemporary rivals like the Alfa Romeo P2. Today, the Bugatti Type 35 is a highly coveted collector's item, with examples valued at millions of dollars. Its influence on sports car design endures, and it is frequently celebrated at classic car events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many races did the Bugatti Type 35 win?

The Bugatti Type 35 is estimated to have won over 1,000 competitions, including Grands Prix and endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

What engine did the Bugatti Type 35 have?

The Type 35 featured an inline eight-cylinder engine with an overhead camshaft (OHC), ranging from 2.0 to 2.3 liters, producing 100 to 140 hp.

Was the Bugatti Type 35 used on public roads?

Yes, Bugatti produced road versions such as the Type 35A and Type 35B, but the car's primary purpose was motorsport.