A century ago, on August 3, 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 made its debut at the Grand Prix de Lyon, marking the beginning of a legendary era in motorsport. Five examples of Ettore Bugatti’s new racing car took to the starting grid, instantly captivating the audience with their elegance and beauty.
Today, the Type 35 continues to inspire the design and engineering of Bugatti’s modern hyper sports cars, with enthusiasts worldwide celebrating its profound impact on automotive history.
The Grand Prix races of the early 1920s were a period of significant innovation, with strict regulations that pushed manufacturers to develop more powerful engines without increasing capacity.
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The Bugatti Type 35 emerged as a revolutionary response to these challenges. Ettore Bugatti’s creation not only met the requirements but also set new standards for performance and reliability. The Type 35 was driven from the factory in Molsheim to the race in Lyon on public roads, showcasing its robustness even before competing in the grueling 500-mile race.
Despite facing challenges during its debut race due to defective tires, the Type 35’s performance was notable, securing the fastest lap of the event. This race allowed Ettore Bugatti to identify and address any weaknesses, leading to continuous improvements. Over its six years of production, the Type 35 achieved around 2,500 victories across various motorsport disciplines, including road races, rallies, and hill climbs. Its five consecutive wins at the Targa Florio from 1925 to 1929 remain a testament to its dominance and engineering excellence.
The Bugatti Type 35’s legacy is celebrated globally, with events such as the International Bugatti Meeting 2024 in Sicily, where historic Bugatti models gather to commemorate its centenary. Earlier this year, the Bugatti Club France retraced the original route from Molsheim to Lyon, and on the exact anniversary date, the Bugatti Owners Club UK embarked on a journey to Lyon, honoring the car’s historic circuit.
The Type 35’s influence extends beyond its racing accolades. Its design and engineering principles continue to shape Bugatti’s contemporary models. The track-only Bugatti Bolide and the agile Mistral both draw inspiration from the Type 35’s lightweight and focused design. Even the Tourbillon, an all-new Bugatti model, echoes the Type 35’s narrow fuselage and unparalleled performance.
Luigi Galli, Bugatti Heritage and Certification Specialist, highlights the car’s enduring significance: “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.
And that isn’t because this is the site of one of the Type 35’s greatest victories, but in recognition of the fact that this was the moment that the world of motorsport changed; for the next five years the Type 35 would be almost unbeatable, as its inherently fast fundamentals evolved to become even more advanced and even more powerful.”
From its debut on August 3, 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Its legacy of innovation, elegance, and performance continues to inspire and shape the future of Bugatti.
For more information and to explore Bugatti’s rich heritage, visit the BMW Group PressClub.
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Source: Bugatti Type 35: Celebrating 100 Years Since Its First Historic Race
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