The Bugatti Type 35, born from Ettore Bugatti’s vision of combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled aesthetics, stands as the most successful race car in history. Its DNA continues to inspire modern Bugatti models, including the new Bugatti Tourbillon hyper sports car.
Ettore Bugatti, coming from a family of artists, prioritized aesthetics in his designs, yet his engineering prowess ensured that form followed function. This principle made his cars unique and incomparable. The Type 35, debuting in 1924, exemplified his meticulous approach. Its streamlined eight-cylinder machine, designed for aerodynamic efficiency, showcased Bugatti’s attention to detail. The hollow front axle, iconic horseshoe radiator cowl, and engine-turned metal dashboard were all crafted to enhance both performance and appearance.
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The Type 35’s legacy is celebrated today, as seen in the ‘Type 35 100 Anniversaire’ motifs on the Bugatti Bolide, which appeared at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Bolide’s “Bleu de Lyon” color pays homage to its ancestor, reflecting Bugatti’s commitment to beauty, innovation, and technology. The Type 35B in Bugatti’s collection continually inspires the design team, influencing models like the Veyron, Chiron, and Tourbillon. The horseshoe grille, an evolved yet recognizable feature, originates all lines and volumes of the latest Bugatti models.
Subtle design elements from the Type 35 also persist, such as the sophisticated linkage controlling the front brakes, providing a mechanical connection between car and driver. This principle guided the development of the intricate engine start lever in the Tourbillon, linking modern cars to Bugatti’s storied past. Hidden beneath the Tourbillon’s carbon fiber exterior are innovations like 3D-printed aluminum suspension arms, reducing weight by 45% and echoing the aluminum wheels and hollow axles pioneered on the Type 35.
Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design, emphasized the timeless and authentic aesthetic of Bugatti cars, a philosophy rooted in Ettore Bugatti’s commitment to technical beauty. Every part of a Bugatti, down to the last bolt, is purpose-driven and tells its own story. This ethos, which made the Type 35 unbeatable, continues to influence Bugatti’s creations today.
The new Tourbillon, like the Type 35, is designed to endure for centuries, embodying Bugatti’s tradition of excellence. It stands as an automotive icon “Pour l’éternité” – for eternity.
Source: Bugatti Type 35: A Timeless Inspiration for Modern Engineering and Design
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