In the history of motorsport, the Bugatti Type 35 stands out as one of the most successful race cars, marking its debut 100 years ago. Designed by Ettore Bugatti, the Type 35 was engineered with cutting-edge design principles and a focus on performance, leading to its dominance in a variety of competitions, including Grand Prix races, hill climbs, and road rallies, with approximately 2,500 victories during its time.
The Type 35 excelled in numerous notable races of the era, such as the Targa Florio and France’s Grand Prix de La Baule beach race. Even though many of these races are now obscure, the Type 35's performance in events like these solidified its reputation in the racing world.
At its peak, the Type 35 achieved an average of 12 race wins per month. Remarkably, two years after its debut at the 1924 Lyons Grand Prix, it secured victory in the 1926 Grand Prix World Championship. The car was particularly successful in the Targa Florio, winning the grueling road race in Sicily five consecutive times from 1925 to 1929.
During its competitive era, hill climbs were considered as prestigious as circuit races due to the limited number of dedicated racing circuits. The Type 35 was especially adept in these events, showcasing its agile handling and impressive power-to-weight ratio. This capability allowed it to continue the legacy of the Type 13, exemplified by victories at events like the La Turbie hill climb, with notable wins by drivers such as René Dreyfus in 1930.
Despite the absence of an official world title in 1928 due to event cancellations, the Type 35 had a remarkable year, securing 23 wins from 26 international races, including 11 Grands Prix and the Targa Florio. In 1929, Bugatti achieved significant success at the Nürburgring’s Grand Prix of Nations, with Louis Chiron winning and Georges Philippe finishing close behind, both driving Type 35Cs.
The same year marked the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix, where William Grover-Williams triumphed in a Bugatti Type 35B, taking a substantial prize. Grover-Williams had already won the 1928 French Grand Prix in a Type 35, repeating his success in 1929.
Another notable victory came at the La Baule Grand Prix, held on a beach in France, where the car had to compete not only against other vehicles but also the tide. Captain George Eyston secured a win in 1927, followed by Pierre Blaque-Belair in 1928, both driving the Type 35.
While the late 1920s and early 1930s saw the Bugatti Type 35 dominate motorsport, its prominence declined as newer models emerged. However, its legacy persists, not only for its victories but also for its innovative engineering, which continues to inspire admiration.
Today, the Bugatti Type 35 is celebrated for its historical impact and remains active in races and hill climbs, driven by enthusiasts who perpetuate its legacy on the track, much like it did a century ago.
