celebrating a century of innovation, engineering and racing talent – Bugatti Newsroom

For the first time in 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 rewrote the rule book to such an extent, introduced many technical innovations and raised the art of motor racing to new levels that could only come from a mind unfettered by conventions and restrictions. of that time.

Ettore Bugatti had such a mind. Born into a family influenced by art, design and creativity for centuries, Bugatti’s interests were many and varied, and his knowledge was vast. Although he had many successful projects to his name before creating the Type 35, Bugatti was not a trained engineer.

Perhaps, in the case of the Type 35, the lack of formal training was an advantage, not a drawback. If Bugatti had been schooled in traditional automotive engineering, he might not have pushed the boundaries so far with the Type 35. And he certainly wouldn’t have created the fine design features necessary for each of the technical innovations found in the car. That the Bugatti Type 35 broke new ground with such amazing and unprecedented depth was immediately apparent to all observers in 1924.

Where other cars stood high above the ground, the Type 35’s work sat low and sleek; where other cars sported wire wheels, the Type 35 rode cast alloys – to reduce unsprung mass – and a brake drum fitted in the same revolutionary way; and where other cars had exposed rear suspension, on the Type 35, it was well enclosed within an aluminum alloy paneled ellipsoid body. Although aerodynamics may have been a little-understood science at the time, this pioneering technique greatly improved the low-drag nature of bodywork.

Under the body of the two open seats, every detail was considered, nothing was left to chance, and almost everything represented a new and higher form of thinking.

The Type 35 started with a 2.0-liter in-line eight-cylinder, thin-wall 24-valve engine, which was later enlarged to 2.3 liters and supercharged. The original use of an aluminum crankshaft supported by two roller bearings and three ball bearings enabled the engine to rev up to 6,000 rpm and deliver 90 PS – class performance for the day.

Ettore Bugatti was well aware that high performance was not only provided by increased horse power but also by the removal of weight. His dedication to ensuring every part was made as light as possible, without compromising performance or reliability, resulted in the car weighing just 750kg.

The many steps Bugatti took to achieve its goal included the development of a new lightweight front axle with sealed ends. The rear axle setup was equally game-changing. Unlike conventional axles, it did not run ‘straight’ but was sunk in the middle to fit close to the chassis, rising at its ends to join the wheel hubs.

Such a design helped to keep the height and weight of the car low. Combined with an improved and balanced steering system and a lightweight chassis that includes the engine as a stressed member, the Type 35 unlocked unprecedented levels of agility, responsiveness and driving pleasure.

Well-balanced cable-operated drum brakes and a pressurized petrol tank to increase fuel flow are other features designed by Bugatti to enable drivers to use every part of the Type 35’s performance on the road and track and show drivers a clean pair of heels. over 2,000 times and counting.

“At its launch in 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 served as the centerpiece of the automotive industry, completely changing the way automotive design and engineering was viewed. A century later, its impact and appeal have not diminished. The Type 35 is the cornerstone of the building. DNA, with the Bugatti Atlantic and the Bugatti Royale Every car created by Bugatti adheres to Ettore Bugatti’s design and engineering values ​​masterfully expressed in the Type 35 a hundred years ago,” concludes Luigi Galli.