Type 35 Bugatti, queen of 2500 victories

At the beginning of the 1920s, FIAT and the 804 then Alfa Romeo and the P2 took the upper hand in the grand prix thanks to the development of very powerful compressor cars, which Bugatti had to bend and obey the Italian law with the Type 30 or “Tank” standard 32. In 1924, the Molsheim specialist responded and entered a new model at the ACF grand prix in Lyon: Type 35.

Beautiful and creative

It can be recognized immediately by its chrome-rimmed radiator, which is reminiscent of a horseshoe and will become a trademark of the model, giving birth to the legend of the “thoroughbreds” of Bugatti, before the running horse of Ferrari, the Type 35 is a car that is particularly admired for its elegance and elegance of style. Lower than its rivals, more compact, also and above all a car designed for racing, which brings great innovation, the most interesting is that of the spoked rims of the plant, made of aluminum, designed to prevent twisting and connecting the cable. brake drums. Its lightness-oriented design reduces unsprung mass, giving the Type 35 a quick and well-balanced chassis.

The front axle is made of one piece, hollow and light, with closed ends. At the rear, unlike conventional axles, it was not “straight” but curved in the middle to surround the chassis, and raised at the ends to connect with the wheel arches. All this, together with a very efficient suspension, allows high currents and very good road behavior.

In terms of the engine, the Bugatti retains the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine made up of two aluminum 4-cylinder blocks. Powered by two Zenith or Solex carburetors, it also receives innovations, including a five-bearing aluminum crankshaft (two bearings of roller and three ball bearings). The maximum power of 100 horsepower is lower than the competition, but the mechanical assembly, using light alloys and a modern design, makes it possible to reach an engine speed of more than 6,000 rpm.

A difficult start, then a winning machine

In Lyon in 1924, the ACF grand prix however turned out to be a fiasco, many of the Bugatti drivers falling victim to technical problems caused largely by the poor quality of the Dunlop tyres, which had been badly damaged during their manufacture and destroyed. fast during the race. However, the durability of the rims is confirmed and praised in the media.

After adjusting the characteristics of the tires and changing the dealer, Bugatti returned to the San Sebastian Grand Prix, which proved to be the last with the second place and the best lap achieved by Costantini. Once these initial problems were resolved, the Type 35 quickly became the undisputed racing champion and nothing could stop Bugatti in his tracks. The first major victory was achieved by Jules Goux in 1926 at the ACF grand prix, this season being crowned with the main title of constructors’ world champion. Until the early 1930s, the Type 35 and its mascots dominated major races, side races and other events, including five consecutive victories in the Targa Florio, amassing no less than 2,500 victories during its career, a record that has not come close to being achieved. it’s broken! Unlike other manufacturers who favored “factory” drivers and teams, Bugatti was willing to sell the Type 35 to anyone who could afford it, regardless of who achieved it!

The Bugatti Type 35 was the first car in the world designed specifically – in its design and engineering – for the circuit. Unlike anything the automotive world had seen before, and while it also proved itself as a touring car, it wasn’t just a road car modified for racing. Ettore Bugatti’s meticulous approach to overall design, and the attention he paid to every detail, redefined the world of motor racing in terms of design, technique, materials, handling and performance. The Bugatti Type 35 gave birth to the era of Grand Prix cars and forced other manufacturers to completely review their strategy. »

Luigi Galli, Heritage and Certification Specialist at Bugatti

Constant improvements

Year after year, the Type 35 received improvements, mainly affecting the engine. In 1926, displacement increased to 2,262 cm3 while the stroke increased from 88 mm to 100 mm and the radiator was enlarged to improve efficiency, all pushing power to 105 horses at 5,500 rpm and a top speed of approximately 190 km/h. This version takes the name 35T after the victory in the Targa Florio. Launched in 1927, Bugatti’s Type 35C is by far the most successful. The engine receives a Roots-type lobe compressor designed by Italian engineer Edmund Moglia which increases its power to 120 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm. Also launched in 1927, the Type 35B combined the Roots supercharger of the Type 35C with the 2,262 cc 8-cylinder engine of the Type 35T. Featuring a larger displacement, supercharged engine in addition, the Type 35B is the most powerful version of the model: 140 horsepower reached at 5,500 rpm; it’s also more torquey.

This popular car is also a commercial success. His victories during race weekends allowed Bugatti to sell the Type 35 to customers impressed by its prowess. More than 600 examples were produced between 1924 and 1931. In 1931, the Type 35 gave way to the Type 51, but Bugatti was under the control of Alfa Romeo, which produced the formidable P3 which was more powerful, then the German Machines, were largely financed by the Reich.