Bugatti is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its legendary Type 35. On August 3, 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 made its debut at the Grand Prix de Lyon, where five cars lined up for the race. Ettore Bugatti’s masterpiece quickly became a symbol of elegance and engineering prowess, sparking a legacy that continues to influence Bugatti’s modern hyper sports cars.
The Grand Prix de Lyon, attended by over 100,000 spectators, was the perfect stage for the Type 35’s introduction. This race demanded speed as well as reliability over its grueling 500-mile course. Despite encountering issues with vulcanized tires, the Type 35 showcased its potential by securing the fastest lap.
Bugatti’s meticulous approach to improvement saw the Type 35 evolve during its six-year production, winning around 2,500 races across various disciplines. Its dominance was most notable at the Targa Florio in Italy, where it secured five consecutive victories from 1925 to 1929.
This year, the centenary celebrations included a retracing of the original route from Molsheim to Lyon by the Bugatti Club France and a commemorative journey by the Bugatti Owners Club UK, highlighting the Type 35’s historical significance. Notably, modern Bugatti models, like the Bolide, Mistral and Tourbillon, draw direct inspiration from the Type 35’s innovative and lightweight design, proving that the spirit of this iconic racer endures.
