The most successful racing car in history — over 1,000 victories and the defining shape of vintage motorsport.
The Bugatti Type 35 was introduced at the 1924 French Grand Prix and is widely credited with more race victories than any other competition car in history — over 1,000 wins by the end of the 1920s. Variants included the unblown Type 35A, the supercharged Type 35B and 35C, the 1.5-litre Type 35T 'Targa Florio', and the Type 51 successor with twin-cam head. Production across all Type 35 variants is approximately 340 cars, of which a substantial proportion survive.
The defining vintage racing car and the cornerstone of the Bugatti collector market.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 35 | 1924–1930 | — | Base 2.0L unblown. |
| Type 35A | 1925–1929 | — | Cheaper specification; Rhône engine. |
| Type 35B | 1927–1930 | — | 2.3L supercharged; the most successful variant. |
| Type 35C | 1926–1930 | — | 2.0L supercharged. |
| Type 35T | 1926–1930 | — | 2.3L unblown 'Targa Florio'. |
For pre-war and vintage cars such as the Bugatti Type 35 / 35B / 35C, provenance is paramount. Chassis and engine number matching, period coachbuilder records, factory build sheets where available, continuous ownership documentation, original handbooks and any competition or concours history are the foundation of value. Bugatti Owners' Club / Bugatti Trust acceptance, original chassis identity, period race history.
The Bugatti straight-eight is robust if maintained; the supercharged 35B/35C is more highly stressed and rebuild costs are correspondingly higher. Magneto, carburetion and the cable-operated brakes are specialist items. A pre-purchase inspection by a recognised marque specialist should include compression and leak-down testing, magneto and ignition checks, chassis straightness and frame survey, axle and steering wear assessment, brake system review (mechanical or hydraulic per period), and an extended road test on varied terrain to expose carburation, cooling and gearbox issues that only emerge under sustained running.
Pre-war coachwork is rarely truly original after a century of use. Establish whether the body is original to the chassis (period photographs, build records, coachbuilder plates), whether it has been re-bodied at any point, and the standard of any restoration. Quality of timber framing, ash health, panel beating and paint depth are all critical. Concealed structural rot, re-bodies presented as original, and 'tribute' cars built on later or unrelated chassis must be priced accordingly.
Verified original chassis with continuous history and registry recognition; the Type 35 community has rebuilt and re-bodied cars across a century, so identity verification is the first priority. For vintage cars, event eligibility — Mille Miglia, Goodwood Revival, Pebble Beach, VSCC events, Le Mans Classic — can underwrite a substantial proportion of market value. Verify FIA/FIVA papers, period race history where claimed, and the car's standing with the relevant marque registry before purchase.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Vintage cars require disciplined preventive maintenance: lubrication regimes, magneto service, carburettor synchronisation, brake adjustment, and timber and trim conservation. A car used regularly and serviced annually by a specialist will outlast a stored example neglected for decades.
Strong global Bugatti specialist network; parts and services available through established firms in France, UK and the US. Confirm the availability of marque specialists, period-correct fasteners, coachwork trim, instruments and tyres before committing. A car requiring fabricated one-off parts will absorb time and cost that a similar example with active specialist support will not.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
The most active pre-war Bugatti category. Supercharged 35B and 35C lead; 35A entry-level. Registry recognition is the single biggest value lever.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-05 | Bonhams Paris (Retromobile) | 1928 Type 35C | — | €2,357,500 Sold |
The defining vintage racing car. Original cars with registry recognition are firmly blue-chip.
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