Bugatti Type 35 Facts for Kids

The Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most famous and successful racing cars ever made. It was built by the French company Bugatti in the 1920s. This car became a legend because it won so many races, especially Grand Prix events. Its unique design, including the special horseshoe-shaped radiator, made it instantly recognizable. The Type 35 helped make Bugatti a very well-known name in the world of fast cars.

The Amazing Bugatti Type 35
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The Amazing Bugatti Type 35

The Bugatti Type 35 was a true superstar in the world of car racing during the 1920s. It was designed by Ettore Bugatti, a brilliant engineer. This car wasn't just fast; it was also very beautiful. It quickly became the most successful racing car Bugatti ever built. People still admire its style and incredible racing history today.

A Racing Legend

The Type 35 was built specifically for racing. It was light, powerful, and handled incredibly well. These features made it a favorite among racing drivers. The car's success helped to define what a Grand Prix racing car should be. It set many records and won countless races, making Bugatti a dominant force in motorsports.

What Made It Special?

The Bugatti Type 35 had many special features that made it stand out. Its design was both elegant and functional. Every part of the car was carefully crafted to help it go faster and win races.

The Famous Radiator

One of the most recognizable parts of the Bugatti Type 35 is its radiator. It has a distinctive arch or horseshoe shape. This design became a symbol of the Bugatti brand. Even though there were small changes to this shape between different Type 35 models, it always kept its unique look. This radiator design evolved from earlier Bugatti cars, like the Type 13 Brescia.

Power and Speed

The Bugatti Type 35 was powered by a special engine. Early versions had an eight-cylinder engine. Later models, like the Type 35C and Type 35B, added a supercharger. A supercharger is like a special air pump that pushes more air into the engine. This makes the engine much more powerful and the car much faster. The car also had special wheels made of cast aluminum, which were lighter and helped with braking.

Winning Races Around the World

The Bugatti Type 35 was incredibly successful in racing. It won over 1,000 races in its time. This is more than any other racing car in history! It was known for its reliability and speed.

Grand Prix Dominance

The Type 35 was especially famous for winning Grand Prix races. These were the biggest and most important car races of the era. The car won the Targa Florio race five times in a row, from 1925 to 1929. This was an amazing achievement for any car. It also won many other major Grand Prix events across Europe.

Le Mans and Other Victories

While the Type 35 was a Grand Prix champion, it also competed in other types of races. Different versions of the car were adapted for endurance races, like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its versatility meant it could be competitive in many different racing conditions. For example, a Type 39 won the 1931 Australian Grand Prix.

Different Versions of the Type 35

Bugatti made several different versions of the Type 35. Each version had slight improvements or changes. Some of the well-known models include:

Type 35A: A slightly less powerful, more affordable version for private racers.
Type 35C: Featured a supercharger for extra power.
Type 35B: Had an even larger supercharged engine, making it one of the fastest.
Type 37: Used a smaller, four-cylinder engine, but was still very successful.
Type 39: Had a smaller, 1.5-liter eight-cylinder engine, often used for specific race categories.

Each of these versions contributed to the Type 35's incredible racing legacy.

Images for kids

Bugatti Type 35C in racing trim
Bugatti Type 35B replica Dashboard
Bugatti Type 37 (left) and 35 (right) cars at the Cité de l'Automobile Museum, Mulhouse
Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix racer 1925
Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix racer 1926
Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix racer 1929
Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix racer 1928
Bugatti Type 37A Grand Prix racer 1929
Carl Junker won the 1931 Australian Grand Prix with a Type 39