View source for Bugatti Type 35

The '''Type 35''' was the most successful of the Bugatti racing models. It was the first vehicle to feature the famed Bugatti arch-shaped radiator, and is regarded by many as the most-beautiful pre-war racing car.

The Type 35 was phenomenally successful, winning over 1,000 races in its time. It took the Grand Prix World Championship in [[1926]] after winning 351 races and setting 47 records in the two prior years. At its height, Type 35s averaged 14 race wins per week. Bugatti organized the [[Targa Florio]] as a special spotlight for this car, and it claimed victory there for five consecutive years, from [[1925]] through [[1929]].

==Type 35==
The original model, introduced at the Grand Prix of Lyon on August 3, [[1924]], used an evolution of the 3-valve 2.0&nbsp;L (1991&nbsp;cc/121&nbsp;in³) overhead cam straight-8 engine first seen on the [[Bugatti Type 29|Type 29]]. Bore was 66&nbsp;mm and stroke was 100&nbsp;mm as on many previous Bugatti models. 96 examples were produced.

This new powerplant featured five main bearings with an unusual ball bearing system. This allowed the engine to rev to 6000&nbsp;rpm, and 90&nbsp;hp (67&nbsp;kW) was reliably produced. Solid axles with leaf springs were used front and rear, and drum brakes at back, operated by cables, were specified.  Alloy wheels were a novelty, as was the hollow front axle for reduced unsprung weight.

A rare version was de-bored (to 52&nbsp;mm) for a total displacement of 1.5&nbsp;L (1494&nbsp;cc/91&nbsp;in³).

Dimensions:
* Length: 3680&nbsp;mm (144.9&nbsp;in)
* Width: 1320&nbsp;mm (52&nbsp;in)
* Wheelbase: 2400&nbsp;mm (94.5&nbsp;in)
* Track: 1200&nbsp;mm (47.2&nbsp;in)
* Weight: 750&nbsp;kg (1650&nbsp;lb)


==Type 35A==

A less expensive version of the Type 35 appeared in May, [[1925]]. The factory's '''Type 35A''' name was ignored by the public, who nicknamed it "Tecla" after a famous maker of imitation jewelry. The Tecla's engine used three plain bearings, smaller valves, and coil ignition like the [[Bugatti Type 30|Type 30]].  While this decreased maintenance requirements, it also reduced output.  139 of the inexpensive Type 35As were sold.


==Type 35C==

The '''Type 35C''' featured a Roots-type supercharger, despite [[Ettore Bugatti]]'s disdain for forced induction. Output was nearly 128&nbsp;hp (95&nbsp;kW) with a single Zenith carburettor. Type 35Cs won the [[1928]] and [[1930]] [[French Grand Prix]]. Fifty examples left the factory.

==Type 35T==

For [[1926]], Bugatti introduced a special model for his new [[Targa Florio]] race. Called the '''Type 35T''' officially, it soon became known as the '''Targa Florio'''. Engine displacement was up to 2.3&nbsp;L (2262&nbsp;cc/138&nbsp;in³) with a longer 100&nbsp;mm stroke. Grand Prix rule changes limiting capacity to 2.0&nbsp;L limited the appeal of this model at the time with just thirteen produced.



==Type 35B==

The final version of the Type 35 series was the '''Type 35B''' of [[1927]].  Originally named '''Type 35TC''', it shared the 2.3&nbsp;L engine of the Type 35T but added a large supercharger like the Type 35C. Output was 138&nbsp;hp (102&nbsp;kW), and 45 examples were made. A Type 35B won the [[1929]] [[French Grand Prix]].


==Type 37==

The Type 35 chassis and body were reused on the '''Type 37''' sports car. Fitted with a new 1.5&nbsp;L (1496&nbsp;cc/91&nbsp;in³) straight-4 engine, 290 Type 37s were built. This engine was an SOHC 3-valve design and produced 60&nbsp;hp (44&nbsp;kW). The same engine went on to be used in the [[Bugatti Type 40|Type 40]].

The supercharged '''Type 37A''' accounted for 67 of the production slots. Engine output was up to 80 to 90&nbsp;hp (59 to 67&nbsp;kW). It also had larger shrouded brake drums.

==Type 39==

The '''Type 39''' was basically identical to the Type 35C except for its engine. This was modified to be smaller at 1.5&nbsp;L (1493&nbsp;cc/91&nbsp;in³) with a shorter-stroked crankshaft. This brought stroke down from 88&nbsp;mm to 66&nbsp;mm, and a mix of regular and ball bearings were used. Ten examples were produced.

An odd 1.1&nbsp;L (1092&nbsp;cc/66&nbsp;in³) version was also created by de-boring the engine to 51.3&nbsp;mm.


Database on:

[[Bugatti Type 35 chassis numbers]]

[[Bugatti Type 35, seek chassis numbers]]