Bugatti Type 35

This original, defining model was introduced at the 1924 French Grand Prix, held at Lyon. The inaugural outing for the Type 35 was not a success due to fitment of badly-vulcanised Dunlop tyres.[3] Despite this, the model showed promise and became increasingly competitive with refinements being made.

The car used an evolution of the three-valve 2.0 L (1991 cc/121 in³) overhead cam straight-eight engine first seen on the Type 29. Bore was 60 mm and stroke was 88 mm as on many previous Bugatti models. [6]

This new powerplant featured a sophisticated roller bearing system, numbering five in total. This allowed the engine to rev to 6,000 rpm. Output was up to 90 hp (67 kW). The cable-operated drum brakes system was very popular and adaptable. Alloy wheels were a novelty, as was the hollow front axle for reduced unsprung weight. Another feature of the Type 35 that was to become a Bugatti trademark was passing the springs through the front axle rather than simply U-bolting them together as was done on their earlier cars.

96 of these un-supercharged T35 examples were produced.

1925 Bugatti Type 35A "Tecla"

A mechanically simpler version of the Type 35 appeared in May 1925. Intended for road use while retaining the 'racing look', several were raced anyway and with some success. The public nicknamed the model "Tecla" after a famous maker of imitation jewellery. The Tecla's engine used plain bearings on the crankshaft (for ease of maintenance), smaller valves, and coil ignition like the Type 30, it was normally delivered on regular wire-spoked wheels.

139 examples of the Type 35A were produced.

Bugatti introduced a special model for the 1926 Targa Florio race with engine displacement set to 2.3 L (2262 cc/138 in³) with a longer 100 mm stroke; the car could not be used at Grand Prix due to rules limiting capacity to 2.0 L.

13 T35Ts were produced.

1929 Bugatti Type 35C

The Type 35C was introduced in 1926 and featured a Roots supercharger, despite Ettore Bugatti's disdain for forced induction. Output was nearly 128 hp (95 kW) with a single Zenith carburettor. The Type 35C came first and second during its first race outing at the 1926 Milan Grand Prix held at Monza. This 2 litre supercharged configuration continued to be very dependable.

In 1929, Bugatti was charging 91,500 French francs for the Type 35C. French pilot Guy Bouriat bought two in March 1929.

Approximately 45 examples left the factory.

1927 Bugatti Type 35B

Bugatti Type 35B replica Dashboard

Named by the factory "Type 35TC" (Targa Compressor), this most powerful version became known colloquially as the "T35B". It shared the 2.3 L engine of the Type 35T this time with a large supercharger added. Output was 138 hp (102 kW). A British Racing Green Type 35B driven by William Grover-Williams won the inaugural 1929 Monaco Grand Prix. While having more torque, the Type 35B did not rev as high and engine fuel consumption levels were such that the factory reverted to producing the T35C.

Around 37 Type 35B were produced.

1928 Bugatti Type 37

The Type 37 sports car used the same chassis and bodywork as the full-power Type 35, but were mostly delivered with wire wheels. Fitted with a new 1.5 L (1496 cc/91 in³) straight-4 engine (69 mm x 100 mm), it was easier to maintain for many privateer drivers. This engine was a SOHC three-valve design and produced 60 hp (44 kW). The same engine went on to be used in the Type 40.

Around 223 Type 37s were built.

1929 Bugatti Type 37A

The supercharged Type 37A enabled engine output to reach 60–67 kW (80–90 bhp). It also had larger shrouded brake drums.

Around 67 Type 37As were produced.

The Type 39 was similar to the Type 35 except for the engine crankshaft, modified to produce a smaller 1.5 L (1493 cc/91 in³). Stroke was down from 88 mm to 66 mm, and a mix of plain and roller bearings were used in the crank.

10 examples were produced (some being supercharged (Type 39A)).

A single 1.1 L (1092 cc/66 in³) version was also created by reducing the bore of the engine to 51.3 mm.

• Bugatti Club France page