Description

The Bugatti Type 35C was a refined evolution of the iconic Type 35 racing series, introduced in 1926 as a supercharged alternative to the earlier naturally aspirated models. It was engineered to deliver greater performance while preserving the balanced handling and lightness that made the original Type 35 so successful on the track.

At the heart of the Type 35C was a 2.0-litre straight-eight engine, similar in architecture to the earlier Type 35 but now fitted with a Roots-type supercharger. This forced induction setup boosted output to approximately 125 horsepower, a significant increase over the naturally aspirated version. The engine retained Bugatti’s trademark features, including three valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft, giving it both power and smoothness at high revs.

Mechanically, the 35C remained closely aligned with the Type 35 family. It used the same lightweight chassis design, complete with a hollow front axle and cast alloy wheels that integrated the brake drums—an innovative feature that reduced unsprung weight and improved both cooling and braking efficiency. The car’s suspension and overall layout were tuned to maintain a delicate balance between agility and control, making it highly competitive on the tight and technical circuits of the 1920s.

In appearance, the Type 35C shared the sleek, purposeful lines of its siblings. The horseshoe-shaped radiator, long tapering bonnet, and flowing tail section gave it an air of elegance, even as it served a purely functional role on the racetrack. Inside, the cockpit was minimalist and compact, with controls and instruments designed for clarity and accessibility during high-speed competition.

The Type 35C was particularly successful in European Grand Prix events and was popular with both factory teams and private entrants. It offered an ideal blend of performance, reliability, and mechanical simplicity, which made it a strong contender across a wide range of racing formats.

Today, the Bugatti Type 35C is revered as one of the most balanced and capable members of the Type 35 family. It exemplifies the Bugatti philosophy of combining technical excellence with graceful design, and it holds a special place in the history of early 20th-century motorsport.