Description
The Bugatti Type 35 “Course” was the original version of the legendary Type 35, launched in 1924 and developed specifically for Grand Prix racing. This model laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful and iconic racing cars in history. The “Course” designation emphasized its intended role as a pure competition machine, focused on performance, agility, and mechanical reliability.
The Type 35 Course was powered by a 2.0-litre straight-eight engine featuring a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder—two for intake, one for exhaust. This advanced configuration produced approximately 90 horsepower at high revs, which, combined with the car’s remarkably light construction, gave it excellent power-to-weight characteristics. The engine was designed for durability and responsiveness, with roller bearings used on the crankshaft to reduce friction and withstand the demands of long-distance racing.
A major innovation of the Type 35 Course was its use of cast alloy wheels, which incorporated the brake drums into the wheel itself. This reduced unsprung weight and improved cooling—critical factors in racing performance. The front axle was also hollow, another clever move to cut weight without sacrificing strength. These lightweight components contributed to the car’s superb handling, especially on tight circuits and rough road surfaces.
Visually, the Type 35 Course had all the hallmarks of classic Bugatti design: the long, narrow bonnet, the unmistakable horseshoe-shaped radiator, and a taut, purposeful stance. The bodywork was streamlined and minimal, prioritizing aerodynamics and weight savings. Cockpits were tightly fitted, with a large steering wheel, exposed gearshift, and precise instrumentation, giving the driver maximum control and feedback.
The Type 35 Course debuted at the 1924 French Grand Prix in Lyon, and while initial results were mixed, the car’s potential was quickly realized. With continued refinement, it would go on to dominate European motorsport. Though the original Course variant was soon joined and surpassed in power by supercharged derivatives like the Type 35B and 35C, it remains a key piece of racing history.
Elegant, innovative, and fiercely competitive, the Bugatti Type 35 Course set new standards in motorsport engineering and design. It embodied Ettore Bugatti’s philosophy of building fast, light, and beautifully crafted machines—a legacy that would influence racing cars for generations.