Description

The Bugatti Type 35 Biplace Course was a special variant of the iconic Type 35 designed with two seats, intended for sports car racing rather than strictly Grand Prix competition. While the standard Type 35 was a single-seater built for pure Grand Prix circuits, the Biplace Course allowed for participation in road races and endurance events that required two seats, such as the Mille Miglia or Targa Florio.

At its core, the Biplace Course retained much of the engineering brilliance of the original Type 35. It was powered by the same 2.0-litre straight-eight engine with a single overhead camshaft and three valves per cylinder, delivering approximately 90 horsepower. In later versions, supercharged engines increased output significantly, providing thrilling performance to match the car’s lightweight chassis. The engine’s smooth delivery and high-revving character made it ideally suited to long-distance, high-speed driving.

The two-seat configuration did not compromise the car’s agility or balance. The chassis remained remarkably light and responsive, with the same advanced components that made the Type 35 famous—hollow front axle, alloy wheels with integrated brake drums, and precise steering. These elements gave the car a sure-footed feel on twisty mountain roads and unpaved routes that were typical of 1920s road racing.

Visually, the Biplace Course was nearly identical to its single-seater sibling, though the wider cockpit and longer cowl hinted at its dual-occupant layout. It retained the signature horseshoe radiator, long bonnet, and tapering tail, exuding the elegant yet purposeful aesthetic that defined all Bugattis of the era. The passenger seat was often occupied by a riding mechanic or navigator during competition, a necessity in races where repairs or route knowledge were part of the strategy.

The Bugatti Type 35 Biplace Course played an important role in extending the reach of Bugatti’s racing success beyond the Grand Prix circuits and into the world of endurance and road racing. It combined performance, reliability, and practicality in a form that retained the exquisite craftsmanship and competitive spirit of the original Type 35. Today, it is remembered as a rare and evocative example of how Bugatti adapted its designs to meet the diverse demands of early motorsport.