Bugatti Type 35 Targa Florio 100 years
During its debut at the 1924 Grand Prix at Lyon-Givors, it was met with challenges, one of which involved the tyres where the thread was entangled in the steering and gearbox, this issue led to many drivers competing in the race to retire. However, despite the setbacks that occurred it still managed a highly successful racing car that dominated the Targa Florio, the tough Sicilian Road race, for five years. It also managed to gain 30 Grand Prix victories and at its prime it averaged 12 race wins a month. Company founder Ettore Bugatti, who was not a trained engineer but still had a passion for automobiles, designed it with a focus on lightweight construction and easy handling which was what helped contribute to its success on the track. It also featured a straight-eight, a wet multi-plate clutch and a crankshaft that was supported by roller and ball bearings highlighting Bugatti’s engineering prowess. It helped influence future generations of racing cars and set the bar for innovation in automotive engineering. It continues to inspire Bugatti’s modern hyper cars. One of the greatest race cars ever built, the Type 35 continues to inspire Bugatti’s hyper cars today.
