1924 Bugatti type 35 Prototype _ 'Lyon spare'
The debut of a legend. The Bugatti type 35 first appeared at the 1924 French Grand Prix at Lyon, a race won by Giuseppe Campari in the new supercharged Alfa Romeo P2. The Bugattis were un-supercharged and the works team of 5 cars all hit trouble – mostly with their Dunlop tyres. The type 35 was quickly sorted and became the car to beat for the next several years.
The car featured a 2 litre, straight-8 engine revving to over 6000 rpm and delivered around 90 HP.
This version depicts the original prototype T35 - note the slightly taller cowl in front of the steering wheel, the three rows of louvres set in the tail, lack of any aero wire screen mounted on the cowl and the final kicker - the use of only 26 louvres in the bonnet, as opposed to the normal 30 on the race cars.
The prototype was almost certainly the sixth car taken to Lyon and was used as a personal ride for Ettore himself. He was photographed in this car, taking the local Mayor for a spin around the paddock.
This print can be supplied in square or landscape formats in the sizes indicated below.
Small - 30 x 30cm / 30 x 40cm
Medium - 40 x 40cm / 40 x 50cm
Large - 50 x 50cm / 50 x 70cm