Description
This is lot number 166 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Built to the specification of the 1926 Targa Florio-winning Type 35T
Present ownership since 2009
Constructed by Gentry Restorations in 2018/ 2019
Straight-eight roller bearing crank engine
Freshly serviced, 'on the button' and ready to use
By the early 1930s Ettore Bugatti had established an unrivalled reputation for building cars with outstanding performance on road or track; the world's greatest racing drivers enjoying countless successes aboard the Molsheim factory's products and often choosing them for their everyday transport. The principal building block of this success was the legendary Type 35, arguably the quintessential Vintage-era sports car, which made its debut in August 1924 at the Grand Prix de l'ACF at Lyon-Givors. The Type 35's 1, 991cc straight-eight engine was derived from that of the Type 30 but incorporated five roller/ ball main bearings instead of three and an improved lubrication system. In line with Bugatti's established practice, each cylinder's three valves were actuated by a single overhead camshaft. This state-of-the-art engine went into a conventional chassis with leaf springs at the front and quarter elliptics at the rear, and alloy wheels.
The Type 35's debut gave little indication of what was to come, as the factory team of five cars was plagued by tyre troubles and could achieve no better than 7th place at the finish. Despite this debacle the Type 35 in its various forms would go on to become arguably the most successful racing car of all time, commencing with winning the inaugural World Championship for Manufacturers in 1926, including that year's Targa Florio, and securing countless victories for privateers.
This Bugatti Type 35T was fully rebuilt to the original specification of the Targa Florio-winning Type 35T of 1926 by Gentry Restorations in 2018/ 2019. Our vendor purchased the car as a project and imported it from Germany together with associated parts in 2009, at which time it was a non-running rolling chassis. Stephen Gentry rebuilt the car, fitting re-manufactured new or replacement parts where existing ones were worn, of dubious quality, or where it was deemed there were safety or reliability implications. During the full 18- month, six-figure rebuild by Gentry Restorations, care was taken to ensure the build was to correct Molsheim specification, albeit with a few modern modifications to improve driveability. A full photographic record of the rebuild is available.
The chassis (number 'R4264') is non-original, but was found to be perfect following measurement on a 'Type 35' jig. The straight-eight engine is stamped '019A' and is a five-roller-bearing unit, with magneto ignition. The vehicle was inspected and photographed by the DVLA in 2009 for UK registration and given the registration number 'BF 5305'. No history prior to 2009 is known and the car is offered as 'built up' in 2019. The Bugatti has seen little use since the rebuild, is 'on the button' and ready for further road or competition outings following a pre-sale check over and service by Gentry Restorations. What better way to celebrate 100 years of the Bugatti Type 35.
