Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 17
1927 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix Two-Seater Registration no. CPW 940 Chassis no. BC43 Engine no. 137T
Sold for £333,500 inc. premium
Lot 17
1927 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix Two-Seater Registration no. CPW 940 Chassis no. BC43 Engine no. 137T
1927 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix Two-Seater
Registration no. CPW 940
Chassis no. BC43
Engine no. 137T
Registration no. CPW 940
Chassis no. BC43
Engine no. 137T
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*Originally assembled in the 1970s
*Alan Wragg chassis frame
*Crosthwaite & Gardiner 2.3-litre supercharged engine
*Genuine Bugatti front/rear axles and gearbox
*Well known competitor at Prescott and Shelsley Walsh
*Present ownership since 1986
*Maintained with no expense spared
*Eligible for the Monaco Grand Prix Historique
*Originally assembled in the 1970s
*Alan Wragg chassis frame
*Crosthwaite & Gardiner 2.3-litre supercharged engine
*Genuine Bugatti front/rear axles and gearbox
*Well known competitor at Prescott and Shelsley Walsh
*Present ownership since 1986
*Maintained with no expense spared
*Eligible for the Monaco Grand Prix Historique
Footnotes
"Among racing cars it is the 1924 Type 35 Bugatti which tops the list of beautiful cars of the (1920s) period. Some would say it's the most beautiful racing car of all time. Although it underwent detail changes through the years and the radiator was enlarged, its lines were virtually unchanged from its appearance in the Grand Prix of the Automobile Club of France in July 1924, through to its final, 51 version of 1931-32." - Autocar.
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 which boasted a novel hollow front axle 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 and securing countless victories for privateers. The most powerful member of the family, the Type 35B with 2.3-litre supercharged engine, first appeared in 1927 and represents the model's ultimate development.
This Type 35B was assembled as a car in the 1970s by a UK collector using many correct components and a reproduction chassis frame from Alan Wragg. Subsequently the car was purchased by Martin Johnson of Cumbria, who sold it to the current owner in 1986 (receipt on file for £23,000). The owner then embarked on a complete restoration, which was entrusted to Robin Townsend of Stroud. Additional original components were fitted including an un-numbered GP front axle; an ex-Brescia gearbox number '1385', modified to GP form; and a rear axle number '129 12x50 H'. The eight-cylinder 2.3-litre engine is a Crosthwaite & Gardiner unit, which carries number '137T'; a supercharger is fitted, numbered '74'. The car was completed in 1991 and a photographic record of the restoration comes with it.
Since 1991 the Bugatti has been used extensively by the enthusiast owner and is a very well known example. A highly successful car, it has won many trophies at Bugatti Owners Club hill climbs at Prescott, the best times achieved being 45.81 seconds on the traditional short course and 55.66 seconds on the long course. It has competed at Shelsley Walsh on many occasions too, and in 1999 was driven at the Worcestershire venue by the late Sir Stirling Moss, who commented on how excellent the car was to drive. The Bugatti also competed at the Monaco Grand Prix Historique.
The Bugatti has always been maintained regardless of cost, the most recent expense being a replacement clutch in November 2020. The car is correctly registered with the DVLA and comes with a V5C document and MoT certificates for the period 1990-2011 (now exempt). Also on file is a letter dated 1992 from, David Sewell, then Registrar of the Bugatti Owners Club, confirming the authenticity of front and rear axles and the gearbox.
A stunning car to use on the road, it is currently fitted with its Zenith (petrol) carburettor, while the methanol carburettor is included in the sale. The Scintilla magneto has recently been rebuilt and performs brilliantly. A rare opportunity to acquire a very well sorted and prepared Type 35B.
Saleroom notices
Interested parties should note whilst this car has previously competed at Historique Monaco, it is at the organiser's discretion as to the car's eligibility. The chassis number displayed on the chassis plate, stamped into the frame and on the V5C is 4867. The Bugatti Owners Club allocated the car the chassis number BC43.
Additional information
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