Some cars don’t just age—they ascend. Like a fine wine, certain automobiles grow more valuable and desirable with time, becoming coveted collectibles worth jaw-dropping sums. Such is the case with a stunning 94-year-old Bugatti Type 35B, which is set to hit the auction block with a staggering expected price tag of up to $1.8 million.
This iconic racer from the golden age of motorsport is no ordinary vintage vehicle—it’s a piece of history, an engineering marvel, and one of the most celebrated race cars ever built.
The Type 35B: A Racing Legend
The Bugatti Type 35 first roared onto the racing scene in 1924 at the Lyon Grand Prix. Though its debut ended in a modest seventh-place finish, the car quickly became a motorsport powerhouse. With over 1,000 recorded victories, the Type 35 holds the distinction of being the most successful race car in history. Its dominance solidified Bugatti’s legacy as a manufacturer of not only luxurious vehicles but also engineering masterpieces.
The Type 35B, introduced in the late 1920s, was a pinnacle version of this racing dynasty. Also known as the Type 35TC (“Targa Compressor”), it featured a 2.3-liter eight-cylinder engine enhanced with a supercharger. This innovation gave the car blistering acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just six seconds—a remarkable feat for its time—and a top speed of 125 mph.
A Storied Past
The particular Type 35B going under the hammer is chassis 4947, a car steeped in rich, albeit tumultuous, racing history. Built in late 1929, it was sold the following year to Romanian racing driver Georges Bouriano. Its competitive debut took place at the Monaco Grand Prix and was followed by appearances at prestigious circuits across Europe, including Le Mans, Dieppe, and Chimay.
However, 4947’s racing career was marred by bad luck. Persistent mechanical issues and unfortunate accidents often kept it from finishing races, let alone winning them. Despite its lack of glory on the track, the car’s sheer rarity and historical significance make it a collector’s dream.
Preserved Through the Decades
Following its racing days, the Type 35B found a new home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1960, where it has remained a centerpiece for over six decades. Now, the museum is parting ways with this gem, offering it at an RM Sotheby’s auction scheduled for February in Miami.
The car has been lovingly preserved and restored over the years, retaining many original components, including its frame, engine, and rear axle. However, certain parts—such as the fuel pump, carburetor, and hydraulic brakes—have been replaced. The gearbox is a mix of old and new, featuring the original number markings but utilizing a replacement casting. Meanwhile, the front axle is borrowed from a Bugatti Type 51.
A Rare Opportunity
This Type 35B has had just six owners throughout its nearly century-long existence, including figures like Arthur Legat and Colonel George Felton. Its remarkable condition and provenance are expected to attract serious interest from collectors and Bugatti enthusiasts alike.
A Million-Dollar Dream
The auction house anticipates the car will fetch between $1,000,000 and $1,800,000. While that may seem like an astronomical sum, it’s a reflection of the car’s unparalleled status as a piece of automotive and racing history.
For those with the means and passion for collecting, the upcoming auction represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a Bugatti that encapsulates the spirit of 1930s motorsport. For the rest of us, it’s a dazzling reminder of a bygone era when engineering brilliance and audacious design ruled the racetrack.
Mark your calendars for February—this Bugatti Type 35B is set to steal the spotlight and potentially rewrite the history books yet again.
