Bugatti Enthusiasts Embark On Epic Journey To Honor 100 Years Of The Type 35

Bugatti, the renowned luxury car manufacturer, recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of its iconic Type 35 model. To commemorate this milestone, Club Bugatti France organized a special tour that retraced the journey of the Type 35 from Bugatti's hometown of Molsheim to Lyon, where the car made its debut at the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon. Enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Molsheim for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, paying homage to a century of automotive excellence.The Bugatti Type 35, unveiled in 1924, was a lightweight and powerful racing car that achieved remarkable success on the track. It secured over 2,500 racing victories during its relatively short racing career, a feat that remains unparalleled in the history of motorsports. The Type 35 represented Bugatti's commitment to high-performance, exquisite craftsmanship, and innovative design. Its introduction at the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon marked a new era in motorsports, where speed, agility, and elegance converged seamlessly.To celebrate this momentous anniversary, Bugatti Club France curated a special event that began on May 13 in Molsheim and concluded in Lyon on May 20. The President of Bugatti Automobiles, Christophe Piochon, welcomed guests and their classic cars at the Château Saint Jean. Among the 49 classic cars were 23 examples of the Type 35, including one of the five cars that raced in 1924. Additionally, there were 12 other Bugatti Grand Prix historic models, such as the Type 37 and 51.The tour kicked off with a display of six elegant models of the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition at the Château Saint Jean. These special editions were created to beautifully commemorate the Type 35's debut at the Grand Prix de Lyon in 1924. After enjoying a fine breakfast, the guests embarked on a 1000 km adventure to Lyon, following the exact route that Bugatti Type 35s used to take from the factory to the track.During the tour, the guests had the opportunity to visit the impressive Musée National de l'Automobile in Mulhouse. This museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Bugatti masterpieces, with over 600 revolutionary and emblematic automotive creations. The collection includes more than 100 of Bugatti's most acclaimed models, carefully acquired by the Schlumpf brothers over three decades. From the early Bugatti Type 28 to the iconic Bugatti Royale, each car in the collection is chosen for its historic significance and breathtaking design.The tour also included a stop at the serene Lac de Saint-Point in Malbuisson, where guests could appreciate the beauty of the open water and enjoy a moment of tranquility. The journey from the Vosges mountains to Lyon was filled with emotions and challenges, as participants faced varying weather conditions. Despite rain and freezing temperatures, each participant emerged from this experience feeling victorious, having conquered the elements at the wheel of their racing cars.The final leg of the tour took place in Lyon, where guests joined the celebrations of the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon. The event brought together 120 pre-war cars and 50 Bugatti automobiles, organized by various associations dedicated to preserving automotive history. The tour concluded with a fine-dining gala evening, marking the end of a truly exceptional week filled with passion and emotion.The Bugatti Type 35 tour provided enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to connect with Bugatti's rich heritage and experience the thrill of driving these iconic racing cars. Olivier Bohin, organizer of the tour and member of Club Bugatti France, expressed his delight in bringing together Bugatti enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate this historic milestone. Starting in Molsheim, where Ettore Bugatti's adventure first began, added a special significance to the event, allowing guests to feel a deep connection to the brand's history and create lasting memories.The Bugatti Type 35 tour was a testament to Bugatti's enduring legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. As the brand continues to push the boundaries of automotive excellence, it remains rooted in its storied past, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the Type 35. This remarkable journey celebrated a century of Bugatti's commitment to creating exceptional cars that captivate enthusiasts and leave a lasting impression on the world of automotive design and engineering.