100 Years of Elegance: Bugatti Type 35 Takes on a Legendary French Grand Prix Road Trip
In 1924, a quintet of Bugatti Type 35 roadsters embarked on an ambitious 600-mile journey from Molsheim to Lyons to compete in the French Grand Prix. Fast forward a hundred years, and this iconic voyage has been resurrected in spectacular fashion. Twenty-three Type 35s, accompanied by an entourage of 26 other vintage Bugattis, retraced this historical path, paying homage to one of automotive history's most renowned races.
Though the original Type 35s amassed over 2500 racing victories—a record that remains unrivaled—the centennial journey was a more leisurely affair. This priceless convoy spent three days on this nostalgic trip, absorbing the French countryside's charm and elegance as they made their way to the end point.
Where It All Begins: Château Saint Jean
The expedition commenced at the opulent Château Saint Jean in Molsheim, a property acquired by Ettore Bugatti himself in 1928. For this singular event, the Bugatti Club France also featured six models of the Little Car Company’s Baby II Centenary Type 35 Edition, allowing the owners of the classic vehicles a chance to experience a modern twist on their legendary cars.
The Road Less Traveled: Musée National de l'Automobile
The first stop was a pilgrimage to the world’s most extensive Bugatti collection at the Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse. Initially amassed by the infamous Schlumpf brothers, the collection today is maintained by the French government and boasts priceless artifacts such as the Type 28 and the grand Royale, once the world's most costly automobile.
With only their goggles for protection, the drivers maneuvered through the diverse landscapes of the Vosges mountains, pushing through the elements as they made their way towards Lyon. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a parade of 120 pre-war cars, all joining hands to honor the centennial of the monumental race. The final ascent through the serpentine routes into the Monts du Lyonnais encapsulated the spirit of the occasion perfectly.
Connecting Past and Present: A View from the Participants
Olivier Bohin from Club Bugatti France articulated the collective sentiment succinctly: “We are delighted to have brought together Bugatti enthusiasts from across the globe, traveling from nine countries, to celebrate the historic milestone of the Bugatti Type 35.” Bohin further explained, “Starting our specially curated event in Molsheim, where Ettore's adventure began, was the ideal way to launch the experience. Connecting the past to the present is a fundamental value for both the Bugatti brand and Club Bugatti France, enabling our guests to feel the historical connection and create emotional memories that will last a lifetime.”
As the centennial tour wrapped up, the resounding sentiment was one of reverence and awe. Not merely a grand tour, the event successfully linked the threads of time, binding the legacy of Ettore Bugatti’s extraordinary vision with a future that continues to be shaped by this icon of automotive ingenuity. The event was a spectacular blend of nostalgia and reverence, a fitting tribute for a vehicle that has stood the test of time like no other.
