Bugatti Bolide and Type 35 Ignite Monterey Track: Celebrating a Century of Racing Dominance
Monterey Car Week, we recently witnessed the spectacular union of Bugatti’s racing legends, the Bolide and the iconic Type 35. This event celebrated a hundred years of racing success and showcased Bugatti’s latest marvel, the Bolide, designed for unparalleled track performance.
The Bugatti Bolide, a unique model commemorating the 100th anniversary, appeared first at the famed WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca alongside the legendary Type 35, the car that inspired it. As these two extraordinary vehicles took on the circuit’s notorious Corkscrew and its thrilling elevation changes, they provided a breathtaking display of speed and elegance under the Californian sun.
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac; Christophe Piochon, President; Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director; and Alexis Ploix, Director of aftersales and customer Service, along with the Bugatti team, witnessed this landmark event. It was the climax of years of meticulous development and a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Type 35.
Displayed in the Bugatti garage, the Type 35 and the anniversary-edition Bolide allowed the public to share in this poignant moment, blending historical reverence with modern innovation.
Christophe Piochon highlighted the event's emotional impact: "The Type 35 and Bolide embody the quintessence of Bugatti's track-focused heritage. The Bolide 100th anniversary edition is a track-ready tribute to the Type 35, a century after its debut. Witnessing these icons together on such a storied track is incredibly moving, reflecting Bugatti’s ongoing evolution of elegance and speed."
Since its debut at the Grand Prix de Lyon on 3 August 1924, the Type 35 was destined to redefine racing performance, amassing over 2,500 victories across various competitions. Its versatility and innovative design have made it a symbol of racing achievement.
Bolide’s 100-year-anniversary livery, in ‘Grand Prix Blue,’ reinterprets the famous ‘Bleu de Lyon’ of the original Type 35, honouring Bugatti’s rich racing heritage. Additional details, such as the red-accented carbon and the national racing colours, enhance its historical significance.
Inside, the anniversary Bolide features a cockpit adorned with carbon, an aluminium-milled inlay, and supple leather, all highlighting its prestigious lineage. The centenary of the Type 35 is also celebrated with intricate embossing on the headrests and anniversary decals.
This historic gathering at Laguna Seca offered a spectacle and a moment of deep emotional resonance for Bugatti, celebrating past legends and present innovations in a single, unforgettable event.
