Bugatti Type 35 B Pur Sang Review: History, Specs, Price & More

In the automotive world, few names evoke as much reverence and fascination as Bugatti. In the last few years, Bugatti has come to be known for its relentless pursuit of speed with cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Chiron. A little walk down history lane shows this insane thirst for more performance isn’t something new for the storied French marque.

The Bugatti Type 35 stands out as a true icon of motorsport innovation and excellence. Introduced in 1924, this masterpiece of engineering revolutionized racing with its combination of speed, agility, and elegance. The Type 35 B was introduced in 1927, and in this edition of Classic Cars on DubiCars, we take a closer look at the Type 35 B Pur Sang, an identical recreation of the original.

The Story Of The Bugatti Type 35

The Bugatti Type 35 emerged onto the racing scene at the 1924 French Grand Prix, capturing attention with its distinctive design and formidable performance. While it didn’t claim victory on its debut, it showcased tremendous potential, laying the foundation for a dominant racing legacy.

Over its lifespan, the Type 35 secured over 1,000 race wins. This solidified its status as one of the most celebrated race cars of all time. The Type 35 B, introduced in 1927, marked a significant evolution with the addition of a large supercharger. This led to enhanced power output and overall performance.

Only 37 units of the Type 35 B were ever produced. Quite obviously then, it is a rare and coveted gem among collectors and enthusiasts. However, with such low numbers produced almost a hundred years ago, quite obviously, not many survive.

Enter Pur Sang: Reviving a Legend

In the realm of automotive restoration and recreation, few names command as much respect and admiration as Pur Sang. Based in Argentina, the brand is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to authenticity. Pur Sang has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of vintage recreations.

The 1927 Bugatti Type-35 B Pur Sang represents the culmination of Pur Sang’s expertise and passion for automotive excellence. The engineers and artists at Pur Sang meticulously recreated every little detail with astonishing precision.

The Bugatti Type 35 B featured in this article is a millimetre-perfect recreation of the original from 1927. Even the number and position of the rivets and bolts that hold the car together are identical to the original. Here’s how you can register a classic car in the UAE.

Design & Styling: A Timeless Masterpiece

The aesthetic allure of the Bugatti Type-35 Pur Sang is simply irresistible, seamlessly blending vintage charm with timeless elegance. From its sleek, aerodynamic silhouette to its distinctive horseshoe-shaped radiator grille, every aspect of its design showcases traits of sophistication and performance.

The attention to detail is evident in every curve and contour, from the gracefully sculpted fenders to the intricately crafted grille. The number 8 on the grille is period correct and so are the circular headlamps and tyre design.

Interior: Basic & Functional

The cockpit of the Bugatti Type-35 Pur Sang transports you to a bygone era of pure racing exhilaration. The minimalist interior reflects a singular focus on performance and functionality, featuring just the essentials. The massive transmission tunnel takes up a lot of space. This leads to the footwell having just enough space to mount the three pedals.

Because of the compact space, the gear lever and the rear brake lever are mounted on the outside! There are only four gauges for the driver to pay attention to. The ignition coil is mounted on the dashboard.

Despite its spartan layout, the interior exudes an unmistakable aura of luxury and craftsmanship. Be it the polished wooden steering wheel or the leather-trimmed seat. Every detail speaks to the impeccable quality with which Pur Sang has recreated the Type 35 B.

Engine & Performance: Vintage Power

At the heart of the Bugatti Type-35 Pur Sang is a unique engine: the inline-eight. With a capacity of 2.3-litres, it was among the first cars to feature a supercharger. Power figures? Well, this one produced a mind-boggling 138hp!

This figure seems a little too modest by modern standards. Almost a hundred years ago though, it was a feat of engineering excellence. This 138hp motor propelled the Type 35 B to hundreds of victories on the racing circuit. This engine is almost identical to the original. Except for the fact that it is just a bit more reliable and convenient.

It is now more reliable as the ancient magneto ignition has been replaced with electronic ignition. Starting the car is a bit more convenient as it now also features an electric starter. This is in addition to the original hand-cranking setup.

Bugatti Type 35 B Collectability & Pricing

Few vehicles can rival the enduring legacy and timeless appeal of the Bugatti Type 35. However, as aforementioned, only a few units survive and they command hefty prices at auctions. Variants of the original Bugatti Type 35 fetch between AED 1.6 million and AED 20.5 million at auctions. This is based on condition and collectability.

Pur Sang has brought a piece of automotive history to the modern era and they have done it beautifully. So beautifully that, Ettore Bugatti’s son and granddaughter each own a Type 35 Pur Sang! This particular 1927 Bugatti Type 35 B Pur Sang from Tomini Classics can be yours for a relatively reasonable AED 1.02 million.