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The Bugatti Type 35 is regarded as an icon and a role model for all of the manufacturer‘s subse- quent vehicles. Its unique construction, design and numerous innovations promised unparalle- led dynamism, agility and performance. Although it later became the most successful racing car of all time, the Type 35 had a difficult time at its de- but at the 1924 Lyon-Givors Grand Prix.
Ettore Bugatti, with his unmistakable vision and deep understanding of automobile construction, created a thoroughbred racing car with the Type 35. The imposing eight-cylinder embodied the perfect symbiosis of form and function. Despite its impressive career with over 2,500 victories and podium finishes, the Type 35 did not start without problems. Five Type 35s took part in the Lyon Grand Prix, with a sixth in reserve.
The journey from Molsheim to Lyon went smoo- thly, and minor adjustments were made to the vehicle during training. But right at the start of the race, the drivers, including Jean Chassagne, Pierre de Vizcaya and Bartolomeo „Meo“ Cost- antini, were confronted with unexpected challen- ges. Problems with the tires specially developed for the Type 35 led to retirements and technical difficulties on the track.