Bugatti: Baby II on the grid as safety car
COMEBACK 62 years after its debut, Bugatti returned to the ice surface at the GP Ice Race in Austria with a Type 51 and the Baby II. Instead of the ice on the lake, the airfield was available as a racing surface.
For the first time since 1960, Bugatti again took part in the GP Ice Race on the ice track in Zell am See, Austria, at the end of January. The Type 51 and the Bugatti Baby II, inspired by the legendary Type 35, caused quite a stir.
Skijoring, in which first horses and then motorized vehicles pulled skiers across the ice piste, gave rise to a new sport that was first practiced in Zell am See in the winter of 1937. Inspired by this sport, the Professor Ferdinand Porsche Memorial Race started for the first time on February 10, 1952 on the frozen lake of Zell.
Flight attendant and bikes 1960 at the start
62 years ago, a Bugatti Type 35 opened the GP Ice Race along with two motorcycles, while an airplane flew over the starting line at low altitude.
In the current staging of the race, the racers competed not only in modern and classic race cars, but also in iconic rally cars. The race was held at the airfield in Zell - without a crowd due to pandemic restrictions. In previous races, more than 10,000 fans stood at the race track.
Baby II with hazard warning lights as safety car
Despite its small size, the Bugatti Baby II built by The Little Car Company was used as a safety car. The miniature version of the Type 35, which was successful in many races, competed in an Ice Spec version designed especially for this purpose.
Painted in French Racing Blue, the baby was adapted to winter conditions to provide maximum safety. In addition to studded tires, limited slip differential and GP Ice Race branding, the vehicle was also equipped with a safety car style hazard warning lights.
Upgraded drive achieves top speed of 70 km/h
The versions of the Baby II offered with rear-wheel drive have a fully electric drive and selectable driving modes. The basic model offers two levels: a beginner mode with a power of 1 kW and a maximum speed of 20 km/h, and a professional mode with 4 kW for a maximum of 45 km/h.
The Vitesse and Pur Sang versions also offer a choice between beginner and professional modes - but in addition, an upgraded drivetrain provides 10 kW and a top speed of 70 km/h.
