Bugatti enthusiasts on an epic journey
100 YEARS OF TYPE 35 To mark the centenary of the Bugatti icon Type 35, the Club Bugatti France organized a tour from Molsheim to Lyon, where the legendary racing car made its debut in 1924 at the Grand Prix de Lyon.
Introduced in 1924, the lightweight and powerful Type 35 enjoyed a unique career. In its relatively short racing career, it achieved more than 2500 victories. A marvel of modern design and pioneering engineering, the Type 35 embodied Bugatti's spirit of high performance, craftsmanship and innovation. The 1924 Lyon Grand Prix, organized by the Automobile Club de France, will forever be associated with Bugatti's motorsport history. Five Type 35 models took part in the 2024 Lyon Grand Prix, ushering in a new era of motorsport.
Impressive Bugatti collection
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, welcomed the guests and their 49 classic cars - including 23 examples of the Type 35 and twelve other historic Grand Prix models - to Château Saint Jean. The guests then embarked on a 700-kilometer adventure to Lyon, with the next stop in Mulhouse. There, the participants had the opportunity to explore the Musée National de l'Automobile - a treasure trove of automotive history that houses one of the world's largest Bugatti collections. Every single vehicle was acquired by the Schlumpf brothers over a period of three decades. From the Type 28 to the 1930 Royale, each car has been hand-picked for its historical significance.
A week full of emotions
The journey took them from the Vosges mountains to the Lyon plateau and left them at the mercy of the elements. Each participant emerged from this experience like a gladiator in the arena. It's hard to imagine driving such machines in the pouring rain, with the sound of water slapping against the bodywork in your ears and the traditional goggles allowing the crews to see only a few dozen meters.
"For us, it was the perfect opportunity to start this event in Molsheim, where Ettore's adventure began. Connecting the past with the present is a core value - both for the Bugatti brand and for Club Bugatti France," summarized Piochon.
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