- French title as Bugatti Type 35

- Magnificent patina

- Performance of the 2.3-litre supercharged model

“Results from 24 January 1926 to 19 September 1926: 503 victories - More than 2 victories a day - 351 First Prizes - 47 Records”, the Bugatti catalogue in 1926 proudly stated! This inspiring tally of results, which would grow still further in the years to come, was due in large part to what many consider to be the masterpiece produced by Ettore Bugatti: the Type 35. The 35B version, which appeared the following year, was noteworthy for its supercharged 2.3-litre engine: it was the most powerful 35 and dominated a huge number of competitive events.

Lacking the means to buy a real one, Jorge Anadon, an Argentinian enthusiast, created his own replica by making each part himself, as in period. Given the enthusiasm it met with, he decided to build more cars and sell them under the ‘Pur Sang’ name.

The example presented here is one of these cars and was imported by a delegate of the FFVE, who kept it for some 15 years and took part in numerous Bugatti rallies. Its second owner kept it for about 10 years, deriving just as much pleasure from his powerful thoroughbred. All these years of rallies and historic races have given the 35B an exceptional patina, built up over time and many miles, whilst erasing some of the defects with which it was born. This example therefore clearly stands out from more recently built Pur Sang cars thanks to its thirty years of use. In 2022, it was given a full service, and the tyres, fluids and some of the hoses were replaced. The engine was also optimised, with changes to the carburettor jets and spark plugs; the ignition system was overhauled and the clutch tension adjusted. Since buying the car in 2022, its current owner has only driven it a few miles, but has enjoyed starting it up each month.

Supplied with its French title as a Bugatti 35T, this racer will give its next owner some true thrills and, above all, let them enjoy the most famous pre-war sports car, for a fraction of the price of a real one, which is virtually impossible to find!

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout