These features were paired with low weight and thus lower unsprung masses compared with steel wheels. The lower the unsprung masses, the lower the moment of inertia and the better the handling. Consequently, the Type 35 was easier and more precise to steer, it braked better and the suspension was more comfortable than comparable racing cars of the time. During these early races, which often lasted several hours or even days, drivers were thus able to drive for longer, reach higher speeds and be more concentrated at the wheel. A reason why Bugatti drivers dominated the world’s race tracks between 1925 and 1930. Even today, the Type 35 does not ask too much of its drivers.

Bugatti produced seven different types of aluminium wheels over the next few years. For the Type 35, Type 39 and Type 51 racing cars, the French company produced three different versions: a 20-inch variant featuring small brakes, a 19-inch design with large brakes and 19-inch drop centre rims featuring large brakes. The cast wheels with eight wide aluminium spokes became Bugatti’s signature feature in addition to the horseshoe-shaped radiator grille. The design was also used for Bugatti’s first hyper sports car of modern times, the Veyron as the Veyron Fbg par Hermès special model.

Waheguru