In a joint venture with Bugatti, The Little Car Company recently unveiled the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition. This special edition commemorates the centenary of the iconic Bugatti Type 35’s first appearance at the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon.
Comprising six unique masterpieces, the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition series features vehicles each individually tailored with a livery that reflects the original six Bugatti Type 35 race cars that profoundly impacted automotive and motorsport history a century ago.
Crafted by artisans at The Little Car Company in Oxfordshire, UK, these miniature Bugatti models boast aluminum bodies and brass identification plates within the cockpit. They are painted in Bleu de Lyon, mirroring the color of the original Type 35 race cars.
Each of these scaled models is built using the superior Pur Sang Bugatti Baby II architecture, with each vehicle carrying a unique chassis number aligning with one of the historic cars. They also feature ‘1 of 1’ designations, power output details, and are adorned with hand-painted entry numbers on the radiator, hood, and boat tail in Blanc.
These models are meticulously constructed with handcrafted bodies, incorporating specific details like lockwire features and custom louvres reminiscent of the original Type 35s, underscoring Bugatti’s historic dedication to racing excellence.
The 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon marked the unforgettable debut of the Type 35, which went on to secure over 2,500 wins and podiums over ten years, establishing it as the most successful racing car ever. The drivers included legends like Leonico Garnier, Jean Chassagne, Pierre de Vizcaya, Meo Costantini, and Ernest Friderich, with a reserve prototype held by Ettore Bugatti.
The Bugatti Baby II is a modern, electrified interpretation of the Type 35, at 75% scale. Initially inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s 1926 Bugatti Baby, the modern Baby II has become a design icon, offering a contemporary nod to Bugatti’s heritage.
These anniversary models are created from 3D scans of the original 1924 Bugatti Grand Prix car and are powered by advanced electric motors, blending historical homage with modern technology.
“Each Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition pays homage to the iconic Bugatti Type 35 race cars that shaped automotive and motorsports history,” said Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director of Bugatti International. “With meticulous attention to detail, these anniversary examples are individually customized, reflecting the very essence of the brand’s historic racing pedigree whilst showcasing an unparalleled level of craftsmanship. They are beautiful one-of-a-kind masterpieces embodying the spirit of the Type 35.”
Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, added: “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Bugatti to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Type 35, with the Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition. These limited-edition creations honor the legendary cars that raced at the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon, marking a pivotal moment in automotive history.”
All six Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Editions have been sold to private collectors worldwide.