Bugatti - Type 35 (1970)

The Bugatti Type 35 is a timeless icon that represents the golden age of motor racing. While originally introduced in the 1920s, enthusiasts and collectors alike often refer to the most pristine examples that surfaced in the 1970s — the year when the automotive world began shifting toward modernism. The exact Bugatti Type 35 price depends on a multitude of factors such as market demand, restoration condition, and provenance, but it remains an object of fascination for those who appreciate heritage and performance. In this guide we’ll explore the key specs, depreciation trends, and how the Type 35 compares to its contemporaries, allowing you to understand what a 1970 Bugatti Type 35 is worth and how it’s positioned in today’s collector market.

• Model name & year: Bugatti Type 35 (original 1924, 1970 re‑issues/restored units)
• Engine: 3.0 L straight‑8 (displacement 2 987 cc)
• Horsepower: Approximately 124 hp (varies by restoration)
• Transmission: 3‑speed manual gearbox, often hand‑shifters on original chassis
• Fuel type: Petrol (gasoline) – high-octane fuels for race‑trim models
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 3 600 mm (112.6 in)
  • Width: 1 900 mm (74.8 in)
  • Height: 1 300 mm (51.2 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2 330 mm (91.7 in)
• Weight: Roughly 1 200 kg (2 645 lb) depending on bodywork and equipment
• Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive, balanced weight distribution for optimal track handling
• Brakes: Drum brakes – standard for the era, sometimes upgraded to vented drum systems in later recoveries
• Chassis: Frame full‑size steel – classic tubular structure for rigidity and lightness
• Notable features: First multi‑gear transaxle, adjustable camber and toe, and unique “humming” exhaust system that set it apart from competitors

Depreciation Overview
Understanding the depreciation of a vintage car is crucial for both buyers and sellers. The Bugatti Type 35 depreciation trajectory differs from modern vehicles because its value mostly reflects rarity, condition, and historical significance rather than warranty or depreciation schedules. Here are realistic estimates:

• First year: Typically loses 15–20% of its initial value as it enters the antique market after purchase or restoration. This drop accounts for immediate appraisal adjustments.
• Second and third years: Depreciation slows to about 5–10% yearly, aligning with market stability for well‑maintained examples.
• Beyond five years: Value trend tends to plateau or even increase, often peaking in the 10–15% range of the original price when the car becomes a proven collectible, especially when compiled closely with original documentation.
• Inflation and market trends: Some bicycle‑evolution‐era classics experience a long‑term appreciation trend of 3–6% annually, reflecting a growing interest in race cars from the 18th‑century spark of automobile history.