Bugatti isn’t done celebrating its 110th
anniversary, this time choosing to unveil a modern interpretation of the Type
35 in order to mark the occasion. Described as “the smallest
member” of their family, the ‘Baby II’ brings back Ettore Bugatti’s masterpiece
from 1926. Back then, the company’s founder and his son Jean built a half-scale
Type 35 for his youngest son Roland, just as he was turning 4.
Originally intended as a one-off, it received positive
feedback from customers visiting the Molsheim site and Ettore decided to put it
into limited production. Thus, only 500 units of the ‘Baby’ were born and all
of them were sold between 1927 and 1936. It’s unknown exactly how many of these
original cars aimed at kids are still around, but at least enthusiasts can now
order the modern interpretation.
The all-new ‘Baby II’ has a battery-powered electric
powertrain and is rear-wheel driven, just like the original model. However, it
features a removable lithium-ion battery, packs regenerative braking and even
has a limited-slip differential.
Young ones looking to drive it have a special ‘Child
Mode’ that provides 1 kW (1.3 PS) of power and limits the top speed to
20 km/h. Being a 3-quarters-size replica of the Type 35, it can be
driven by adults too, who can enjoy 4 kW (5.5 PS) of power and a 45
km/h (28 mph)top speed by selecting the ‘Adult Mode’. Additionally,
enthusiasts craving for more can get the optional ‘Speed Key’ upgrade, which
unlocks 10 kW (13.6 PS) and removes the speed limiter.
On the outside, the ‘Baby II’ is finished in a
traditional French Racing Blue hue and sits on eight-spoke aluminum alloy
wheels, featuring modern brakes on all corners. It also has “powerful
headlights”, according to Bugatti, so that it could light up the road ahead.
The interior mimics the look of the Type 35 as well,
featuring an aluminum dashboard, leather seat, four-spoke steering wheel and
custom instruments. Production of the small replica will commence this fall and pricing
starts at € 30,000 (US$ 33,689) in France, without taxes and delivery.
Only 500 examples will be manufactured, with Bugatti already taking
reservations.
