A Historic 1925 Bugatti Is Up for Sale
A piece of racing royalty is poised to make headlines this December when one of the most celebrated Bugattis in history goes under the hammer at Bonhams’ Bond Street Sale. The 1925 Bugatti Type 35 offers collectors a glimpse into the golden age of luxurious race cars. With its storied past, impeccable provenance, and an estimated value of up to $860,000, this auction is monumental for motorists.
Historic Racing Icon Up for Auction
The 1925 Bugatti Type 35 — a legend in motorsport history — is set to cross the auction block at the Bonhams Bond Street Sale in London on December 12. Officially designated as a Type 35A/35T 2.3-liter Grand Prix Two-Seater, this car has an estimated price between $610,000 and $860,000 (a price that was nearly $50,000 in 1926). Renowned for its distinctive design defined by its horseshoe-framed radiator and iconic French Racing Blue paint, the car is steeped in history. It was campaigned in the 1930s by trailblazing racer Kay Petre and later owned by Bugatti historian Hugh G. Conway.
The Bugatti’s Impressive Racing Pedigree
The Bugatti Type 35 debuted in 1924 at the Grand Prix de Europe and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most successful racing cars of all time. Winning over 1,000 races during its production run, it dominated events like the Targa Florio from 1925 to 1929 and claimed the Grand Prix World Championship in 1926. This specific chassis, No. 4564, began as a more accessible Type 35A, but was later upgraded to 35T Grand Prix specifications. Despite being slightly less powerful than the full-fledged racing variant, it still achieved remarkable feats. It boasted a top speed of nearly 100 mph — teeth-chattering for the ’20s.
The Bugatti’s Star-Studded Ownership History
Chassis No. 4564 passed through the hands of notable owners, starting with Florence Gould, wife of industrialist Frank Jay Gould. It later became the first Bugatti registered in the UK, owned by racers like Thomas Fothringham and Kay Petre. Petre, a motorsport pioneer who stood just 4’10,” raced the car in prestigious events, set speed records, and passed it to fellow racer Sheila Darbishire. Eventually, the Bugatti found its way to Hugh Bergel, who allowed racing legend Sir Stirling Moss to test it, and later to Hugh Conway, a preeminent Bugatti historian. Basically, the steering wheel should never be wiped off for fear of removing legendary fingerprints.
Decades of Competition and Restoration
Under the stewardship of the Conway family, the Bugatti led an active life in motorsport across Europe. However, the car required significant restoration after Hugh Bergel damaged it in a Silverstone race (Bergal’s Bugatti blunder, if you will). Conway painstakingly repaired the chassis, body, and engine, ensuring the vehicle remained a competitive and cherished piece of Bugatti heritage. Detailed records and photographs document its journeys, oil changes, and races, adding immense historical value to this already celebrated vehicle.
Preservation and Celebration
Currently cared for by Bugatti specialist Gentry Restorations, the car is mothballed and requires minor recommissioning, including fixing a broken water pump. This maintenance ensures the Bugatti Type 35 will be ready for the model’s 100th anniversary in 2025. As a relic of racing history, this car offers a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.