• Offered from 28 years of long-term enthusiast ownership
• Eligible for the Mille Miglia, Goodwood, Monaco and numerous VSCC and club events
• Mechanically prepared by Laurent Rondoni’s famous Ventoux Moteurs
• Accompanied by inspection reports from David Sewell and Pierre-Yves Laugier

The Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most iconic, eligible and rewarding pre-war race cars. The story of 4394 begins in November 1924 when this very early Type 35 was completed and invoiced for delivery to Lord Rocksavage, the future Lord Cholmondeley, on 3 January 1925; it was delivered to Lord Rocksavage’s home in Cannes and was photographed there with Lady Sybil Cholmondeley. This car was subsequently driven at the Surbiton Motor Club’s meeting at Brooklands on 23 April 1927 by Dorothy Campbell, wife of Sir Malcolm, placing 4th in the Junior Short Handicap.


In the late 1980s, a Bugatti identified as 4394 emerged in the hands of UK Bugatti restorer Keith Butti, apparently having been uncovered in a Kent scrap yard. After a restoration, the current owner acquired the car in 1990 through Dan Margulies.



Despite the beautiful patina of 4394, the origins of certain components of this early Bugatti have been a subject of debate. Formerly believed to possess an original chassis, advancements in the understanding of early Type 35s have called this into question, and it is now believed to be a replacement, as detailed in a full report by Pierre-Yves Laugier. Parts identified as original are the front axle, shock absorbers, radiator and a portion of the bodywork is original and genuine; these have also been independently identified as original by David Sewell.



The engine was built for the car by Laurent Rondoni, with a Brineton crankshaft and connecting rods, correct Solex 35DH side-draft carburettors and a Scintilla magneto mated to gearbox number 29. The rear axle is numbered 21 and is thought to be a correct Type 30 axle. The car displays distinguishing features of the ventilator panels and Brescia handbrake in keeping with the appearance of 4394 in period.



Today, 4394 presents as a Bugatti with great character thanks to its wonderful patina. Highly eligible for events such as Goodwood, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the Mille Miglia, as well as numerous Bugatti and VSCC rallies, this Type 35 has been carefully maintained by the finest specialist in France, Ventoux Moteurs, and is sure to be a rewarding acquisition for a new owner seeking the joys of vintage competition machinery at its finest.

Please note that this lot is titled with the date of the first registration, 1924.

Chassis No.: 4394

Documents: French Certificat d’Immatriculation