A historic meeting of Bugatti trailblazers on the track – the Type 35 and the 100-year anniversary Bolide [Photo Gallery]

A hallmark celebration of automotive excellence, Monterey Car Week affords the perfect occasion for the coming together of Bugatti legends past and present. A truly unique example of the marque’s new beacon for track-focused performance, the Bugatti Bolide, took to the gripping turns of the famous WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the very first time – and was joined by the legendary racing machine that inspired it.

Celebrating a glorious century of achievement, the one-of-one Bolide 100-year anniversary edition is a spectacular testament to the legacy of the most successful racing car ever: the iconic Bugatti Type 35.

Basking in the warmth of the Californian sun, these remarkable vehicles shared the storied circuit’s hallowed asphalt – negotiating the world-famous Corkscrew and the thrilling elevation changes in a stunning spectacle of elegance and excitement.

Watched on with exhilaration by CEO of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac; President, Christophe Piochon; Managing Director, Hendrik Malinowski; Director of Aftersales & Customer Service, Alexis Ploix and other Bugatti team members – the historic occasion marked the culmination of years of development, honoring the legacy of inspiration established by the Type 35.

With the Type 35 and anniversary-edition Bolide proudly displayed in the Bugatti garage, this emotive moment for the marque could be shared with the public – both vehicles resplendent in this coming together of history and innovation.

“Sharing the brand’s quintessential DNA, the Type 35 and Bolide are pure manifestations of Bugatti track-focused performance. With the Bolide 100-year anniversary edition we celebrate the arrival of an exquisite, track-driven homage to the Type 35 – a century on from its motor racing debut. It is incredibly emotional to see them take to such a legendary track at once. Together, they exquisitely represent how the fusion of elegance and speed has evolved in Bugatti creations through the century.” – CHRISTOPHE PIOCHON, PRESIDENT OF BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES.

From the moment its beautiful form stunned the automotive and motor racing worlds at the Grand Prix de Lyon, 3^rd August 1924, it was evident that the Type 35 was destined to redefine perceptions of performance. Over its active career, the Type 35 earned over 2,500 victories in multiple disciplines; from road races and rallies, to speed trials and hill climbs, the Type 35’s incredible versatility was a fitting tribute to its ingenious design and endless pursuit of performance.

The livery of the special-edition Bolide, the 100-year anniversary edition, perfectly commemorates the unparalleled Type 35 and Bugatti’s rich racing heritage. The bespoke vehicle’s finish, ‘Grand Prix Blue’, is a new interpretation of the Type 35’s unmistakable ‘Bleu de Lyon’ – made famous by the first examples of the Type 35 racing at Lyon in 1924. It is one of a host of references acknowledging its incredible heritage in the world of motor racing.

Red-accented carbon on the exterior complements each of the legendary racing colors of nations competing in early Grand Prix racing. Hues including ‘French Racing Blue’, the rich green of British racers, the gleaming white of German competitors and the bold rosso of the Italians embellish the blade connecting the rear wing to the rear panel.

Such exquisite touches continue within the special model’s cockpit. Finished in pure carbon, the center console features an aluminum-milled inlay replete in ‘engine turn’ finish, while supple leather unique to the anniversary edition Bolide adorns the seats and features throughout the cabin. The Type 35 centenary is marked with intricate 100 Anniversaire embosses in the headrests, complementing the anniversary decals on the side sill.

In an emotional touch paying homage to the incredible evolution represented by these precious models, the cockpit is complete with a beautifully intricate trackplate depicting the Type 35 and Bolide together in profile.

Currently in the process of training future Bugatti owners in the ways of the Bugatti Bolide and the nuances of a track car, Bugatti took the opportunity at Laguna Seca to host a personal briefing for a Bolide customer at one of the most revered tracks in the world. Eager to immerse themselves in the experience of owning the track-only Bugatti, the future Bolide owner was delighted to learn more about the car he is eager to sit behind the wheel of and emotional when he saw it hitting the Laguna Seca track.

This once-in-a-lifetime occasion, bringing legends together, embodied a stunning spectacle on the asphalt of Laguna Seca – a moment that will hold a special place in the marque’s story as a celebration of icons past and present.