<< Prev Page 3 of 3 Facing an insurmountable mountain to climb, Ettore Bugatti did the only sensible thing and withdrew from Grand Prix racing at the end of the year. Four of the existing Type 59s, now with 59* chassis numbers, were sold to British and French privateers, while at least two cars were retained by the factory. The fine handling Type 59s faired very well in the hands of the privateers, especially in Britain. Two of the cars that remained in Molsheim were converted into sports cars to campaign in lucrative French events. Thanks to Ettore Bugatti's conservatism, the conversion was very straightforward; all that was really needed was to fit cycle-wing fenders. The cars were also fitted with naturally aspirated engines.
The thinly disguised Grand Prix racers were not welcomed with open arms and Delahaye even threatened to boycot any race where the Type 59s would start. It did not help as the two Bugattis scored a one-two victory at their very first outing. Over the following months and years the two 'sports cars' were further developed and eventually regained their superchargers. One of them was even renumbered with a Type 57 number to underline it really was a sports car. Alongside these existing cars, Bugatti built several more specials based on the Type 59 chassis for Grand Prix and sports car racing. These were raced with little success until Germany decided dominance on the racing track just did not suffice.
The Type 59 was the last Grand Prix car produced by Bugatti in relatively large numbers. It represents the ultimate development of the all conquering Type 35 built nearly a decade earlier. Sadly its results show that it was overtaken by time even before it hit the racing track. Some of the four surviving Grand Prix cars were raced with great success by the likes of Patrick Lindsay and Neil Corner in historic events after the War. Today these rare machines are prized collector items and none of them have been used in anger for many years. In 2005 a genuine survivor, in original but non-running condition, changed hands for £1.3 million at a Bonhams auction. Current values are at least twice as high. << Prev Page 3 of 3
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Facing an insurmountable mountain to climb, Ettore Bugatti did the only sensible thing and withdrew from Grand Prix racing at the end of the year. Four of the existing Type 59s, now with 59* chassis numbers, were sold to British and French privateers, while at least two cars were retained by the factory. The fine handling Type 59s faired very well in the hands of the privateers, especially in Britain. Two of the cars that remained in Molsheim were converted into sports cars to campaign in lucrative French events. Thanks to Ettore Bugatti's conservatism, the conversion was very straightforward; all that was really needed was to fit cycle-wing fenders. The cars were also fitted with naturally aspirated engines.