Back in 1926, Ettore and his son Jean decided to build a scaled-down version of Type 35 — one of the marque’s most successful race cars, for Ettore’s youngest son, Roland, as a present for his 4th birthday.
© Bugatti
However, the customers visiting Molsheim liked it so freaking much that the ‘Bugatti Baby’ went into production and was sold between 1927 and 1936. Only 500 units were built and as we can see, it is meant only for literal babies. Which is why the present Bugatti has decided to create replicas that can fit even the “adult babies”. Because you know, remember the cliché – “the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys”.
The Baby II is a three-quarters-size replica (3/4 scale) of the Type 35, and is an electric vehicle. What’s more special is that Bugatti Test Pilot, Andy Wallace, was involved in the chassis tuning and setup of the Baby II.
The design is almost a neat replica of the Type 35 race car; it closely resembles the 35A and 35C variants with similar wheel design. Also, notice the positive camber on the front wheels. Bugatti said that the replica was created based on a 3D scan of an original Lyon GP car with identical geometry and suspension. As a modern touch, Bugatti has added adjustable dampers.
As mentioned, the Baby II is an electric vehicle (a “toy” is perhaps the right term). Which means, the fuel pressure gauge has to become a battery gauge while the oil gauge has transitioned into a power gauge. The fuel pump handle now serves as the forward, neutral and reverse selector.
The Baby II toy is available in three variants: Base model with a composite body and a 1.4 kWh battery pack; Vitesse with a carbon fibre body, a 2.8 kWh battery pack and an upgraded powertrain including a ‘Speed Key’; and Pur Sang — targeted at collectors, comes with the same powertrain as the Vitesse but with hand-formed aluminium bodywork.
The Base model offers two modes: ‘Novice’ which is limited to 20 km/h (12 mph) and 1 kW (1.3 hp) of output, and ‘Expert’ which is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph) and 4 kW (5.4 hp) output. The Vitesse and Pur Sang versions weigh 230 kg (507 lbs) and offer the same two modes, but also offer extra performance from an upgraded powertrain as mentioned, unlocked by the legendary ‘Speed Key’. This unlocks 10 kW (13.5 hp) output, a 0-60 km/h (37 mph) time of 6 seconds and a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph).
For the Base model, Bugatti claims a range of up to 25 km (16 mi) “when driven carefully”, while the Vitesse and Pur Sang variants can do 50 km (31 mi) when the driver doesn’t unleash the full performance. Interestingly, the battery packs are swappable, so the fun can continue.
Price? Well, the Base model starts at €30,000, the Vitesse at €43,500 and the Pur Sang asks you to start at €58,500. Only 500 units will be built and those interested to order one, can do so by applying for a build slot here.
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