Bugatti Type 35 by by Francois Chevalier (b. 1942), Bronze, Mounted on Steel Frame, Edition of 8, 110cm high, 380cm wide, 140cm deep
This life-size bronze sculpture of a Bugatti was created to capture the elegant design of the Bugatti Type 35, one of the brand’s most celebrated racing cars. It was displayed as an artwork at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, which permanently closed on February 10, 2024. Mounted on a steel base, the piece is positioned to suggest motion, as if the car is lifting slightly off the ground while speeding through a corner on the track.
The Bugatti Type 35 is widely regarded as the most successful racing car in history in terms of total victories. Between 1924 and 1931, it achieved more than 1,000 race wins. Its accomplishments include five consecutive victories at the Targa Florio and securing the World Championship title in 1926. In just two years, the car recorded 351 wins and set 47 records. At its peak, it averaged an extraordinary 14 race wins per month—an unmatched level of dominance in motorsport history. Today, these cars are highly sought after by collectors, admired not only for their performance legacy but also for the distinctive driving experience they offer. Their shape remains one of the most recognizable in classic racing design.
François Chevalier, born in 1942, developed a passion for both art and motorsport early in life, becoming a dedicated Bugatti enthusiast at the age of 16. His career has spanned many roles within racing, including mechanic, driver, instructor at racing schools, and later circuit manager and organizer of major events such as Formula One World Championship races. Largely self-taught as an artist, he has developed a distinctive style that is evident in both his detailed pen-and-ink drawings and his striking bronze sculptures.
