The Bugatti Type 35A, affectionately known as the ‘Tecla,’ epitomizes the pinnacle of Bugatti’s racing legacy, blending performance, elegance, and craftsmanship in a timeless automotive masterpiece. Built in September 1925 as a Course Imitation, chassis number 4631 and engine number 93A heralded a new era of racing excellence for the Bugatti marque.
At the heart of the Tecla lies its meticulously engineered inline 8-cylinder engine, showcasing Bugatti’s unwavering commitment to performance and innovation. With three main bearings, smaller valves, and a coil ignition system reminiscent of the revered Type 30, the Tecla boasts close to 100 horsepower, propelling it to exhilarating speeds nearing 100 miles per hour. Such engineering prowess ensured that the Type 35A remained a formidable contender on the racing circuit, setting new standards for performance and agility.
Throughout its illustrious history, the Tecla has passed through the hands of esteemed owners and drivers, each contributing to its rich provenance and racing heritage. From Louis Hoffman of Hoffman LaRoche Chemicals to racing champions Louis Chiron and Juan Ollivier, the Tecla has left an indelible mark on the annals of automotive history. Chiron’s championship victories in 1929 and 1930 underscore the Type 35A’s dominance on the track, while Ollivier’s role as a Bugatti agent in Marseilles, France, adds a layer of historical significance to its storied past.
The Tecla’s racing pedigree was showcased in prestigious events such as the 1925 and 1926 Provence Grand Prix, where it left an indelible impression with its breathtaking performance and timeless elegance. From the winding roads of Mirimas, France, to the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of hill climb competitions, the Tecla proved its mettle time and again, cementing its status as a true icon of motorsport excellence.
Following its journey across continents, the Tecla found its way to the United States, where it continued to captivate enthusiasts with its unparalleled blend of speed and sophistication. Under the meticulous care of Peter Seferian, owner of a renowned foreign car repair facility in Brighton, Massachusetts, the Tecla underwent a painstaking restoration between 1958 and 1962, preserving its original charm and performance for generations to come.
Following Seferian’s passing, the Tecla found a new guardian in David Carroll of Lexington, Massachusetts. Carroll entrusted its restoration to Donald Koleman of Competition Motors. From 1997 to 2005, Koleman painstakingly restored the Tecla, ensuring its legacy would endure. With 90% of its original components intact and a meticulously documented ownership history, the Bugatti Type 35A ‘Tecla’ stands as a true automotive treasure, embodying Bugatti’s spirit of innovation, performance, and craftsmanship.
