When the rest of the world was idling about in Mr. Henry Ford's Model T, cruising at a breakneck speed of 45 miles-an-hour, there were fanciful tales of barons and the wealthy dominating Europe's most intense racetracks in a little French car that was decimating the competition—the Bugatti Type 35. For all intents and purposes, this is as close as one can get to owning a Formula One Grand Prix car from the 1930s. This specific time machine, meticulously crafted by Argentina's Pur Sang -- just last year -- embodies the essence of "pure blood." Its very DNA reflects precision, being an exquisitely fashioned and tool-room exact iteration of the original Type 35 Grand Prix car designed by the legendary Ettore Bugatti.

More impressive than the car is the remarkable story of the woman it pays homage to. The color of this car is special, deviating from the traditional “Bugatti Blue” these cars are typically known for. Instead, this car is adorned in “Helle Nice Green,” -- a hue personally created for Mariette Hélène Delangle (a.k.a. "Hellé Nice") by the legendary Ettore Bugatti himself. She was best known as “Hellé Nice”, a winning female Grand Prix driver who excelled not only in motorsport but also as a burlesque entertainer.

Nice's life unfolded as an exhilarating journey, blending speed and complexity seamlessly. Her charisma and beauty launched her into the limelight of Parisian dance halls, where she captivated audiences under the stage name Hellé Nice, as a burlesque dancer. Immersed in the vibrant culture of cabarets, she rubbed elbows with the French elite, who introduced her to the world of motorsport racing. This pivotal connection would soon reshape the course of her life. In 1929, a ski related knee injury, a consequence of a daring escape from an avalanche, compelled Nice to trade her dancing shoes for a new passion: driving gloves. Leveraging the connections she had cultivated, she ventured into motorsport, beginning in French competition, ultimately setting a land speed record for women. This marked the genesis of a remarkable chapter in her inspiring journey.

Undeterred by challenges, Nice became an unstoppable force behind the wheel. She crossed the Atlantic to race in the renowned “Miller” cars at the Indy 500 in America, then returned to Europe, where she engaged in a passionate affair with Philippe de Rothschild, a Grand Prix driver navigating a Bugatti. Through him, she was introduced to the legendary Ettore Bugatti himself.

In 1931, Nice emerged as the face of Automobiles Ettore Bugatti, competing in five Grands Prix in France. She became a beacon of inspiration, the lone woman in her field, conquering male-dominated Grands Prix, hill climbs, rallies (including the prestigious Monte Carlo rally), and exhibitions worldwide. This larger-than-life figure proudly asserted her identity as a woman, donning lipstick, short-sleeved shirts adorned with bows, and even a swimsuit – unapologetically embracing attention.
Nice's triumphs extended far beyond the racetrack, as her success granted her multiple homes, a yacht, and thrilling vacations. Her story stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Nice's journey is an inspiring call to pursue our passions with unwavering courage, transcending limitations, and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

This car's exceptional features include hand-cast wheels with integrated brakes, a groundbreaking innovation ahead of its time. Not only do these wheels provide exceptional stopping power, but they also boast effective brake cooling. The connection between the wheels' and the road is seamlessly achieved through the use of "Blockley Tyre Company" tires, manufactured with precision and hand-trued for optimal efficiency and a smooth ride, maintaining authenticity to the original design.

Attention to the minutest details sets this car apart, such as the wire running along the body panels, connected by proprietary fasteners, replicating the original construction. The exterior features polished steel elements that develop a natural patina over time, adding to its authenticity as it ages. The external brake and gear shift, made of the finest leather, not only exhibit perfection from day one but also age gracefully, telling a unique story.

At the heart of this exceptional machine is the eight-cylinder in-line supercharged engine, showcasing authenticity through hand-etching reminiscent of the car's original craftsmanship. The supercharger, along with every other component, is cast from original factory blueprints. Leather joints in the engine bay ensure flexibility and durability, mirroring the original design. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a four-speed Crash box transmission with a reverse lockout, completing the authentic driving experience.

Great photos of the car and informative videos at the links below:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1927-bugatti-type-35b-by-pur-sang/

Great links about Hellé Nice Story:

https://jalopnik.com/the-former-cabaret-dancer-who-became-the-bugatti-queen-1824044188

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcQnuHVJDFc

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellé_Nice

The story of Pur Sang

https://sportscardigest.com/pur-sang-argentina-introduction/

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