Way back in 1926, Ettore Bugatti, founder of Bugatti Automobiles, gifted his 4-year-old son a unique birthday present: a half-scale version of Bugatti’s Type 35 race car, which won the Grand Prix World Championship in the very same year. This one-off kiddie car was affectionately nicknamed the Bugatti “Baby.” Due to high demand from Ettore’s VIP clients, around 500 Bugatti Baby kid cars were produced and sold by the end of 1936, transforming them into rare and valuable collectibles for Bugatti enthusiasts. Today, you can experience nostalgia with a brand-new Bugatti Baby II kiddie car, perfectly complementing your Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport or Super Sport 300+.
Bugatti Baby II Prices and Specifications
The Bugatti Baby II was unveiled during the 2019 Geneva auto show to celebrate Bugatti Automobiles’ 110th anniversary. The modern iteration of the kiddie car is produced in collaboration with The Little Car Company, known for creating detailed children’s vehicles.
Three different models are available:
- Base Model ($36,000): Features a composite body, a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and two drive modes: Novice (1.3 hp, 12 mph) and Expert (5.4 hp, 30 mph).
- Vitesse Version ($53,000): Upgraded with carbon-fiber body panels, a larger 2.8-kWh battery, and a Speed Key that unlocks 13.4 hp, achieving a top speed of 42 mph and a 0-37 mph time of just 6.0 seconds.
- Pur Sang Variant ($71,400): Exemplifies the classic Bugatti ethos with hand-shaped aluminum bodywork and the same powertrain as the Vitesse, boasting over 200 hours of craftsmanship for each unit.
Both the Vitesse and the Pur Sang variants offer an impressive range of up to 31 miles, while the base model allows for around 15 miles of driving fun.
Bugatti Baby II: Bigger Is Better
In contrast to the original Bugatti Baby, which was quite small, the Bugatti Baby II is designed to accommodate older children and even adults. The chassis has been carefully tuned to replicate the handling characteristics of the original Type 35, using advanced technology, like a digital 3D scanner, to capture its iconic dimensions. Additional enhancements, such as adjustable dampers and modern Michelin tires, ensure a dynamic driving experience.
Bugatti Baby II Fine Details
The Bugatti Baby II showcases meticulous attention to detail, with instruments adapted from the classic Type 35. For instance, where the fuel gauge used to be, a battery-charge meter has taken its place. The steering wheel, featuring a traditional four-spoke design, can be quickly removed for easier entry. The pedals are crafted from aluminum with the “EB” logo, echoing the authentic Bugatti style. Furthermore, the dashboard features an engine-turned finish, and the Bugatti “Macaron” nose badge is crafted from solid silver, mirroring its full-scale counterpart from the Chiron.
Bugatti Baby II Availability
Prospective buyers can explore the Bugatti Baby II on the official website, customizing their vehicles with different colors and trim options. While all 500 initial models sold out soon after their introduction, the current economic climate has caused some early adopters to reconsider. Consequently, there are still opportunities available for interested buyers, offering a unique chance to own a piece of automotive history.
