Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff- 02/07/2022
The GP Ice Race in Zell am See, is one of those magical events in the automotive world, and this year Bugatti sent two cars to Austria for some motorized ice dancing a Bugatti Type 51 and a Bugatti Baby II. Bugatti’s first time back on the ice since 1960, this time the Bugatti Baby II serving as the safety car.
Born out of ‘skijoring’ – meaning ‘ski driving’ – the mode of transport turned-sport first came to Zell am See, home of the Porsche family, in the Winter 1937. The sport later inspired the first Professor Ferdinand Porsche Memorial Race, on February 10, 1952. In 1960, a Type 35 inaugurated the GP Ice Race event alongside two motorcycles, with an airplane flying at low level above the start line.
This year’s chilly event, named ICEolated, took place on the Flugplatz in Zell am See, and did not include spectators, due to COVID-19 restrictions. In the past, over 10,000 passionate spectators have lined the course to celebrate the unique racing spectacle.
The Bugatti Baby II, created by The Little Car Company, acted as the ‘safety car’ for the event, despite its smaller than usual scale. Based on the Bugatti Type 35 – the marque’s legendary racer that is widely regarded as the most successful racing car of all time – appeared in a specially-commissioned ‘Ice Spec’. The Pur Sang model was painted in French Racing Blue colors and featured a number of modifications, allowing it to safely conquer the wintery conditions. The car boasted studded tires, limited slip differential, 1930s-inspired racing livery with GP Ice Race branding and safety car-style hazard lights. The Bugatti Baby II also featured the #35 on its bodywork in honor of the Type 35 and its historic victories. The vehicle led cars out on track before the start of the Ice Race GP.
