bugatti unveils the baby II roadster, a classic EV for kids

bugatti delves into the archives to celebrate its 110th birthday. the french car manufacturer recalls a charming anecdote and the type 35, its famous racing model, to inspire the bugatti baby II roadster, a mini electric vehicle for kids.

images courtesy of bugatti

in 1926, ettore bugatti built a half-scale type 35 for his youngest son, roland’s fourth birthday. the baby II is an electric 3/4-scale tribute to the type 35 and what is arguably the original kid car. the difference is this time bugatti has taken advantage of modern 3D printing technology, modelling it from a precision scan of the original.

the cockpit of the baby II features a signature turned aluminium dashboard, a leather seat, a scale recreation of the type 35’s distinctive four-spoke steering wheel and custom instruments. the exterior of the car is painted in traditional french racing blue, although buyers will be able to order in a range of alternative colours. headlights are also available.

inside the baby II is a rear-wheel-drive battery-powered electric powertrain and removable lithium-ion batteries that can be swapped or charged separately from the car. it can reach top speeds of up to 45 km/h (28 mph) in ‘adult’ mode and up to 20 km/h (12.4 mph) in ‘child’ mode. for those who want more speed, there is an optional upgrade available that unlocks the ‘speed key.’ that allows drivers a full 10 kW of power potential and ditches the speed cap.

the electric vehicle is a collaboration between with junior classics, specialists in mini models of classic cars. the bugatti baby II will start production in later this year and will cost $33,780 (30,000 EUR). just like the first baby, only 500 such scale replicas will be made.