In Mechanic School? Your Childhood Dreams Have Come True With the Bugatti Baby II
As part of its 110th birthday celebration, Bugatti created a tiny, child-sized car with fancy features and a classic look. While this may be a kiddie car, it’s a far cry from its foot-to-floor powered plastic competitors. This car features a real electric powertrain and multiple driving modes. Another distinguishing feature of this luxury vehicle for kids is its price—the Bugatti Baby II costs a whopping 30,000 euros, or $43,925.00 Canadian. Not bad for a Bugatti, but a bit steep for a child’s toy. Read on to learn more about this ultimate kiddie car.
A Short History of Bugatti for Students in Auto Mechanic Training
At 17 years old, Ettore Bugatti began creating engineering designs. His first car was produced by the Bugatti-Gulinelli Motor Corporation and had a four-cylinder engine and chain rear drive. The first race car he ever created was the Type 5, with a tubular frame to support coolant and a 12.9-litre displacement.
He started his own company, Automobiles E. Bugatti, in 1909, building a factory in an old dyeworks in Molshelm. The French car manufacturer, which is now part of the Volkswagen Group, has since built a brand known for beautiful design and classic race cars. Bugatti also garnered many racing victories with his creations. In fact, his Type 35 was the most successful racing car in history.
If you’re in auto mechanic training, you’re probably no stranger to car-themed gifts. When Bugatti’s son, Roland, turned four, he was given a replica of the successful T35 car for his birthday, built by his father and sized for his small frame. When the small version received positive feedback, they decided to produce it for sale to the public, under the name Bugatti Bebe. It debuted at the Milan Automobile Show in 1927, 6 feet long and with a top speed of 19.3 km/h. An electric motor with a single stage gear train powered the toy car. French resorts held Bugatti Bebe races and the car became a luxury item marking excess and wealth.
The Bugatti Baby II is a tribute to the original Bugatti Bebe, which is once again a replica of the T35, at 75% scale.
Compare These Features to What You Learn About in Mechanic School
The Bugatti Baby II isn’t a standard children’s toy. It comes with a limited-slip differential, a horn, rearview mirror, headlights and a handbrake. It also has regenerative braking, which is a system that you may be familiar with if you’re interested in mechanic school. Stepping on brakes wastes kinetic energy, so regenerative braking takes this energy and, instead of allowing it to dissipate, redirects it by converting it into electricity to power the car.
The model also comes with three modes. Child mode offers 1.3 hp and a speed of 20 km/h. Adult mode switches to 5.4 hp with a speed of 45 km/h. For thrill-seekers, the car also comes with a speed key. Bugatti has featured these extra keys before in the Chiron and the Veyron. When inserted, it activates another mode where the car’s top speed can be reached as the speed limiter is taken off. This also transitions the car to 13.4 hp. Thankfully, the car also comes with a remote that disables the engine. That way, parents can ensure their little ones don’t get too fast and furious.
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