What type of Bugatti is this?
Discussion
Saw this little gem parked up in Stow On The Wold on Sunday afternoon. My first thought was that it must be a replica, but on checking the tax disc, it stated that it was indeed a Bugatti. Does anyone know what type, year etc it might be. Watched it drive away from a distance and it sounded lovely.
Thought the 'weather protection' tied to the spare wheel was quite natty!
Thought the 'weather protection' tied to the spare wheel was quite natty!
Bugatti T35B, one of my all time favourite dream cars. I've never been the same after I heard one of these screaming down a racetrack, straight 8 barking, compressor on song, a sound so spine tinglingly beautiful it still moves me just thinking of it.
Many of these cars are bitsa Bugattis, BTW. There may be some original parts in them, but it's impossible to say how many and 'missing' chassis numbers have been turning up with conspicuous regularity.
Then there are the replicas, most of which are truly awful 'lookalikes', little more than kit cars, which look nothing like a real T35B from any angle.
To me, there's only one good replica and it's being produced by Pur Sang in Argentina. Sanctioned by the Bugatti Owner's Club, it differs only in small, practical details like shell bearings in the engine instead of roller bearings and a new one is only about 125.000 quid. Expensive? It's a steal, really. Genuine T35B's can be had from 400K on up, going into 1.5 million, depending on history.
Whatever the car in the pictures is, it's great to see it actually being used. That's what they're for, however valuable some of them may be.
Many of these cars are bitsa Bugattis, BTW. There may be some original parts in them, but it's impossible to say how many and 'missing' chassis numbers have been turning up with conspicuous regularity.
Then there are the replicas, most of which are truly awful 'lookalikes', little more than kit cars, which look nothing like a real T35B from any angle.
To me, there's only one good replica and it's being produced by Pur Sang in Argentina. Sanctioned by the Bugatti Owner's Club, it differs only in small, practical details like shell bearings in the engine instead of roller bearings and a new one is only about 125.000 quid. Expensive? It's a steal, really. Genuine T35B's can be had from 400K on up, going into 1.5 million, depending on history.
Whatever the car in the pictures is, it's great to see it actually being used. That's what they're for, however valuable some of them may be.
I saw Nick Mason's car (Ten tenths) win at the Revival in the rain; fantastic. Then on venturing into the pits there were 5 (b&c) lined up including the totally original one that was up for auction. Thankyou Lord March.
Also one at this years speed trials mmmm
Also one at this years speed trials mmmm
Edited by simes205 on Wednesday 20th December 09:03
Edited by simes205 on Wednesday 20th December 09:04
..as mentioned, it is either a 35B (2.3 litre) or C (2 litre). The "BS" number is a DVLA re-issue, not necessarily an issue but could mean it is more modern that its appearence would suggest.
Irrespective, they are magnificent, charismatic machines, my absolute favourite. They`re still pretty quick as well!
Irrespective, they are magnificent, charismatic machines, my absolute favourite. They`re still pretty quick as well!
ettore said:
..as mentioned, it is either a 35B (2.3 litre) or C (2 litre). The "BS" number is a DVLA re-issue, not necessarily an issue but could mean it is more modern that its appearence would suggest.
Irrespective, they are magnificent, charismatic machines, my absolute favourite. They`re still pretty quick as well!
Irrespective, they are magnificent, charismatic machines, my absolute favourite. They`re still pretty quick as well!
Enjoy........ www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSqdg5Noygw
SamHH said:
eccles said:
i'm suprised it hasn't got mudgaurds of any sort on a road legal car...
Legally, must all cars on the road have mudguards?
Yes and no, C&U regs say that a car must have mudguards to catch mud and water thrown up (can't remember the exact quote) so you could argue than on a dry day they weren't neccessary - a bit like having a "daylight" MoT....
fat richie said:
SamHH said:
eccles said:
i'm suprised it hasn't got mudgaurds of any sort on a road legal car...
Legally, must all cars on the road have mudguards?
Yes and no, C&U regs say that a car must have mudguards to catch mud and water thrown up (can't remember the exact quote) so you could argue than on a dry day they weren't neccessary - a bit like having a "daylight" MoT....
so you're saying a car can't thow up grit or small stones on a dry day then?
L100NYY said:
I was talking to a guy that was driving a 35B back from Prescott on the road and asked him about his lack of mudguards and his answer was that he very much doubted the police would know the answer themselves and didn't seem duly worried!
I think I'd tend to agree with him!
I think I'd tend to agree with him!
i think you're right there, i've seen a few rather nice hotrods driving round without mudgaurds.
although a few years ago my fathers vintage car very nearly failed its MOT due to a lack of front mudgaurds. he'd left them off after repairing the stays, as he was in a hurry to get the car mot'd, luckily the tester was in the same local old car club, and knew the car normally ran with them on.
eccles said:
L100NYY said:
I was talking to a guy that was driving a 35B back from Prescott on the road and asked him about his lack of mudguards and his answer was that he very much doubted the police would know the answer themselves and didn't seem duly worried!
I think I'd tend to agree with him!
I think I'd tend to agree with him!
i think you're right there, i've seen a few rather nice hotrods driving round without mudgaurds.
although a few years ago my fathers vintage car very nearly failed its MOT due to a lack of front mudgaurds. he'd left them off after repairing the stays, as he was in a hurry to get the car mot'd, luckily the tester was in the same local old car club, and knew the car normally ran with them on.
Mudguards are not an MOTable item, they come under 'construction and use' regulations. Most coppers don't actually know if they have to be fitted by law, and I know of guys who nhave driven hot rods for years without 'guards fitted and they've never been stopped.
Essentially, they are to stop mud and rain from spraying onto other cars, so if it is not raining you are not breaking the law by not having them.
And even if you do get pulled it is a mere fine, no points.
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