Lot 059: 1968 BUGATTI TYPE 35B REPLICA

This replica of the Bugatti T35B originated in the workshops of Mike King and was one of a series built by the engineer who once worked on Cooper Formula 2 & Formula 3 cars and later for Vickers Armstrong on the Concorde aero engine. Based on Triumph Herald/Vitesse running gear the design closely followed that of the classic T35B and it is believed that at least one car was built for a Type 35 owner who did not wish to risk running his valuable car on the road! The car for sale here today is fitted with the 6-cylinder twin-carburettor 1596cc Vitesse engine and 4-speed manual gearbox. We are told by the vendor that the engine 'runs well' and 'oil pressure when hot is a steady 70lbs dropping to 30lbs on tickover'. A Kenlowe electric fan is fitted and the fully wrapped and wired side exhaust is fitted with a stainless steel tailpipe. The rear axle is from a Ford Cortina Mk1 and the rear springing by transverse leaf giving we are told 'good roadholding and a comfortable ride'. At the front a double wishbone front suspension is fitted with coil spring/damper units, rack/pinion steering and a front disc/rear drum braking arrangement. All the front and rear suspension parts and exposed brake parts were electro-zinc plated during a recent refurbishment before being painted and re-assembled. The majority of the body panels are hand formed aluminium, the boat tail and mudguards being GRP and all exposed panel bolts have been replaced with stainless steel nylock fixings. The painted wire road wheels are standard MGB, 2 of which we are told are 'virtually new, as are the four radial tyres'. Other recent works to the car include renewed floor boards using varnished marine play, re-upholstered seat squabs, a new black tonneau cover and reconditioned cream faced 'Bugatti style' instruments in the engine turned facia. This car will be sold with an MOT and tax until February 2008.