Description
The Bugatti Type 35/ Type 37 is one of the most iconic and collectable cars in the world. Original cars fetch £1m+ on the rare occasions that they come up for sale.
The Type 37 was the sports version of the Grand Prix car, using the Type 35 chassis and bodywork. There were only 290 Type 37 ever built.
Presented in French Blue, this T37 replica is one of the very few that are both dimensionally correct and road legal. The aim of the replica is to look and perform as closely to an original T37 as possible, for a fraction of the cost
The chassis has been made to the same dimensions as the original, meaning the car is able to be fitted with replacement T35/ T37 hand-beaten aluminium bodywork. The chassis combined with the correct angle of the front wheels makes the car look so alike an original from any angle. This car comes with a four-cylinder 1400cc engine and wire wheels. A 1400cc engine was chosen ahead of the original 1500cc as it gives the car a near-identical power-to-weight ratio as the original because of the comparative efficiency.
Information on the creation of the car:
New hand-made parts reflecting original T37 specifications; Including the chassis, suspension & front axle, radiator cowl & grille, oil 'pump', fuel pump handle, advance/ retard lever, engine & gearbox covers, antique leather seats, aluminium dashboard.
Fully restored original parts
brass ammeter & black-faced fuel gauge.
Reconditioned Parts
MG running gear, providing a similar 1:4 litre power to weight ratio to the original, legal entitlement to display black and white number plates in UK.
Replacement parts that would be fitted to an original T37, if required:
Hand-beaten aluminium body panels.
Eight-piece French walnut and aluminium steering wheel. Cross-Hatch pedals. enamel radiator badge. brass pressure gauge 'huile'. brass pressure gauge 'essence'. aluminium pump handle. aluminium starting handle grip. various nuts. bolts and grease nipples -all from the Bugatti Owners Club spares department; tyres by Longland. etc.
The dashboard is laid out in classic T37 configuration: fuel pump handle on extreme left; clock above oil and fuel pressure gauges on the left hand side; rev counter and speedometer in the centre. either side of the advance/ retard lever and switches; steering wheel on the right like most genuine T37s. Additional personal choice gauges and switches.
The car is finished with a small amount of matting agent over the French Blue colour. This has resulted in a “worn” that you would expect to see on an original T37. One of the most special parts of the car is the stainless steel starting handle which is rare to see on T37 replicas.