1970 Bugatti Type 35 Replica
Registration no. XYS 79J
Chassis no. 1112231301
Engine no. AS123898X

'Among racing cars it is the 1924 Type 35 Bugatti which tops the list of beautiful cars of the (1920s) period. Some would say it's the most beautiful racing car of all time. Although it underwent detail changes through the years and the radiator was enlarged, its lines were virtually unchanged from its appearance in the Grand Prix of the Automobile Club of France in July 1924, through to its final, 51 version of 1931-32.' - Autocar magazine. For those who yearn for Bugatti-style motoring yet cannot afford the associated expense, a replica is the obvious solution and for many years the classic Type 35 has inspired the construction of numerous lookalikes, some using a mixture of components from other Bugattis, others, like the example offered here, being entirely of non-Bugatti origin. The Type 35 continues to be a favourite among manufacturers of kit cars, and this particular right-hand drive replica is based on 1970 Volkswagen 1300 Beetle components and retains the donor car's identity. (However, it should be noted that the engine capacity is stated as 1,600cc). It is understood that the build was completed to a very high standard circa 1995, and the car has acquired a pleasant patina of age over the course of the intervening years. Purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2009 (Lot 500), at that time it was said to drive exceptionally well, having recently completed a tour of Essex with no problems whatsoever. Offered with sundry invoices and Swansea V5 registration document, 'XYS 79J' has been kept in museum storage since acquisition and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. No Reserve.