1927 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix Two-Seater
- Engine
- Crosthwaite & Gardiner 2.3L supercharged straight-eight, with Scintilla magneto
A Bugatti Type 35B two-seater assembled in the United Kingdom during the 1970s from a combination of genuine Bugatti components and a reproduction chassis frame by Alan Wragg. The car was substantially restored in the late 1980s and completed in 1991, receiving a Crosthwaite & Gardiner 2.3-litre supercharged straight-eight engine along with authenticated original axles and gearbox. It has been a frequent and successful competitor at Prescott and Shelsley Walsh hillclimbs since then, and was driven at Shelsley Walsh in 1999 by the late Sir Stirling Moss. The car is also eligible for the Monaco Grand Prix Historique.
Ownership
- 2021-05-19Auction saleSold £290,000 (≈ $363K)
- → 1986Acquisition unknownMartin Johnsonpartial documentation
Based in Cumbria; sold the car to the current owner in 1986 for £23,000, with receipt retained on file.
- 1986 →Private saleCurrent ownerfull documentation
Commissioned a full restoration through Robin Townsend of Stroud, completed in 1991; has used the car extensively ever since and maintained it without regard to cost.
- Date unknownUK collectorpartial documentation
Assembled the car during the 1970s using period-correct components combined with a reproduction chassis frame; initiated its existence as a complete vehicle.
Competition
- 1999Shelsley Walsh Hill ClimbDriver: Stirling Moss
Sir Stirling Moss drove the car at this event and reportedly praised its driving qualities.
- —Bugatti Owners ClubPrescott Hill ClimbMultiple trophy wins; best times of 45.81s on short course and 55.66s on long course
Car described as highly successful at this venue, winning numerous awards across repeated appearances.
- —Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb
Competed at this Worcestershire venue on many occasions.
- —Monaco Grand Prix Historique
Maintenance & restoration
- 2020Mechanical
Clutch replacement carried out as the most recent maintenance expense.
- —RestorationRobin Townsend
Complete rebuild carried out after purchase in 1986, entrusted to Robin Townsend of Stroud. Additional authentic components were fitted, including an unnumbered GP front axle, a modified ex-Brescia gearbox, a rear axle, and a Crosthwaite & Gardiner 2.3-litre supercharged engine with supercharger.
Work was completed in 1991; a full photographic record of the restoration is included with the car.
- —Mechanical
Scintilla magneto rebuilt; reported to be performing well.
Described as having been done recently relative to the catalogue date.
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