A friend spotted this car up in the mountains east of San Diego a couple of days ago. The owner told my buddy it was a one-off with magnesium body. I don't have a clue as to whether it's an original car or not, but told him that I'd bet someone here would! Any thoughts? John Image Unavailable, Please Login
It's a 'real' Bugatti. Well known owner, well known car. But as with many Bugs, with a convoluted history. The chassis and motor are original, possibly not fitted with a body like this; this body is a new creation by C&G in the UK to replicate the original. A good explanation with many pix in Octane #123 / Sept.'13 On FerrariChat, many will call it a 'bitsa', or worse. More level-headed enthusiasts will say it's a rebodied Bugatti. Take your pick. It's a fabulous car, and he's driving it!! Ain't no garage queen.
Owned by Jim Hull Malibu California. Built on real chassis with real motor (matching to chassis?) etc. Body not by C&G but by master craftsman Jerry Weeks of Indianapolis Indiana who also built the body for D. Davis former Amelia Island winning JR 8 green 122 Miller.
It looks like a modded T57 chassis with sort of a gp body... Everything's just enough off to make it sort of work .... I'm sure it's fun to drive but it ain't no 35b experience.I'm sure some of us remember Hull & Mullin back in the day....
Thank you guys, I appreciate the info! It does look like it would be a blast to drive, especially with an original drive train. I was hoping it didn't have a small block Chevy lurking under the hood! John
I wouldn't exactly call it a re-body. The body on this car is new but the chassis did originally have a magnesium body exactly like the one it has now when new. The original body was destroyed shortly after it was debuted and the current owner had a new body built to the exact specifications of the original put back on the original chassis. In 1935 this car looked exactly the way it does now. At least that is what I have been told and what I have read. I saw it a few months ago and it is a stunning car.
Alberto, Yes, my friend saw it up in Julian. I wish I'd been there to see it as well. Hope all's well with you, John
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ6tHBBbock]Jim Hull fires up his 1935 Bugatti 57SC - YouTube[/ame]
What are the advantages of building in magnesium vs aluminum? Especially with magnesium being highly combustible? I know I have used shavings of magnesium to start fires for camping in the wilderness.
Fantastic to see pictures this in the wild and being driven. The magnesium is more than likely the same as that used on light aircraft flight controls.
Anyone here in the market to purchase a replica Bugatti similar to this one or know what market value is for them? -Action