Fantasy Junction

Description

1930 Bugatti Type 35B Pur Sang

VIN – 651PS
Exterior Color – French Blue
Interior Color – Capri Walnut
Engine – 2.3L Supercharged 8-cylinder
Transmission – 4-Speed Manual
Current Miles – (TMU)
Owner Purchase – August 2020

General History

The Bugatti Type 35 Gran Prix race car vaulted Bugatti to a new level as a premier manufacturer of superlative road and race cars. Nothing came close to the stunningly purposeful looks and stout mechanical innovations of these winning cars. Fully and passionately developed by a cadre of capable artisans, the entire Bugatti family of sculptors, artists, and brilliant fabricators built the finest cars of the period. It’s no wonder that both their race and road cars continue to be sought after by top collectors worldwide. As Bugatti amassed win after win in major races throughout the 1920s, by the end of the decade, the Type 35 had become legendary. A legacy that has continued into the next century, celebrated by modern enthusiasts and admirers of hand-built construction.

Located in Argentina, the Pur Sang crafting center is a car builders dream come true. Nestled on the eastern shore of the Parana River, their Villa Lola location features old world craftsmanship at every turn. Founded and run by enthusiasts committed to the craft of pre-war cars, every detail and feature of their cars are hand made using tools and materials from a forgotten time. And while the company also builds other cars and aircraft engines from this period, without question, Pur Sang must be regarded as the pre-eminent constructor of Type 35 Bugatti race cars constructing their vehicles with near fanatical attention to authenticity following exact factory specifications.

Importantly, several mechanical aspects of the original design have been improved based on modern automotive technology. The 2.3-liter supercharged inline-eight engine is built with a two-piece crankcase and a plain bearing light alloy crankshaft. Two single cast engine blocks with four cylinders each and a detachable cylinder head with a single overhead camshaft operate three valves per cylinder. The engine employs pressure lubrication, forged pistons, plain bearings, and modern oil seals to improve both durability and performance. The Roots-type supercharger features two triple-lobe rotors, a single updraft Zenith carburetor, and Vertex magneto ignition. The four-speed manual straight-cut gear transmission, similar to the original Type 35, offers a direct-drive top gear and shifting via multi-plate dry clutch. Other features include a hand-operated Ki-Gass priming pump, an electric fuel pump, an electric cooling fan, a sealed water-pump bearing, concealed modern oil filter, an alternator driven via the cardan shaft, and a 12V battery.

The suspension includes a forged hollow front axle, which is constructed with semi-elliptical leaf springs passing through the internal structure. Worm and helical gear type steering is fitted. The solid rear axle uses inverted quarter-elliptical springs and friction shock absorbers at each corner. Cable actuated four-wheel 330mm diameter drum brakes are integrated into the 19” cast-aluminum wheels and detachable rims. The braking is actuated and balanced via cables and levers through a floor pedal activating all four brakes. An exterior mounted hand lever operates the rear brakes for singular rear wheel braking.

The frame is hand formed in the same manner as the original with alloy body panels in keeping with the original construction. Performance of the 2.3-liter supercharged engine delivers 150hp, which is quite substantial considering the light weight of these nimble cars. Construction of the Pur Sang Type 35B is a marvel of passionate craftsmanship and superlative period-based engineering favored by clever modern updates concealed within the vintage design.

Owner History

This Bugatti was commissioned by the current and only owner and completed in August 2020. The Pur Sang construction specifications sheet accompanying the car indicate the following features included with the build.

Mechanical
• Improved firing order
• Plain bearing crank upgrade
• Electric radiator fan on thermostat
• Electric fuel pump behind seat
• Straight exhaust pipes (no mufflers)
• Bosch FH-8 magneto replica
• Boyce motometer replica

Road Accessories
• Marchal headlamps
• Scintilla tail lights (with brake light built in)
• Turn signals (built into tail lights & actuated by switch discreetly positioned under dash)
• Front & rear cycle wing style fenders
• Brooklands style windscreen on driver’s & passenger’s side
• Bracket kit for independent light mounting (without fenders)

Finish Detail
• Paint Color – French Blue per sample photo
• Leather color – Capri Walnut
• Matching leather sill guards on side of scuttle
• Leather gearbox guards

Upon completion, this Type 35B was delivered to the first and only owner and imported to California where the CARB (California Bureau of Automotive Repair) confirmed the car as SPCNS (Special Construction) on February 22, 2022 (label affixed to the passenger side inner body panel), followed by subsequent California registration and title. Since delivery, this Type 35B has resided exclusively in the Monterey Peninsula area other than transport to the Southern California Pur Sang dealer service center for general review and inspection per contract terms and factory recommendations. Upon return to the owner, the owner kindly loaned the car to the Pur Sang dealer for display at their booth during the annual Monterey, CA automotive week. Although the car has no odometer, the owner states that the car has been driven fewer than 200 miles, used primarily for personal enjoyment and local events when driven and exhibited in the Monterey Peninsula.

Overview

Today, this Bugatti Type 35B Pur Sang presents in beautiful condition. The vivid French Blue exterior finish is glossy throughout the alloy body with only minor areas of road use evident. The overall presentation is both authentic and cohesive, prepared with reverence to the racing purpose of these original cars. Delightful details include Marchal headlights, mechanical fasteners, an exposed fuel filler, competition leather hood straps, and the slightly golden hue of the Bugatti horseshoe radiator finished with a heat-toned patina. The lightly polished cast aluminum center lock wheels, forged front axle, and exposed cable brakes are just a few of the additional authentic touches on this car. A set of period-correct 5.0’ x 19” tires are accompanied by a single side mount spare. The tapered body blends effortlessly into the frame via woven metal frame lacing, offering elegant functionality as though stitched together like a finely sewn garment. Every element of construction from the correctly formed body louvers, competition Brooklands windscreens, and leather side mount straps, have been thoughtfully engaged with attention to accuracy and craftsmanship in keeping with the Bugatti legacy.

The natural interior finishes and mechanical are wonderfully crafted. The thoughtfully patinated leather interior has just the right amount of visual “ease’ to the finishes, complementing the mechanical fasteners, levers, and switches. Every interior detail from the engine turned dash and exposed magneto and wires to the instruments and lightly toned wooden steering wheel are all worthy individual works of art, unifying the interior. Even the structural floor, exposed gearbox casting, and exposed chain and sprocket armatures bring a whole new meaning to the experience of vintage driving.

Lifting the louvered alloy hood reveals a wonderfully finished engine and engine compartment including engine turning on the firewall and exposed mechanical features. The passenger side of the engine features tuned exhaust for each cylinder while the driver’s side is adorned with an exposed steering box and polished intake plenum and of course, the Roots supercharger. Details and natural finishes are properly rendered with authentic dignity celebrating the lineage of these exceptional cars. Underneath the car, finishes and castings continue to echo consistency and accuracy with cleanliness and raw materials befitting the high level of craft.

Engaging the ignition and pumping the fuel, the car erupts to great delight letting loose a brilliant roar of engine sounds, supercharged whirring, and a raspy unmuffled exhaust note. Beautifully constructed by master machinists and fabricators, this Type 35B Bugatti Pur Sang is ready to offer countless hours of motoring enjoyment on casual jaunts, at club gatherings, or participating in vintage road events.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608