Topic: Solved: Wendax 2436 - Bugatt 50 Grand Sport recreation by Bob Lewis et al.

[Wendax]

Shining like brand new.

For one point, please respond and identify this car.

[Wendax]

up

[Fёdor]

Bugatti

[Wendax]

Yes and no

[William Hearne.]

Perhaps modelled on the T 50 Bugatti.

[Wendax]

Let's put it this way: it is supposed to appear as one.

[sixtee5cuda]

Bugatti Type 50 Grand Sport.  Creator is Bob Lewis.  Powered by Nissan 2000cc straight-6 engine.  Build started in 1985, finished in 1992.

(Sources are unclear about the actual creator of this vehicle.  Bob Lewis may have been the creator of the chassis.  I also find reference to "two brothers from Stratford" as the originators of the project.)

[Wendax]

Well found! More about the partcipants can be found in the dealer's description:

This stunning 1985 Bugatti Type 50 Grand Sport recreation was built using the original Bugatti plans from a project in 1934. The original project was abandoned, as the “GRAND SPORT” was deemed to be too grand and too expensive for the difficult market in 1934. Pictures of the original chassis inspired construction of this recreation. Work began in 1985 by a chap called Bob Lewis, who constructed the chassis from original drawings and photographs (the original plans and photographs are all present in the service history.) The ash frame was constructed by Bob Jones who worked for a company specialising in teal.(...) while the Aluminium bodywork was constructed by Vintage Wings of Manchester. In excess of £40,000 was spent on construction over several years. The project was finally completed circa 1992, by Tim Perry of TJP Classic Services, after additional expenditure. This Recreation is Powered by a fully rebuilt Nissan L20A straight-six engine, dating from 1976, and producing some 115bhp, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The Nissan L series was originally found in the Datsun 240Z sports car, Datsun 510, Nissan Laurel and the first Nissan Maxima. This engine is known for its reliability, durability, and parts inter-changeability. Breaking is by discs to the front and drums to the rear. Front suspension features friction dampers, with modern telescopic at the back. The engine has been cosmetically modified and the turned aluminium engine bay detailed, to add period flavour. A radiator twin fan assists cooling in heavy traffic while the cockpit features trademark “French Racing Blue” leather seats and door-pockets, a rosewood and turned aluminium dashboard with brass-ringed instruments, map-reading light, replica Bugatti foot pedals and gear knob complete the period impression. The exterior features period touches including leather bonnet straps, Lucas P100 headlamps, monogrammed radiator cap. There is a very large history file with this car, including pictures, plans and even a video tape dating back to 1999 when it was featured in the national press. The exact video can be found on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10VxLqjTIik. Since its creation it has covered just 3900 miles and, fittingly, the car is registered as a Bugatti on the V5 registration document.