Rare racing cars in Goodwood sales

Its cowled radiator was moved forward to make space for the larger engine, and an ‘elephant ear’ oil cooler was scuttle-mounted ahead of the driver.

Early in the Grand Prix this new development car impressively disposed of the works Maseratis. On lap 4 its bonnet flew off and was caught by Benoist while he controlled the inevitable slide.

Back at the factory the engine was removed and the chassis was re-used for the single seater Type 59/50B known as Bugatti’s ‘Cork Car’.

The imposing machine before you here uses the original Bugatti Works frame ‘No. 2’, bought by the current owner from the Bugatti factory as long ago as 1968. Its engine is the ‘No. 8’ unit from the 1935 race. It has been cosmetically cleaned, but is believed not to have run since the late 1930s.

Both the ZF back axle and reinforced gearbox are stamped ‘No.4’. The majority of clutch components and the flywheel are original Bugatti parts. The De Ram shock-absorbers, radiator, steering box (‘No.2’) and arm, front axle, springs, brake drums and shoes, wheels, steering wheel, instruments, and the majority of other components even including the nuts, bolts and body screws used here are also ‘from-the-period’ Bugatti originals, while the aluminium panel work has all been painstakingly re-created to match the original factory form.