Faithful reconstruction of a legendary race car!

Bugatti dominated its competitors at will with its Grand Prix cars of the 1920s. No-one was able to even remotely rival the technical sophistication and sheer craftsmanship unleashed by the company from Mulhouse on the racetracks of the world. Bugatti set new standards that its competitors failed to match. The winning cars were called Type 35, 37, 38 and 39. The competition from Italy and Germany grew stronger towards the end of the 1920s and the start of the 1930s, and the victories gradually dwindled. Presented in 1931, the Type 51 was designed to restore the company to its position at the top. The car was based on the chassis used in Type 35B, while its 2,262 cc, straight eight engine was equipped with a second overhead camshaft and a compressor to deliver 170 hp. Around 40 of the race cars were built.

Today, Pur Sang epitomises the art of reconstruction, remaining as true as possible to the original. For 30 years now, the company has paid testimony to the creations from Mulhouse by building replicas - initially in Argentina, and for a few years in the United States as well - that are identical with the original down to the tiniest details, adapted to suit the requirements of our modern age when required. Like back then, the chassis and bodywork are crafted by hand, although machines are used to build the engines. The few remaining originals are now considered works of art and are only available for seven-figure sums. So it is hardly surprising that the demand for Argentinian replicas is substantial.

The issue of replicas, reconstruction, copies or kits is never easy and always controversial. The fact that Michel, the only surviving son of Ettore Bugatti, and his daughter Caroline, both own a Type 35 built by Pur Sang is probably the greatest endorsement imaginable.

This faithful reproduction of a Type 51 passed its roadworthiness test in our northern neighbours in 2011 and therefore possesses EU certification! It is immediately noticeable that the car has not spent much time out on the road, but the authenticity with which the original has been recreated is equally delightful. There is no part of this car that fails to fascinate, merely heightening the awe and reverence we feel for the accomplishments of that bygone age!