BUGATTI 49369
Molsheim records delivery to M. Mazureau of Nantes, February 23, 1932 with traditional “conduit interieur” coachwork by Ganglof. By the late 1930’s it had four passenger coupe coachwork by P. Marsand with sweeping fenders and twin rear mounted spares. Design details suggest art deco mid-1930’s. Purchased from Paul Bouchier in 1940 and brought to the U.S. by L. S. Juillerat, it was stored in his Hudson River valley barn, then later owned by William Serri from whom it was acquired in 1980.
Leydon Restorations did a total and complete engine rebuild. Blocks were fully reconditioned. Fissures between the valve seats in two cylinders were properly welded and both blocks were carefully stress relieved to prevent cracking, a three day process. Cylinders were then honed via epicyclic grinding to correct original misalignment. Connecting rods were magnafluxed. The crankshaft was machined to closer than original tolerances, as were main bearings when poured and align bored. New pistons (with a slightly higher compression ratio) and rings were fitted. The camshaft lobes and bearings were re-ground and hardened and new camshaft bearings were installed. Cam followers were radius ground, hardened and properly drilled to assure full oil feed to the cam lobes. The completed engine was run in on a dynamometer with a cartridge type oil filter, replaced later with the original New ignition wires and coils were installed. A new rotor was found (after considerable searching) to allow the engine to be run on either set of plugs or both. The carburetor was restored in 2021.
The front axle was corrected for camber and alignment, then fitted with new kingpins and bushings. A new exhaust system is the exact copy of the original. The starter and generator were rebuilt. Brakes were completely redone and fitted with stainless steel aircraft cables. Wheels were chemically stripped, trued and repainted. New period correct tires were mounted and the wheels were balanced dynamically on a Hunter Road Force machine in 2020. Careful adjustment assured excellent steering.
All instruments were rebuilt. Headlight reflectors were re-silvered and their shells and mounting bar re-plated. Fender lights were also re-silvered and re-plated. Rear lights were restored. Fuel tank was fully reconditioned. Telecontrol shocks absorbers were rebuilt and are operable. Springs were re-arched or replaced as needed. A modern overdrive was designed to allow the original drive train to be re-installed if desired. Highway cruising at modest engine speeds is now possible. The transmission was totally rebuilt in 2022 with new constant mesh gearing. Clutch was relined. New bearings and seals were installed in the differential. In 2020 the closing plates between the cam box and blocks were replaced and the bottom of the cam box was scraped to near absolute true for a perfect fit. A new radiator core of original pattern was installed in 2021. The water pump was completely overhauled in 2021 with new parts as needed and a modern extra seal was installed. Carburetor was totally reconditioned and adjusted for optimum performance. Constant mesh transmission gears and a sintered clutch were installed in 2022.
With its higher compression pistons it has about the same power to weight ratio as a Type 57, but is lighter and handier. Its improved performance encouraged fitting a lighter weight roadster body. After the 2/4 coupe body (in excellent condition) was removed and crated for storage, all major sub-assemblies were removed and checked to assure optimum condition. The chassis was then stripped, checked for “truth” and re-painted. A Murphy-inspired 1932 roadster body was fitted requiring only minor adjustment of the original firewall. Fenders were designed to complement the lines. Twin rear spares were added. A red leather interior accents the book-matched quilted maple instrument panel. With twin rear-mounted spares and a low windshield, it is consistent in appearance with Type 40A and Type 43A roadsters. A complete new wiring harness was fitted.
During this period 49369 had only modest use, totaling perhaps 2500 km. During a rally the engine was subjected to its first extended vigorous use, a proper run in. The engine now runs smoothly at all speeds and idles at “tick-over” r.p.m.
At a concours in Greenwich this roadster won the Judges’ Favorite award.
The P. Marsaud coachwork in excellent condition has been kept in dry storage
WE ARE US1 EXPORTS from Argentina . We have been 33 years in the international market . Our website is www.us1exports.com , our whatsapp : +5491149709177
|
