1931 Pur Sang Bugatti Type 51

This 1931 Pur Sang Bugatti Type 51 Re-construction offered here is the product of a faithfully craft-based atelier. Pur Sang Argentina is respected and renowned for adopting the concepts and philosophies of Ettore Bugatti's Molsheim. Virtually every reconstructed part of this Type 51 was built within the shops of the Villa Lola. Pur Sang uses artisanal techniques and methods throughout the manufacturing process, basing each and every part on the originals produced in Molsheim.

So accurate are Pur Sang's restorations and part recreation that they are the world leaders in semi-finished parts to owners of Molsheim-built Bugattis. Complete engines and gearboxes are used in touring and historic racing restorations and re-constructions.

The twin cam Bugatti Type 51 occupies a special place in Bugatti, and racing, history. Conceived in 1924 and introduced at the ACF Grand Prix in Lyon with a team of six examples, of which five raced, the Type 35 set the scene for later models to come. Powered by a 1,991 cc inline eight-cylinder single overhead camshaft engine operating two intakes and one exhaust valve, the Type 35's were beautiful and quick. The spare, narrow, streamlined bodies were highlighted by another Bugatti innovation, 8-spoke cast aluminum center lock wheels with integral brake drums.

The twin cam head dramatically improved the Bugatti eight's performance from under 100hp in the original unsupercharged Type 35, to 170hp on gasoline in the 2.3 litre (2,262cc) Type 51. Only 41 were built in a six-year run and they were bought and raced by the elite of Bugatti's customers, Achille Varzi, Marcel Lehoux, Jean Pierre Wimille, Louis Chiron and Arthur Conan Doyle among them.

The Type 51 represents the ultimate evolution of the brilliant and famed series that began with the Type 35. It is the pre-eminent re-construction among Pur Sang Argentina's work, remarkable not only for the fidelity of its construction and the meticulous finishing for which the eight-cylinder Bugattis are justly famed but also for the faithfulness of the Pur Sang Type 51's driving experience.

This 1931 Pur Sang Bugatti Type 51 reconstruction is powered by the 2.3 litre dual overhead camshaft straight eight supercharged engine, with 170 brake horsepower. Weighing only about 1,700 pounds in GP trim, even adding a driver and passenger brings the weight only to the vicinity of a ton, under 12 pounds per horsepower at peak.

The engine has a one-piece cast block, light alloy crankcase and pressure lubrication. A single Solex updraft carburetor supplies the supercharger running at 1:1 crankshaft speed with 4-5psi boost pressure at maximum. The aluminum body is unfinished and full road equipment including cycle-style mudguards, headlights and a spare wheel and tyre allow it to be driven on the road. It is upholstered in black leather and is fitted with an electric starter, thermostatically controlled electric radiator fan and a concealed alternator driven off the driveshaft.

Offered with USA title documents, import tax will be due on this car at the prevailing rate based on the country of its final destination.