Bugatti 35/51 “Petit Coupé Friderich” - Exceptional Reconstruction - One-of-Model

Specifications:

Engine: 8-cylinder, dual-cam

Dog-clutch transmission

First registration: January 1, 1927

Chassis number: 4775

History:

In February 1926, Ernest Friderich, a Bugatti dealer in Nice, had the bold idea of converting a Type 35A into a small closed coupé to enter it in the spring races on the French Riviera. Friderich won the Turbie hill climb, finishing ahead of Louis Chiron, who was competing in the racing category. He also won the standing-start kilometer race in Nice, the Estérel hill climb, and the standing-start 500-meter race in Cannes. The bodywork of this coupe subsequently disappeared, and the original chassis, which was resold, has never been traced. Only a few vintage photos, including one showing Friderich sitting on the coupe’s front deflector, have preserved the memory of this unique and exquisite car.

It was this story that inspired Bruno Lafourcade and François Chevalier, two longtime Bugatti enthusiasts and collectors. In 1968, Bruno Lafourcade purchased the remains of a Bugatti 35 (chassis no. 4775) from Antoine Raffaëlli. The car was complete at the time, except for the engine and transmission.

In 2008, the two partners began considering the future of this wreck. They then recalled the photos of Friderich’s small coupe. The decision was made: they would not build a classic 35, but rather a faithful recreation of that long-lost coupe. Bruno Lafourcade initially wanted an 8-cylinder engine, but the car’s character hinged on its small radiator: the choice ultimately fell on a non-supercharged 51 engine, which runs cooler and is equipped with a carburetor, as was common in the postwar era.

Laurent Rondoni, of Ventoux Moteurs Ingénierie, took charge of the mechanical work, while Lafourcade and Chevalier handled the bodywork. The woodwork was entrusted to Camille Bourges, the veneer to Patrick Barrier, the Weymann roof to Didier Texier, and the paintwork was applied by François Chevalier himself.

The restoration, which required significant resources, was completed in 2011. The car made its first public appearance at the Rassemblement International Bugatti en Provence, then was exhibited at Mathieu Lustrerie that same year during an exhibition dedicated to the brand.

It is registered in France and is listed on the registration certificate as a Type 35A.

Car Condition and Technical Specifications:

A file of invoices documenting all work performed will be provided with the car. In 2022, the car was sold by Artcurial and was still in the break-in period at that time. The current owner—a Bugatti collector—has since invested a great deal of time and resources to ensure the car’s reliability.

It runs very well today, and here are a few technical details to keep in mind:

- Replacement of new dashboard components with period-correct or period-style parts,

- Installation of 1930s-era turn signals,

- Modification of the handbrake with the installation of a ratchet,

- Installation of a muffler on the exhaust,

- Lining of the transmission by installing a 5mm plywood panel on the back of the firewall (as on the ’38, ’40, and ’43 models),

- The car is equipped with new 20-inch spoked wheels with bead-type tires to match the period aesthetic (19-inch spoked wheels with Blockley tube-type tires are included with the car).

- Complete overhaul of the fuel system,

- Complete rewiring of the car’s electrical system,

- Installation of small fans behind the radiator.

The owner drives the car regularly and recently covered over 1,500 km behind the wheel during a rally. The car is being sold fully serviced and in perfect running condition.

Documents:

Vehicle registration certificate

File of invoices and maintenance history

The car can be viewed near Issy-les-Moulineaux (92130).

The information presented in this listing is provided by the car’s seller.

Worldwide delivery available.

Contact us for more information.

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