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vor 13 Stunden schrieb hektor:

I don't think there is a place for "custom rods" at Pebble Beach.

That is wrong, hektor. At least in 2001 they had a special "hot rod" prize and invited six iconic Hot Rods to take part. This vehicle isn´t a hot rod.

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Only 65 of the type 50 were made.  The first Bugatti with two overhead camshafts.  200 bhp and 0-60 in 8 seconds.  Incredible for 1931.  Pity about the non-original and uncomplimentary colour.  Why it received an award surprised me.  Even the door handles were not horizontal and I imagine the dip-stick had oil on it !!!

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4 hours ago, Rona!d said:

I would think this is a Bugatti Type 50S (chassis-no. 50117, coachwork by Million-Guiet - these details I had to look up).

All correct, Ronald, except for one detail, which probably is only of importance to the hyper-obsessed, but I don't think it's an 'S' model. In Bugatti parlance, the S model designation stood for 'surbaisse', with the best, most accurate translation in this instance would be 'underslung' - referring to the rear suspension design, which I believe Ettore's son Jean innovated at the inception of the 1936 57SC series. This design allowed for much lower cars, hence better handling, and 50117 appears to have the traditional frame structure. (Attached please see a period schematic of an 'Atlantiic' coupe showing the arrangement of the leaf-spring suspended rear axle - not my photo ).

JZG

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............and a rear view - please note the beautiful, 'hi-tec' for the era alloy wheels incorporating the brake drums. 

Your turn, Ronald.

JZG

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John, I added "S" later as it was noted somewhere. If I got it right, this 1931 was if not "the first" but "one of the early ones".

Do you have any information about the change of the color scheme over the years? From the 1961 show win I only know b&w photos. Later color snaps show a grey and black car (until around 2011). I know the period big 16 cyls of Marmon and Cadillac were in green/black, so this color combo might be "period" but what about this car?

Anyone of the Bugatti guys have detailed info?

I´ll post the next tomorrow.

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Chassis # 50117 was one of the three 1931 Le Mans works cars Ettore sent. It crashed with Conelli and killed a spectator. Sources say the soft Michelin tyres weren’t strong enough for the Type 50 in racing condition. In 1934 and 1935 it appeared again in the 24hrs. but failed. Not sure if it was a coupe in the beginning as at least one of the three 1931 Le Mans works cars was an open car. Also not sure if some people falsely called it an „S“ for the more powerful race engine (275 hp. vs 225 hp).

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23 minutes ago, Rona!d said:

Sources say the soft Michelin tyres weren’t strong enough.

I had a set of Michelin tyres on my Audi S6.  The firewalls shredded.  I now run Dunlops; am on my second set and they have been excellent, particularly in the wet.  With all-wheel drive it is hard to get it sideways.

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1 hour ago, hektor said:

I had a set of Michelin tyres on my Audi S6.  The firewalls shredded.  I now run Dunlops; am on my second set and they have been excellent, particularly in the wet.  With all-wheel drive it is hard to get it sideways.

I meant sidewalls.

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It is interesting that Ettore made snide comments about Bentley making the world's fastest trucks and then made one himself. One interesting difference which Ettore would have done well to note is that the Speed Six has excellent brakes for the period, with a very effective vacuum servo. Both 50's I have driven, had terrible brakes, where even the owners warned me before driving them. 

Wilson

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And here the next one, gents. Had to dig a bit 😉

 

 

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vor 7 Stunden schrieb wizard:

I am sure I have seen this before, but can't quite remember what model it is. Something German from the fifties or sixties I believe.

Pretty vaguely. Maybe you remember what you have seen where. 50/60s quite possible as already mentioned above.

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