Presented here is a 1927 Bugatti Type 35B Replica, built in 1980 on a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and powered by the donor ’67 Bug’s 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Finished in turquoise with a blue stripe over a grey vinyl interior, the car is offered by the longtime owning family, whose patriarch acquired it in 1986 from the builder; the latter’s name is commemorated on a dash plaque which remains. The odometer shows 1,645 miles, believed to be the total driven since the 1980 build, and the vehicle is located in Uxbridge, Ontario.
The fibreglass body is styled to emulate the original pre-war Grand Prix Bugatti, and its original turquoise finish from build remains. Exterior features include externally mounted headlights, black cycle-style fenders,leather bonnet strap, and exposed dual rear exhaust outlets. A spare tire is mounted on the passenger’s side and a tow bar is included in the sale. The horn is currently inoperable and a second bonnet strap needs replacing. The boat tail rear was considered a hallmark of the Bugatti Type 35 race car. In this car, it doubles as an engine cover, given the rear engine VW Beetle layout, removable by eight standard screws.
The car is equipped with white-painted steel wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus tires the seller advises were installed in 2024, with use not more than driving the car home from installation facility. Braking is provided by a four-wheel drum system, which has been recently serviced. Suspension components are in keeping with the original VW chassis design.
The interior is trimmed in grey vinyl and features a recently reupholstered bench seat with lap belts. An aluminum dashboard houses analog gauges by Classic Instruments for oil temperature, oil pressure, tachometer, voltage, fuel level, and odometer. A wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is installed, and the dashboard is fitted with a period-style AM radio and external antenna. A Hurst-style high-speed shifter is also fitted.
The rear-mounted 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission sourced from the original 1967 VW Beetle donor car. Recent maintenance completed in 2024 includes a new carburetor, spark plugs, battery, and a full tune-up. Engine oil and transmission fluid were also changed at that time. The engine bay is presentable, shown in the gallery, and a dual exhaust system is in place.
The seller advises that a new steering column coupling, which is included in the sale, will require installation. The vehicle was recently brought out of long-term storage and has undergone mechanical and cosmetic servicing totalling over $9,000, with supporting invoices shown in the gallery. Light imperfections and scratches are noted in the finish, also as shown in the gallery. An appraisal conducted in July 2024 is also included in the gallery.
This 1927 Bugatti Type 35B Replica is offered with two keys, a tow bar, supporting documentation by the 39-year owning family in Uxbridge.