Oldtimer

Onyx Bugatti 37 replica

This is a lovely Bugatti 37 replica with an all-alloy body.

The car is based around a kit made by a small British enterprise called Onyx. It is correctly UK registered as an Onyx Bug 37, first registered in 2012. The registration is currently a normal age-related plate (CY12 VHV) but can be switched to a vintage plate under UK legislation.

The running gear is based, as far as I understand it, on an MG Midget 1.5 litre engine, 4-speed gearbox and rear axle. (The original Bugatti 37 was also 1.5 litre).

The chassis is purpose-built, and the body is all alloy and was made by Ivan Dutton, a well known Bugatti specialist. I am told that the dimensions are within a few mm of the real Type 37. One of the nice aspects of the Onyx is the front drop axle, which again makes it all the more like the real thing.

The brakes are based on TR6 drums which give an authentic appearance. As a real type 37 would have had cable brakes, the brake hoses are hidden as best as possible. It also has a concealed twin brake servo unit in the rear which runs from the engine vacuum.

The cockpit is reasonably authentic. It features a genuine Jaeger speedo and Jaeger clock. Please note they were both serviced a couple of years ago, but the clock has recently stopped working. The speedo has never been connected as it will require a geared connection to correct the cable rotation speed. There’s a genuine magneto in the centre of the dash which is for visual effect only. There are other vintage details like the (non-functioning) hand fuel pump. There is a modern speedometer which runs from a GPS receiver and a discreet modern fuel gauge.

The gear lever exists, as correct for a Bugatti, outside the right-hand side of the cockpit. Once you’re used to the concept it’s a lot of fun.

The car currently has a UK MOT valid until October.

If the buyer is in Europe there is a French Quitus Fiscal document to say there is no VAT to pay as it pre-dates Brexit. Any potential buyer must confirm for themselves that it will be acceptable in other European countries.

The car is developing a nice patina of its own and turns heads wherever it goes.

The engine should be capable of around 50-70 bhp (38-53 kW) in standard spec., though I have never had it tuned or measured.

Any questions, please ask.

N.B. All the above information is to the best of my understanding or recollection of what I’ve been told. Any purchaser must confirm for themselves any details.