Description
1924 BUGATTI BRESCIA
DS 9236
In 1910, Ettore Bugatti began the first designs and construction of his type 13 model. Light-weight and powerful, this model was destined to show the Edwardian giants that huge engines and chain-drive weren’t the only way to win races!
Constantly developed from the early 8 valve models, the Type 13 truly came of age in 1921 with the development of its engine, now with 16 valves, overhead camshaft and larger capacity 1453cc.
This progression led to the models now ubiquitous moniker “Brescia”, when in September 1921, Bugatti won The Grand Prix Des Voiturettes, finishing in the top four places!
As the above goes a little way to explain, there can be no doubt that these early cars represent the early pinnacle of Ettore’s design and engineering. As a result, the model spawned a successful production of the short chassis Type 13 and longer chassis Type 22 and Type 23, which were often clothed in attractive coachwork, from sporting to touring styles.
I am delighted to offer DS 9236 for sale, a lovely example, of a now, shortened chassis Brescia.
The history of this car, from the information we have, is as follows… the original Type 23 rolling chassis was found by Colin Crabbe in Argentina and imported back to the U. K. Colin is world renowned for having turned up some of the most important cars from around the globe, hunting in places not previously searched, all pre internet!
Having found the car, Crabbe sold it (on behalf of the owner Edwardo Salzman) to well-known collector Humphrey Avon, who commissioned the late Bugatti specialist Ernie Allen, to complete a restoration of the car to Type 13 Specification. The chassis was then sent to Gino Hoskins to repair and shorten. The car still required an engine and this was sourced from Bugatti Collector Wolf Zeuner, originally purchased by him from Bunny Phillips. This engine is number 646 which came from chassis 2244. The block was heavily damaged so a new block was sourced from the Bugatti owners Club, whilst the engine internals were replaced with a new crank-shaft and rods from Brineton Engineering. By 1991, the restored car, was ready to enjoy life back on the open road!
As is typical with a Bugatti restored from many original parts, Mr Avon applied to the Bugatti owners Club for help in registering the car with its original chassis, original front and rear axles and original engine. The club were happy to issue a BC chassis plate, issued when the original chassis number is not known, not unusual with Bugatti’s as chassis were not numbered by the factory. The car is now numbered BC67 and road registered DS 9236, with a UK V5C.
After its restoration, BC67 has been well maintained and in constant use by subsequent owners, including many well-known names from the VSCC and Bugatti world.
Always used in competition, from trialling to speed events and many Bugatti rallies, maintenance and parts often handled by expert specialists, TULA, Gentry Restorations and Brineton Engineering.
With beautiful detail and in fine mechanical fettle, it is an ideal entry to Bugatti ownership, featuring original Chassis, Engine and major parts. BC67 is a fantastic way to enjoy the myriad of VSCC and Bugatti events the world over.
