Registration No: VRA 201K
Chassis No: EB572W
MOT: June 2024

• Only 8,143 miles from new (at time of consignment)
• In the vendor's possession since 1998 with only one former keeper
• Offered with a history file including the original sales invoice
• Correctly registered as a Dri-sleeve on the V5C document

At the top of many a wish list, the Type 35/37 is arguably the most significant Bugatti ever made. A bewitching blend of artistry and engineering that has entranced generations of enthusiasts since its 1924 French GP debut, the model has also inspired various imitations, one such being the examples from Dri-Sleeve Car Company Ltd. Founded in 1969 by mechanical engineers Ryder Slone, Boris Willison, and Peter Jackson, the name was derived from the fact that each car was supplied new with a sleeve for the right arm! Using a specially designed welded steel ladder frame of suitably narrow proportions, strength being added by means of a built-up steel structure behind the engine and around the scuttle area. Front suspension is taken from a Volkswagen Beetle with telescopic dampers by suitably vintage friction type dampers, with a Ford Cortina rear axle used. Power is provided by a Ford Cortina 1600 GT engine allied to a Ford four-speed manual transmission.

Supplied by the sole distributor J. A. Else & Son of Condor, Derbyshire, ‘VRA 201K’ cost £1,979 new. This example is finished traditionally in Blue with complementary Brown interior upholstery and is accompanied by a fitted tonneau cover. The evocation is nicely detailed with numerous louvers and scoops, leather bonnet straps, a side-mounted spare wheel, a metal-rim steering wheel, an external handbrake, period Smiths-style dials, Brooklands aero screens, and racing stickers. Retained by the first owner until his passing in 1998, the Type 37 evocation was regularly used by him including being driven to the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1978. Following the vendor's acquisition, it was used sparingly and spent approximately the previous twenty years in dry storage.

Recently unearthed from storage, the Dri-sleeve has been fully recommissioned by Merlin Classic Cars with renewed starting equipment including dynamo and battery, an overhaul of the brakes, new fuel lines and flushed tank, clutch refurbishment, attention to the wiring, servicing, and a new fan belt. Supplied with an MOT certificate with no advisories until June 2024, the Bugatti evocation is now ready for use, and started readily and ran well during our photography session. Offered with a large history file that contains the original sales invoices, build images, numerous older MOT certificates and tax discs, technical data, other sundry paperwork, and current V5C document, in which it is correctly registered as a Dri-sleeve.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452