23/09/2012 The Bugatti Car Club re-visit XM655

Sunday saw a return visit of the Bugatti Car Club to XM655, and this time brought a Bugatti (and heavy rain!) along with them!

3 Classics line up before XM655 in the pouring rain
Copyright© Bryan Hull

Despite the weather, all had a very enjoyable visit

A little about the cars — Left to right, 1929 MG M-type, 1926 Bugatti Type 35B, and a 1931 Lea Francis P Type 12/40 h.p. Four Seater Tourer.

The MG was acquired by its current owner, Frank Ashley as a semi-derelict wreck in 1967. It was rebuilt during the 70s, finally hitting the road in 1987. The car was never intended to be in absolute original condition, but to be tidy and usable. To this extent, it sports hydraulic brakes, front hinged doors aka late models, a 4 speed gearbox and 12 volt electrics. It also achieved the coveted Car of the Year award for 2007.

The Bugatti sports a 2261cc S8 Supercharged engine. The 35B was produced to correspond with the updated Grand Prix regulations, limiting capacity to 1.5 litre. Bugatti reduced the bore of the Type 35 and mounted a light Rootes supercharger. Starting the era of the blown Bugatti. In order to perform well in the Formula Libre events such as the Targa Florio the Type 35B was produced with an increase to 2261cc and a larger supercharger. The chassis layout remained basically the same and brake drum and tyre sizes were increased and the radiator moved further forward to allow for the larger supercharger.

The Lea Francis P Type was launched during their most profitable year of 1927 with the last example leaving the works in 1933, and was one of the best selling models manufactured by Lea Francis