Description
Chassis no. 772
Engine n° 445
– Rare and interesting model
– High-quality restoration
– Ready to drive
– Surprising performance
Around 2003, after the restoration of a Bugatti 57, Bruno Lafourcade and François Chevalier were looking for a new project to fill their weekends. “We discovered a Bugatti Type 13 in parts at Yves Ancelin. An engine in pieces, radiator, chassis, worm-type steering box, gearbox, differential, axle, four wooden wheels etc,” explains François Chevalier. “The car was almost complete… at least the first half! “The small 1300cc 8-valve engine was overhauled by Laurent Rondoni (Ventoux Moteur Ingénierie) with a hollow crankshaft. The lubrication was modified so that it could be lubricated under pressure using the original oil pump. Laurent Rondoni also modified the metal plates between the radiator and the engine to stiffen the front part of the chassis. This is a common and discreet improvement often performed on Type 13 and 22/23 cars. While the mechanical side of the work was entrusted to an internationally renowned specialist, “the rest” was carried out by Bruno and François in their spacious garage. This included the painting work carried out by Bruno and François with brushes and sandpaper. There was a lot of delicate work involved, such as matching the front and rear wings, to ensure the car was just right.
The Type 13 received a few unobtrusive improvements to improve handling characteristics. An alternator driven by the driveshaft powers a starter motor and the lights (while retaining the original acetylene headlights). A rev counter with a 4000 rpm scale, taken from a Delage, makes it possible to check the speed. “I once set it to 3000 rpm,” François remembers. “That should correspond to a good 102-103 km/h. But with the 8-valve engine, it's the car that sets the pace. It drives at 2 rpm, around 500 km/h. “François Chevalier added an adaptable Michelin spare wheel that can take the car to a garage in case of a problem. “It's very smart,” notes the Bugatti enthusiast. ” This extra wheel is attached to the outside of the wheel. But I'm not sure how that would work on the front end. ”
After a year and a half of restoration work, Bruno and François took a trip through the Alps, passing about ten passes! “We only drove in first gear once or twice. “François Chevalier remembers. The descents were probably more exciting than the climbs, given the lack of front brakes!
This little Bugatti, which was inspected in 2004 and of which about a thousand were built (there are only half a dozen left in France), was one of Bruno Lafourcade's favorite cars because he could get into it at any time. Known among specialists and with a French license plate, this Type 13 offers a rare opportunity to participate in the Bugatti dream with peace of mind.
