Delahaye
USA "Bella Figura" Bugnotti Coupe
The
"Bella Figura" Bugnotti Coupe is a design from Delahaye USA based in
Long Valley, New Jersey. The first car is currently under construction and
should be finished in time for the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours in Monterey.
The
shape of the car was influenced by the Bugatti Type 57S - hence the 'Bugnotti'
name. Several different versions and models of the Bugatti contributed to the
car's styling. Ralph Lauren's 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Gangloff bodied Drophead
Coupe - which was designed by Ettore Bugatti's son Jean - was the inspiration
for the rear quarter of the car.
The
"Bella Figura" Bugnotti Coupe features a choice of either alloy,
carbon fibre or fiberglass bodywork, which is laid over a custom made chassis
with two different suspension options. Either a Bugatti-style beam axle setup
with elliptical springs, or a conventional upper and lower A-arm suspension
system will be available.
Delahaye
USA have stayed rather vague about the drivetrain options, stating only that it
will use a "late model powertrain (your choice of engine)". The
interior will get modern equipment too, like air conditioning, power brakes,
power steering and power windows.
All
in all it's an original project. However with a price tag of US$ 250,000 for the
carbon fiber bodied version, and and even more drastic US$ 450,000 for the alloy
bodied model. It remains to be seen whether many punters with tastes for
classic cars with modern underpinnings will hand over the cash.
