Or made casting moulds from existing parts, and have no drawings whatsoever.

Anyhow, they make great cars, which look just like Bugattis. As mentioned before, the problem lies in 3 things:

-Crooks that try and sell these cars as originals.
-Crooks that try and create 2 original Bugattis out of 1 original, and one Pur Sang.

Second option is usually done to get a Pur Sang on the road, street legal.

Obtaining a chassis number from the BOC is what can obscure the history (if there is any...) of the car.

And that is why (readily) available information is so important. The WIKI is a very usable tool for that.

_________________
Vive la Marque !!

For me a BOC chassis number is preferred above using an existing chassis number from a disappeared car. A car having a BOC number at least is a good indication that not all parts originate from Molsheim. (or none at all)

As I recall it, the existence of BOC numbers started for cars having lost their original papers through some circumstances, but still being original cars. This soon changed in a way to identify home-made replica's, using sometimes original parts, but lacking chassis numbers. I believe they also had some sort of arrangement for the UK, enabling it for cars with a BOC number to be registered (though the cars obviously did not comply with all modern rules concerning seat belts and airbags etc.). Once a car had been registered in the UK, it was easier to export it, and receive registration in other countries.

Bugwrench, correct me if I'm wrong!

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www.BugattiPage.com
www.BugattiRevue.com
www.BugattiAircraft.com

To give an idea of what BC numbers mean here are details of the first three. This is an unofficial list.

To the best of my knowledge the BOC has never issued a definitve register of the cars on this list with relevant dates and owners etc., and probably never will.

BC 001 (4661)
A blue type 35B built up to 1928 specifications between 1969 and 1974 by Hugh Conway from mainly original components based on a pre-1927 ex-Jim Berry chassis frame (no. 112) obtained from Alan Haworth who also provided a bent front axle and gearbox casing. The engine is from a type 43 but rebuilt into a spare crankcase providing the correct mounting arms. Rear axle from Pat Carmichael. Original rear springs but new front items from France. BOC gearbox internals, steering box, cylinder blocks, type 51 wheels. New body by Peel. UK reg. no. NY 6286. Known as “The Jackdaw”. First appearance. Lyon rally in 1974. Car track tested by Michael Bowler for “Thoroughbred & Classic Cars” in May, 1976. Miss Narisa Chakrabongse, H.F. Moffatt. 1979 : R.E. Grant. The car is listed in the 2000 British Bugatti Register where it is noted that the car carries a chassis plate stamped 4661. A senior member of the UK BOC advised the author that this was attached by Moffatt. There is no record of when the BC 001 chassis plate was issued but since BC 003 was issued in 1977 it is assumed that it would have been issued sometime between 1973 and 1977. See Bugantics 38/1/42.

BC 002
A type 23 assembled by Bob King in Australia using parts provided by David Roberts after car 2569 was destroyed in an accident. The chassis frame is of a two-wheel brake type and had been found by Gavin Campbell in around 1960. It was fitted with engine no. 892 from car 2526 (but it is noted that the crankcase has been overstamped with the no. 2566). A chassis plate with the UK BOC serial no.1002 was issued to King for this car stamped on the front “BC 002”, The UK BOC does not record when this plate was issued but it is assumed it took place around late 1976 or early 1977. The car was fitted with an attractive three-seater boat-tail body of 1922 design built by Harry Donders. The project was completed in 1978 and the car competed in the Australian Bugatti Rally in Canberra in that year. It was given the reg. no. (VIC) 1·601. In a 2006 publication it is noted that King's ownership continued until 1995 when the car was sold to Christopher H.L. Owen is in the USA.

BC 003
A type 35B built up from mainly genuine parts based on an original rolling chassis obtained from Raffaëlli. It was issued with its “BC” plate (refered to by the UK BOC with the serial no. 1003) on 4th Feb. 1977 when in the ownership of John Ward. It carries a UK age-related reg. no. SV 5340. It was acquired by B.C. Moore in 1984.

Theesse....

I have answered your questions, so I have one for you.

Is your line of questioning to do with Hugh Conways letter in Octane magazine as scanned below?

** Taps fingers and waits **