No new developments, I am affraid, but perhaps an old one to consider:

Can't imagine that Galle did a lot of bodies for Austro-Daimler. Now the question may arise who was inspired by whom?

Dear All

Bugwrench is entirely correct.

This is the story of this car: In the twenties a young Swiss designer with the name of W Köng from Basel, at that time working with Gallé in Paris had designed this body for a Bugatti (Ref F. Hediger: 'Klassische Wagen II' 1974). The body looked and looks stunning but it was not found practicable, and it was decided not to build the car. So the body has never been put on a Bugatti.

Some years ago a person (whose identity is better left out here) went with a bare type 38 frame and this picture to Anadon and asked whether they could build such a car. Of course they could and they did a wonderful job: the car looks stunning. Guy Huet had already suggested to have the car built (but he has nothing to do with this car). After the completion the car was advertised by a trader as 43202, with a complete history and 'six important owners from new'. Obviously they found paperwork of that particular car but it would be interesting to verify the history of the paperwork.

The engine does not have roller bearings and of course it has the incorrect firing order, but it seems the owner wanted to circumvene this problem by stating that it had a new engine. However all other parts are also brand new except the frame.

Those prospective buyers who want to drive the Mille Miglia with this car, beware for a big disappointment: although the type 43 originally has driven the Mille Miglia and thus a 43 is eligible, this car certainly is not!

Do not get me wrong: I am not at all against replica's but I very strongly object against replica's that pose as original cars with continuous provenance. This is a stunningly looking car and it certainly will give almost as much driving pleasure as an original car, and it even will give less headaches as every single piece can be replaced with a new one without loss of originality. Although strictly speaking it is not a replica (as the frame has a Molsheim origin) it should be called a 38 with new parts and not a 43.

The car does highlight the limitations of our nomenclature though.

PS: Johan: The Zagato body was a later body on 43198 (see page 94 of NLB-2)

Vive la Marque

Kees Jansen

Probably the same Köng who modified several Bugatti's, especially the cars from Charles Renaud (57383, 55216) and a Type 46 which he changed into a Fiacre.

Regards, Jeroen

_________________
Octagon Fox, specialist in new and rare Bugatti books
www.octagonfox.com
twitter: @octagonfox

Yes, it is indeed the same person.

and also see my mail dated 6th october 2008 via RIVAAQUARAMA