16 replies to this topic

[dbw]

on a bit of a dare, i built this car 15 or so years ago....the object was to build an exact copy of a t37 gp car using no original factory parts...totally created by hand using no existing parts...it took a lot of research, time, and money...as it was my car, i didn't plan on representing as anything other than a replica...the other choice i made as a craftsman was to finish it as a fine jeweler might [god knows bugatti didn't]....so it was eventually sold and has recently appeared in the inventory of fantasy junction in california..here's a link to the inventory...perhaps someone could post s few picces to stimulate conversation.

http://www.fantasyjunction.com look under inventory

any questions/comments?..................btw i also did the initial restoration on the simca abarth from a rolling shell.

[West3]

The word "fake" seems wholly inappropriate. It demeans your efforts.

I am dumbfounded. Beautiful, just beautiful!

[David McKinney]

If I was building a "fake" T37 I'd at least give it proper wire wheels

[tyjak]

OUTSTANDING !!!!

[David M. Woodhouse]

Anything built by Dave Willis is done to the very highest standard (shameless plug, he's also a nice guy). The T37, and it's blown version T37A, are great fun to drive and less expensive to maintain than the eight cylinder and roller bearing crank cars. If I weren't unemployed, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Woody
Member, Bugatti Owners Club and American Bugatti Club

[petefenelon]

Originally posted by dbw
on a bit of a dare, i built this car 15 or so years ago....the object was to build an exact copy of a t37 gp car using no original factory parts...totally created by hand using no existing parts...it took a lot of research, time, and money...as it was my car, i didn't plan on representing as anything other than a replica...the other choice i made as a craftsman was to finish it as a fine jeweler might [god knows bugatti didn't]....so it was eventually sold and has recently appeared in the inventory of fantasy junction in california..here's a link to the inventory...perhaps someone could post s few picces to stimulate conversation.

http://www.fantasyjunction.com look under inventory

any questions/comments?..................btw i also did the initial restoration on the simca abarth from a rolling shell.

Utterly and totally exquisite, so's the Simca Abarth.

Mind you, I must admit that were I lucky enough to have that kind of money, my first quarter-million or so would go on the Arnolt-'Vette... was there ever a prettier sports-racer?;)

[race4aliving]

WOW!!
Very nice.

[dbw]

you could actually get a t37 with paddle wheels from the factory..however they would be "small drum" as shown.


woody!!!! good to know you're out there!! cripes, i can't afford to buy it back..

[David M. Woodhouse]

Yes, but you can always build another. Bringing anything exciting to Monterey next month?

Woody

[MPea3]

Wow, I am amazed. I don't know enough about the cars to really compare other than looking at photographs of original cars, but your craftsmanship and attention to detail are astounding. I deal with duplication and restoration on a daily basis but in wood instead of metal. I must say I envy you.

You don't mention the running gear...

[Rob G]

Wonderful work! If I had my choice of cars to buy on that site, I'd probably go for your Bugatti, although that blue Packard is very tempting too. Oh well, I don't have that kind of cash, so I guess that makes my choice easier.

[David Birchall]

Blimey!! Very, very nice.

This thread is timely since I have been thinking along similar lines but using an AC Ace engine since it looks very 'vintage'. I know of a T35/37 body nearby and was considering this for a chassis:

http://www.onyxsport....co.uk/id21.htm

Whaddya think?

[McGuire]

Originally posted by dbw

any questions/comments?

Comment: Magnificent.

Question: How many man-hours?

[MPea3]

dbw, I'l understand if you'd rather not answer this question, but with your description of the car including the word "fake", do you feel the ad fairly and accurately represents the car?

[Jack-the-Lad]

Originally posted by dbw
you could actually get a t37 with paddle wheels from the factory..however they would be "small drum" as shown.


woody!!!! good to know you're out there!! cripes, i can't afford to buy it back..

Coincidentally, I was just admiring your car the other day, as I check FJ's web site a couple of times a week. Very iipressive, indeed. You must be justifiably proud.


Jack

[T54]

Replicars like that one I don't mind.

[David Birchall]

DBW, can you give use more info on the construction-did you make all of it or was some of it provided by the BOC and others? As someone else suggested, number of man hours too