1913 Bugatti Type 18 Labourdette

1913 Bugatti Type 18 Labourdette Torpedo 'Black Bess'

Featured is the ex-Roland Garros Bugatti Type 18, which bears the chassis number 474. It has not only survived but is in remarkable original condition as it still sports the original engine, chassis and Labourdette body. It spent most of its long and documented life in Great Britain. One of the first owners was legendary Sunbeam engineer Louis Coatalen. Between 1919 and 1924 the car was raced by Miss Ivy Cummings. She named the car 'Black Bess' after Dick Turpin's famous steed. At the end of the 20s the aging racer was abandoned as too much work was needed to keep it running.

Fortunately British motoring journalist Bill Boddy tracked the car down in 1933 and saved it from destruction. The chain-driven Bugatti was fully restored and subsequently campaigned extensively for many decades to come. Between 1948 and 1988 it was owned by the great Bugatti collector Peter Hampton. He sold the car to the current owner who continued to campaign 'Black Bess' in many events.

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