Think the replica business is a new development? Guess again! This neat little Bugatti replica dates to the 1970s and uses a sturdy and reliable VW Beetle platform to re-create one of history's greatest sports cars the Bugatti Type 35. Now obviously it isn't going to fool purists but if you want the most entertaining 4-wheeled experience per dollar this car has few equals.They got the proportions pretty close on this replica starting with the traditional Bugatti horseshoe-shaped grille long hood and boattail-style bodywork. The original cars were as minimalist as you could be and still call it an automobile and were designed primarily for racing and this car carries the same attitude. Note the cycle-style fenders the low-slung chassis and exposed hand brake not to mention the lower cladding that's held on by safety wire for easy access. These are all details that recall the original at least in flavor if not function. It's been in the same owner's hands for 25 years so obviously there's something to its charm and honestly it's pretty easy to imagine sitting behind those tiny windscreens and slinging this sportster through the turns of your favorite country road. Finish quality is decent acceptable for weekend outings but this isn't a show car and was never intended to be. It's mostly fiberglass of course but that also means it's durable and easy to maintain. You also get chrome headlights poking up over the fenders a side-mounted spare and plenty of lighting out back for safety. The interior is still very minimalist in the Bugatti tradition. Brown vinyl on a bench seat doesn't do much to hold you in place so it's a good idea they added seat belts too. The wood-rimmed steering wheel feels beefy in your hands and is directly connected to the front suspension so you always know exactly what's going on. The matching wood dashboard has a vintage vibe and carries basic gauges to monitor the air-cooled engine's vitals. A 4-speed shifter sticks out of the floor and will feel familiar to anyone who has driven a Beetle and the seating position is pretty good for something so low. There's no top no side curtains no radio no heater so there's nothing to get in the way of the fun. Everything is in good condition considering its age and it needs nothing to start having fun immediately. And while the Bugatti sported a straight-8 under that long hood this VW-based replica has a fairly spacious trunk area with a big gas tank up there for easy cruising.The 1800 cc VW flat-four lives under the pointed rear deck and the illusion is pretty convincing. Of course start it up and it has that traditional VW soundtrack but the gutsy little engine moves the lightweight roadster with aplomb. It's easy to maintain parts are insanely cheap and this really is more fun that you should be allowed to have with a car. The VW's all-independent suspension works especially well with the low-slung roadster bodywork and the drum brakes are powerful in this application too. New components include the carburetor a fresh tune up brake drums and new wheel cylinders so it's ready to play. And those spoked wheels with 6.00-15 blackwall tires it has more than a passing similarity to the Type 35's original wheels.No it's not a million-dollar find but that's not the point. The truth is this is just fun boiled down to its most elemental level and for that this car is ideally suited. Call today.