Grand Prix Historique de Bressuire Classic French road-race sees a Bugatti-inspired special in action for the first time since the Forties

Former saloon sees action for the first time since the Forties at the Grand Prix historique de Bressuire

Peugeot 201 special

This is the first outing for this 1929 Peugeot 201 since being laid up following a crash right back in 1947,’ said Charente-based Brit Steve Graham. ‘Eighteen months ago I found it on the roadside in Plueville. It then was a six-seater saloon, but its condition was so poor it would have gone for scrap if I hadn’t bought it.

‘The body was beyond repair, but the chassis and mechanics were saveable. That’s why I decided to build a special based on them. My inspiration for the design was the 201X, a supercharged 1931 Grand Prix racer designed for Peugeot by Ettore Bugatti.’ The 201X featured a 995cc four-cylinder engine that was in effect half a Bugatti Type 35 engine built to Grand Prix specifications, with a roller-bearing crankshaft.

‘Over 1000 hours went into refurbishing the chassis, totally rebuilding the 1122cc engine – not one of the Bugatti-designed units, sadly, but related to it – and sourcing rare Peugeot 201 parts throughout France. I crafted a new timberframed zinc-coated body and carried out a complete paint job. What I couldn’t find, I had to manufacture myself in my barn.

‘Bressuire’s an exciting circuit, and good experience for me and the car. However it was no match for the highly-tuned Austin Sevens it was up against – unbelievably my Peugeot was the only French car contesting the Cyclecar class, especially given how many French marques made them. But I’ll work on the engine and improve its performance. It’s entered for Le Puy-notre-dame and the hill climb at La Mothesaint-héray. So we’ll see how it does there.’