Trying to find info on an old type 44 Bugatti

I don't know where to ask this.....


A significant Ferrari owner here in New Zealand is rebuilding/restoring an old Bugatti type 44 and is trying to find out any early information/history that might be out there.

This is what he has thus far:


The original rolling chassis 441021 with engine, gearbox and axle nr. 725 was imported by Brazilian agent, Ed de Matarazzo, in 1929. An American found the T44 after all these years in Argentina, in 1972. He shipped the car to the States, then sold it to another American several years later, but no restoration had taken place.

Paul Hicks bought the car in 1997, and imported it into NZ. He researched the car through the Bugatti Trust, and John Staveley, who keeps a register of T44’s.

The original engine was replaced at some stage with nr.139, which came from chassis 44609, which was also imported by Ed de Matarazzo in 1928, but there is no history of the car, or body style while in Brazil.

The current T44 has chassis 441021, engine 139, and gearbox and axle 725. Replacing engines in those days was not uncommon. These details have been authenticated by the Bugatti Trust, UK, who have issued a replacement chassis plate 441021.

It is interesting to note that in over thirty years, and three owners, the car was untouched. Someone in South America had shortened the chassis by about 300mm, and tried to make a 2 seat sports car out of it, (see photo taken in the USA in 1972). Wheels were 17 inch, and hydraulic brakes of unknown origin had been fitted. The flywheel had been machined down to accommodate a conventional clutch, and the driveshaft was shortened. However, the radiator, engine, gearbox, rear end, suspension and steering were all in reasonable condition. With a bit of work, the engine was coaxed into life, but has since been stripped and reconditioned. The pistons have been re-used, but sleeves, bearings, valve springs, oil & water pumps and all studs and nuts have been replaced.

I decided to have the Bugatti restored by Wallace McNair, a well known professional vintage/classic car restorer in Hamilton, New Zealand. Inspiration for the body being built came from the well known Lydia Type 40. Richard Stanley from Lancefield, Victoria, Australia came across to help Wallace create the new body panels and guards. Richard and Wallace have known each other since school days and have previously worked together on Richard's Type 23. While Richard was in NZ, Bob King and Stuart Anderson decided to come over to see how a proper restoration is done!


The owner wants to try and find out:

1) What type of body did the owner in Brazil have made for it?
2) How did it end up in Argentina
3) What happened between 1929 and 1972

Does anyone know where I could tray and get this info?
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