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What Are You Working On? 1935 Bugatti T57 Stelvio

Richard May 15, 2017

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**These are the tools used to create many of the body panels and bumpers required for the cars being restored or recreated.**

In early 2016 we did an article on Chalfant Motor Company since that time James (Jim) Hery has continued to use his artistic mechanical skills to save and create some of the World’s most beautiful cars. He is truly an artist and master of metal shapes. His shop is full of metal working devices and tools. However, his brain and his hands are the most valuable tools in his shop.

***Here is a buck for the RF fender of the Bugatti.***

On a recent visit to see what new cars he might be working on I was blown away by his ambition and dedication. I have included a large number of photos of various projects that are underway but I was most intrigued by the 1935 Bugatti T57 Stelvio with a body by Gangloff. My wife and I have always been in love with the 30s Bugatti, Delahaye, Talbot Lago cars and similar art deco vehicles.

James is not only restoring the 1935 Bugatti T57 cabriolet but he is also building a prototype and five exact replicas of the car that will be for sale! This is all had work just like the coach builders back in the day.

**This is the front end of the Bugatti that is being restored and the model for the new creations. On my previous visit to James’s shop I watched as he hammered out the one of these bumpers by hand!**

Take a close look at this bumper. It is hand formed, it has not yet been sent out for chrome but when it is, it will require next to no additional work to make it perfect. It is near finished excellence when James is done with it. I think it could be simply polished and satisfy many of us.

The next time you are installing a quarter panel or patch panel on you muscle car stop for a minute and think of the skill and patience it would take to and make that panel. Then think a little harder and consider hand forming the bumpers, frame and suspension components by hand from raw steel! That is the skill it takes to restore, never mind create one of these cars!