De La Chapelle

The first type 55 replica, built between 1978 and 1982, used the cam-in-head six-cylinder engine from the Opel Commodore.^[4] This was not a direct replica of the Bugatti Type 55, but rather an homage - no dimensions are identical and the entire car was designed to suit the use of smaller, modern wheels. In 1982, the company obtained the right to use BMW six-cylinder engines displacing between 2.0 and 2.5 litres and allowing the cars to be serviced at BMW dealerships throughout France.^[4] The company also hired Lyon-based designer Bertrand Barré to add additional variations on the theme, starting with the 2+2 Tourer in 1990, followed by the sleeker, lower-cost Grand Prix in 1992.^[4] Six Atalantes were also built.

The company's original designs, both also designed by Barré, were the Peugeot-engined Roadster (four examples built) and the Mercedes-Benz V8-engined Parcours minivan (three built).^[4]

• De la Chapelle type 55
• De la Chapelle Tourer
• De la Chapelle Grand Prix
• De la Chapelle Atalante

• De la Chapelle Parcours
• De la Chapelle Roadster

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  De la Chapelle Type 55
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  Rear view
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  The De La Chapelle Tourer offered 2+2 seating
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  The De la Chapelle Grand Prix was a sporting, streamlined version with less trim, no bumpers, etcetera
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  De La Chapelle Roadster

These junior replicas are small-scale copies of real, classic cars. They entered production in 1979, starting with the BMW 328 and Bugatti Type 55 replicas, joined later by the Ferrari 330 P2 copy. Unlike many other junior cars, which use electrical motors, De La Chapelle's offerings had internal combustion engines. Around 1,500 examples were built until production ended towards the end of the 1990s.^[4]

• BMW 328
• Bugatti Type 55
• Ferrari F 330 P2

Wikimedia Commons has media related to De La Chapelle vehicles.

• Official Website
• Rochetaillée Museum