On July 2, 2007 we decided to proceed with our order for Burton #800, a so called "recreation" based on the chassis and engine of a Citroen 2 CV, built by Burton Car Company (BCC) in Zutphen, the Netherlands. After much research, we opted for a two-tone body, and many non-standard but BCC-built specials, reminiscent of an era when this type of car could be referenced to as a "gentleman's racer", yet now incorporating new/sporty elements while trying to maintain a classic look "in period". We officially took delivery of the car on May 27, 2008 with Dutch license plate AM-30-30 (combine the two 3's into an 8 and voila, 800 back into the plate - too perfect to not take on). We named her "Black Bes"; a combination of the RAL colors and a play on Dutch words with "bes" meaning a low musical note (engine and exhaust sound), an elderly respectable lady (old classic car), a juicy (powerful, upgraded car) berry (e.g. a blue or black grape) or something lowered/reduced in size (car's chassis and suspension). And deity Bes, being the defender of everything good and the enemy of all that is bad. Bes is often depicted in terracotta and appears to have rounded facial cheeks which physical characteristics can be found back in the interior color and driving light covers, as well as the overall front look of the car.

The coach livery of the car is RAL 9004 (signal black) and the fenders were done in RAL 9005 (jet black) to create a very subtle two-tone, classic look. The rims were powder coated in RAL 9005 as well to appear works-racy and also match the color of the fenders - we really appreciate the tough look they give our Burton. Technically, this also is a "works special" with a 650 cc engine, upgraded carburator, 123 electronic ignition, heavy duty flywheel, heavy duty alternator, powertube (27.22 bhp after the first tune-up, 28.13 bhp after the second tune up, 28.95 bhp with 45.2 Nm of torque after the third tune-up), E.P.S. stainless steel end-muffler. We opted for all new but original parts, including the chassis, Vege overhauled and modified engine and ditto gearbox. The original car was a 1969 Citroen 2CV, imported into the Netherlands from France. We opted for a classic looking tow hook as it, amongst the obvious uses, strengthens the rear portion and doubles as a bumber/overrider. The front-end was upgraded as well with the installation of a pair of modified Morgan rear-end overriders. We also went with the low soft-top (developed a storage pouch for it) and had the doors modified so that the lower portion of the doors could be used in conjunction with the custom made tonneau cover to include the custom headrests (Burton Car Company), or by themselves. Finally, we also opted for the ultra-cool Zagato-style "double-bubble" wing-doors hard top, modified with lightweight plexiglass side windows with sliders and classic clamp-on mirrors. We even customized the black top with "old English white" checkered flag decals and “Le Mans” style identification/running lights (since it did two full pre-race laps on the circuit in 2008 at Le Mans Classic).

Other modifications include a sliding bench with 2 kg Amex fire extinguisher, Simpson restraints (shoulder harnesses and lap belts, removable as needed from eye bolts), a period-like Becker Grand Prix CD/radio (Autoparts Stereo Amsterdam) with 4 Hertz speakers (two under the dash, two behind the bench) including iPod connection and blue tooth telephone operation capability), two Hella 12V sockets in the gear shift bracket (one for Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS use, one for another 12-volt device), two-tone Bad Boy horn, Hella interval wiper switch, the installation of a Monit TC100 trip computer (Biesheuvel Autosport), halogen driving lights (Classic Car Accessories), side indicators, reverse light, Ultimate Tail Fog/Break Light (Pegasus), Desmo-style mirrors to match the H4 non-standard headlights (Stafford Vehicle Components Ltd) as well as leather bonnet- and luggage straps (Auto Restorations Ltd). To transport our picnic needs on the trunk rack we opted for a very practical, indestructible and watertight protector case from Pelican (reminiscent of an old leather/wicker case). And, as ridiculously indulgent toys go which surely everyone should have, as could be handy during some of the multi-day same-location events why not transport ourselves with two original Go-Ped I-Peds (manual- or battery powered), as can be carried in (or on) the trunk (rack).

Since most of what we would experience visually in the drivers compartment while motoring would be the dash and the interior, particular attention was paid to those design aspects. Our personal preference was to find a modern version of a classic 4 spoke steering wheel, which we found in this beautiful 15" black anodized leather clad Mota-Lita wheel with chrome center, not unlike the look of the rims. Studying classic dashboard designs from e.g. Morgan, Jaguar, MG, Aston Martin, Bentley, AC, Austin Healey, Porsche, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Talbot, Bugatti, Delage as well as Delahaye, we came up with our own decentralized layout. Basically f.l.t.r. there is the wheel portion, the instrument portion, the radio portion, and optionally, the on-board camera system. Colors are consistent - black/chrome/red - and can also be linked to the Simpson restraints details (notice the red anodized aluminum of the buckles, quick release of the steering wheel and tire tube caps). When the lights are on, the candle light tone of the dials matches that of the Becker radio. We also installed a Hella LED map light above the grab bar and added a 3-pen spring holder on the right side interior pocket. The Monit TC100 bracket and -down below- on the gear shift handle positioned bracket of either the Big Digit Timer or Garmin GPS are all from RAM Mount, which products allow for infinite variations. As desired, we can add the V.I.O. POV.1.5M fully integrated point-of-view video system that is waterproof, dust proof, and shock-resistant (also installed with RAM mounts). The system includes a mountable camera head, built-in video recorder, wireless remote and software for managing our point-of-view videos to be taken during the rallies to come. The Monit TC100 is the perfect compact and easy to use trip computer. In addition the Silva Map Measurer Plus (TeqLite-Verhoef Buitensport) and Don Barrow's Average Speed Tables are handy tools to aid navigation. The Peltor FMT120/FC16 mounted center behind the bench seat with headsets allow for clear and distortion free communication (integration optional with mobile phone connectivity) in case of multiple-day/long distance/high-speed rallies, while also being comforting hearing protection as needed. The skai "hide" is a beautifully weathered tan (207 x 1270), and to match the interior and leather straps we also included the driving light covers in the same material. We also installed an OMP spare tire strap and custom-made bracket (BCC) under the hood to alternatively house the spare tire that otherwise is in the boot, or may hold additional luggage when travelling/touring.

Some of the racy details to note are the red Burton logo on the nose (the only location where the Burton brand name can be seen on the exterior of the car (on the day of the delivery, someone already came up to us asking "...which Bugatti this was..."), red tow arrows on either side of the nose above the actual tow eyes, Amex fire extinguisher and indicative (E) decal on the left flank, the Shell decals on both flanks (classic Ferrari-like detail from Royal Dutch Shell), the driver/navigator navigator/driver name decals on their approproiate flanks, and the Chronoswiss decal atop the trunk space and matching window-/Bord* mounted Stopmaster* 12-hour chronograph (the marque's Timemaster* watch is worn on the wrist over the jacket's sleeve). Alternatively, or in addition, the Pro-Hunter custom Stealth Military GMT Red may be used as worn on a Nato G10 strap to track up to 3 different time zones. Also the mentioned Desmo-style mirrors and oblong overtaker clamp-on mirrors on the hard top, driving lights, leather bonnet- and boot rack straps with Bugatti-style fasteners, the OMP spot lamp steady bars, the tail/fog/break light mounted on the data plate section of the tow hook, and the red anodized quick release on the steering wheel which perfectly matches the hardware of the Simpson restraints. Notice also the race-style engraved signs on the dash to detail some of the buttons and switches. A classic looking technical staff suit (Stand 21) or cotton race jacket with logo patches (Nederhoed Borduurtechniek), (OG Racing) Bell Crew Pro Officials helmet or Pro-Tec "Two Face" Mille Miglia styled helmet(both reminiscent of the Patey & Co Moss-style helmet), Aviator Goggles, classic race gloves (Stand 21), Aviation Co B-3 sheepskin bomber jacket and -flying helmet, canvas flying hat (Passionista), and a waterproof clipboard (Pacenote) or Chronoswiss Borduhrenbrett* (*all from Harry Tromp Juwelier) of which I really appreciate the interior match with the turned aluminum and industrial/practical look and use of this piece, all help to complete the look.

All in all, our Burton Special #800 "Black Bes" is the Gentleman's Racer we had designed and planned it to be, but it must be noted that all credit for production goes to Burton Car Company as a whole, specifically to Dimitri (designer/owner and specials manufacturer), Iwan (outside sales/owner and the one who was our first contact with Burton) and many others who all were instrumental in getting this completed as their first, customer-requested "special". We will gladly continue with our promotional aid so needed for rare and unique car manufacturers like BCC.

Christel & Henk
Countless smiles each day by work, travel and play®