Pocher models aren’t toys, they’re a lifestyle

When it comes to selecting what models we build, there are two schools of thought: Some builders prefer to build what they know; some model builders prefer to build something different. Our friends at the Pocher works seem to have been well acquainted with this phenomenon, and they did what they could to satisfy both instincts by offering some of the rarest examples of the world's most iconic automotive subjects. Quite clever, when you consider it from this point of view, but it is a strategy that has had people scratching their heads around the world and for decades. Americans wonder why there are no Pocher Packards nor Pocher Duesenbergs, and the Pocher enthusiasts from England must wonder why, of all the Rolls-Royces in the world, why one headed for India? The Alfa coupe makes some sense for our Italian friends looking for a thorough selection of 8c2300's, but they must wonder what became of their beloved and immortal 2.9. German enthusiasts may be the most conflicted of the Pocher builders, having been given two examples of the same controversial chassis carrying three different bodies, two of which are one-off customs. Ironically it is the French enthusiasts who are given an embarrassment of riches: two iconic examples of the same heroic chassis, neither of which has much to do with the cars for which Ettore Bugatti is justly famous. As with so much that is priceless in this tired old world of ours, this confusion must be relegated to the category of a great mystery.

The happiest among us may be those who spend more time asking "why not?" rather than "why?" and Andrea Righetti must surely be an example of the wisdom of such an approach when it comes to building Pochers. Perhaps living in Switzerland offers some perspective on the subject, although some of us can nearly swoon at the prospect of a Pocher Hispano-Suiza. Whatever led Andrea to the Pocher Bugatti, it is clear that the angels of inspiration did a thorough job of leading the project to a fine conclusion.

It can be argued that the Pocher Bugatti kits come closest to the ambitious goal of offering the world's finest automotive kit. The Rolls-Royces may be more complex, but they are also more troubled; the Mercedes may be more famous and familiar, but the Bugattis are flawlessly engineered and offer the builder access to one of the world's great exotic automobiles. And what the Bugattis lack in popularity when compared with Alfa Romeos, they make up for in presence-an 18"-long Alfa may be 1:8 scale, lording it over the tiny scales of 1:43 and 1:25, but the Pocher Bugatti's 26"length puts any 1:8 scale Alfa in the shade. In short, a Pocher Bugatti makes the most of its scale and owns any shelf it is put on.

The Surprofile version-"fastback" in American parlance-carries on the Pocher tradition of building replicas of the rarest of the rare. While it can be claimed that there may have been four or five of the three-box Profile coupes built on the Type 50 chassis, there is little doubt that there was one Surprofile body built, and after the War it was remounted on a Type 46 chassis with wire wheels. It was that body that was later rebuilt and mounted on a proper Type 50 chassis by the French National Museum where it resides to this day. The point of this tangled provenance is that for the model builder, there is plenty to argue for freedom of design, and Andrea Righetti has taken full advantage of that freedom.

The builder's choices of colors and materials are delightful and the result is that one can 'see' the model and not be confined to seeing what one expects. Without expectations, the design can be appreciated for its intrinsic qualities: Sweeping fastback with split rear window; Jean Bugatti signature curve of the perfectly named 'wings'; and thrusting, imperial hood. It is no mistake that the Type 50 was often referred to as the 'petite royale' in a reference to the gigantic eight Bugatti Royales which rolled on 36"diameter wheels and were meant for royal owners, and Righetti's version lives up to the tradition.

The Pocher Bugatti begs for fine finishes, and Righetti's 1:8 scale version does not disappoint. From the engine-turned surfaces on the firewall and engine panels to the carefully finished appliances, this is a car fit for royalty. Added details such as the firewall braces and the correct throttle linkages are wonderful to see.

The surprise of the chassis is the rear-mounted transaxle. For most builders, the joy of the cable-activated brakes and the brake drums integral with the beautifully cast wheels will be a surprise.

The colors and finishes on this chassis are a delight. Notice the separately finished nuts and bolts on the water pump and perfect coloration on the exhaust manifolds. Hose clamps, wires, and sparkplug boots are among the tiny details provided by MMLtd.

The oil line on the supercharger drive and the flat-head screw heads on the access panel are examples of invisible details that are there to reward careful examination. Acorn nuts, nut-and-bolt castings, and other miniature hardware add to the overall effectiveness of neat, careful work.

These carburetors live alongside the frame rail and are virtually invisible once the model is assembled. Note the brass plugs, linkages, and careful finishes which lurk in the nooks and crannies just waiting to delight alert viewers.

The wonderful contrast between the skinny tires from MMLtd. and the complexity of the stone shield for the radiator perfectly capture the look of this iconic car. One can almost hear the straight-cut super-charger gears whining. Headlights and marker lamps are a delight to behold.

Fabulous colors on the body, perfect execution of body cut lines, and hidden details lurking in the shadows-a handsome and creative model.

Most of these cars were upholstered in fabric, which is a considerable challenge in 1:8 scale. Note the end of the dashboard, board being the operative word.

From the fishtail on the tailpipe to the Swiss country plaque, this model is complete. Note the elegant curve to the fuel tank straps and the dandy cast metal tail light housings.

Natural light and a great back ground make for a very successful portrait.