One of the most successful racing cars ever just got a digital makeover that will make purists cover their eyes and run away screaming. We, however, decided to meet the creation with an open mind, something we advise you to do as well. That said, meet the Bugatti Type 35 that got a hefty American twist.

OK, where do we start?

If that’s too much strain for your fortune, then you can get a replica from Pur Sang, like the one driven by Jay Leno in the video below, for something in the $250k range.

And since we’re at it, here’s one taking the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb by storm:

Now, back to the initial topic. Abimelec Arellano came up with his own twist of the Type 35, and surprisingly, it’s a hot rod of sorts. Other than the obvious tweaks – the pics in the photo gallery will give you a good impression on what’s changed, the artist also gifted the Type 35 with a 1959 Chrysler 392 HEMI engine.

Quite frankly, the whole thing looks neat and in a parallel universe where Bugatti is an American carmaker it might even fly, but at the same time, there’s something odd about a slammed Bugatti packing an exposed engine.

Or maybe the Bugatti Type 35 is such a perfect creation that the slightest mod will throw its awesomeness of balance and ruin the original design. For that reason, we kind of love what we’re seeing here, and we also kind of hate it.

How do you feel about it?