Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Bufori MK III available in the United States?
It soon will be. Bufori plans to formally introduce the MK III to the US market
at the New York International Auto Show April 16th, 2003 . Availability in the United States is
expected in Summer 2003. Incidentally, in some of the world’s markets the MK III
will be called the La Joya.
2. How does the Bufori MK III compare to the MKII that I have seen on the Bufori
web site and on the Discovery Channel piece on Bufori?
The MK III is an evolution of the Bufori MKII. It was developed and manufactured
with state-of-the-art technology incorporating the finest materials money can
buy. The Bufori MK III has the distinct classic lines of its predecessor
However, it is a much larger, more refined, a much more sophisticated vehicle
and, in every sense, a thoroughbred. Please refer to the specification list for
a detailed description.
3. What’s the Bufori story?
The Bufori started in 1986 as a hobby by an Australian automobile enthusiast who
was determined to build the world’s finest motor car. He planned to design the
car along the lines of the classic cars of the early 1930s but with state-of
the-art engineering and technology. His company developed into a highly
reputable builder of exotic and handcrafted sports cars. The MK III is the
seventh model Bufori has developed.
The company is well capitalized and enjoys an excellent credit rating.
4. Where is the Bufori made?
Like its predecessor, the MK II, the newest Bufori is hand crafted in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. This is one of the few places in the world where skilled
craftsmen with a tradition of painstaking handwork can be found in great number.
Prior to moving operations to Malaysia, the Bufori was Australian-made and was
the only company
producing motors vehicle in Australia to enjoy the prestige of being licensed by
the Advance Australia Council to carry the 'Australian Made' logo
5. What type of customization is available on the Bufori MK III?
Customized colors, interiors and the addition of signatures, crests, logos into
the automobile’s paint will be available. Please see the option list for others.
However, the options available to the Bufori owner are limited only by the
imagination and checkbook.
Due to strict regulatory requirements, changes to the technical aspect,
wheelbase and body offered by the MK II will not be available on the MK III.
6. What is the price of the Bufori MK III?
The expected base price is $110,000. Because of the limited production run of
the MK III, many purchasers believe the cars will become instant collectable
classics. Custom options are priced upon agreement of specifications.
7. When can I order one and what are the payment terms?
The automobiles may be reserved with a non-refundable deposit into escrow of 20%
of the cost of the vehicle. An additional 40% will be due before the
commencement of production and the final 40% will be due before shipment. Orders
cannot be completed until a production slot is allocated.
8. Why is the Bufori MK III referred to as the "World Car"?
Because it incorporates the best in automotive technology from Europe, North
America and Asia; and it is expected to be recognized as a world-class
luxury-touring vehicle. Moreover, the MK III shares components with some of the
world’s finest automobiles.(For example, the optional supercharger is the same
found in “Kompressor” Mercedes models.) In the unlikely event that a major
component need be replaced, such replacement will be quick and reasonably
priced.
Beyond that many consider the “World Car” designation appropriate because the
Bufori has been described as possessing the luxury of Rolls Royce, the
excitement of Ferrari and the classic styling of America’s custom Dusenburgs,
Pierce-Arrows and Packards of the 1930s.
9. How can I see the Bufori MK III?
a) After the formal introduction, pictures and videos will be available on the
Web site (currently a few pre-production photos are on the Bufori web site).
b) Plant tours of both private and company groups can be arranged. We might also
suggest that a vacation in Asia affords a first-hand view of the car being
crafted to your specifications.
c) In Spring, a few display cars are expected to be available in the US.
10. What type of press reaction was there for the MKII?
Press reaction to the MKII was phenomenal. It was called “the ultimate way to
travel by car” by Discovery Channel. Below are some of the other comments from
the media about Bufori:
“It’s a one
of a kind car made to get attention”
The Discovery Channel- Ultimate Travel
"No
mistakes and no half baked products. Nothing but the absolute best in every
aspect of designing a piece of art."
Yvette Anne Felix - Masterpiece magazine
"An element that truly sets Bufori apart from other cars is that the Bufori cars
are still made entirely by hand and that in itself assures the car of its finest
quality."
Business Today Magazine
"With the look of a 1930's-style sports car yet boasting the ultimate in
mechanical technology and creature comforts, the Bufori La Joya (MKIII) is set
to forge its own identity and send serious collectors into salivation mode"
The Peak Magazine
The above are just some of the excerpts from the media about the MKII. Those who
have seen the Bufori MK III are even more impressed with this new model. We have
asked to refrain from printing any comments until the MKIII has officially
launched. We will provide those comments as soon as they are available.
11. How many cars are expected to be available in the United States in the first
year after introduction?
Approximately 100 units will be available.
12. What are some of the key components of the Bufori MK III?
There are many. Among them are superb craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology,
excellence in engineering and high quality components and materials. And, of
course, classic style.
The style and craftsmanship exhibited in the Bufori body is continued throughout
the automobile with near-obsessive attention given to fit and finish. We
sincerely believe that the quality of the MK III is as near to perfection as can
be achieved by man and machine.
Some examples of MK III components: Recaro 13-way seats, state of the art
sound/navigation system by Becker, with built in cell phone and voice activated
controls; BBS wheels designed exclusively for the MKIII; Sequential Shift
Transmission; traction control, digital climate control air-conditioning system,
ABS /EBD disc brake system and electronic tire check system; body made of
advanced composite material which is fire, chemical and damage resistant; the
finest wood trim; Connolly leather upholstery; Mah carpeting. etc. Many of the
components used in the MK III can also be found in Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and
other fine automobiles
13. How durable and reliable is Bufori?
As there is no compromise on quality and workmanship, Bufori vehicles are one of
the most durable on the road. Bufori has also participated in off-road and
endurance racing to demonstrate the durability of the
cars.
Since the inception and production of the first Buforis, models have been
exported to some 40 countries and all are reported to be in excellent running
conditions. There are records of some Buforis with over 300,000 miles on the
odometer.
14. How safe is Bufori?
Safety is always a primary concern in the development and manufacturing of all
Bufori models. No compromise will be entertained insofar as safety is concerned.
Both the space frame chassis and the advanced composite material body are
designed to absorb maximum impact while protecting the driver and passengers.
From records so far, there has been one major accident reported involving a
Bufori -- a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler Scandia truck . The driver and
the passenger of the Bufori walked away vehicle without a scratch. The damage to
the car was limited to the front end only and the two doors operate normally. No
interior damage was sustained.
15. What are Bufori's arrangements for after - sales service?
Service will be consistent with Bufori’s high standards of quality and personal
attention. Bufori of America will arrange for major components to be serviced by
factory authorized representatives of those component manufacturers. Other
service will be directed by Bufori of America in conjunction with the Bufori
auto club and extended warranty plan providers.
16. What other information is available on Bufori?
The factory Web site will be revamped soon, but does provide some interesting
information in its present state. Please remember that while the site refers to
the La Joya, the car will be marketed in North America as the MK III. You can
also visit the Bufori of America website at http://www.buforiusa.com
Please contact us at Bufori of America, 847.428.6553 or e-mail
Sales@buforiusa.com if we may provide any information or be of service.
