This is the 1965 Bugatti Type-101C by Ghia, designed by one of the world’s most talented designers, Virgil Exner. This unique one-off was a collaborative effort between one of the most legendary automotive brands of all time Bugatti, one of the most famous coach building companies of all time, Carrozzeria Ghia, and the very talented design work of Exner. The Bugatti brand began taking a steep decline in the late 1930’s, when founder Ettore Bugatti’s talented son, Jean Bugatti, fatally crashed during a test driving incident. This tragedy was followed by World War II, and ultimately the passing of Ettore Bugatti in 1947, which truly marked the end of the Bugatti company as it was known, after just producing around 8,000 total cars. As a revival of the Bugatti name, Bugatti’s General Manager, Pierre Marco, along with Ettore Bugatti’s youngest son from his first marriage, Roland Bugatti, created the type 101, which was based mostly on the prewar Type 57 platform. Around six total chassis were built, all of which featured different coach work from companies such as Antem, Ghia, Gangloff and others. Chassis number 101506 shown here was originally constructed during the 1950’s, alongside the six other chassis, however, only 5 of those chassis were bodied initially. Eventually, the final chassis, 101506, which was considered to be a show chassis, was aquirred in the early 1960’s by Exner. A number of Exner Sr.’s well-known styling themes were incorporated into the design of this unique Bugatti, including his downward slanting rear deck, while his son, Virgil Exner Jr., was responsible for the interior design work. There was a number of Type 57 examples that were later (around 2) converted to Type 101 specifications, which brings the number of Type 101 units to around 9 total for the world.
How many made? while a handful (around 9) of Type 101 examples were produced, chassis 101506 is a true one-off!
Engine: 3257cc straight-8 cylinder DOHC 16V - 190hp
Debut: Turin Motor Show, 1965
Top speed: n/a
0-60: n/a
Photo Credit: @luxurysocalrealestate
Research: @rarecarsonly