1931 Bugatti Type 51 Coupe

Model History

Auction sales research

Specifications

Body styles and Chassis Data

Exterior Photos Interior Photos Engine/Mechanical Component Photos

Coupe Coachwork: Dubos Chassis Num: 51133   This Bugatti Type 51 Coupe was originally built as a Bugatti factory team Grand Prix racer that was driven to great success by legendary French racing driver Louis Chiron. Chiron won the Monaco race in April 1931 and following the racing season, Bugatti gave the car to Chiron. Chiron sold the car and it was acquired by Parisian playboy Andre Bith who drove the car in rallys and sporting events. In 1937, Bith commissioned Louis Dubos to build an exciting and stylish aerodynamic coupe body for the Type 51. Bith was so pleased with the new body, he entered it in the 1937 Bagatelle Concours d'Elegance and scored a 2nd overall. Bith sold the car and lost track of it during WWII. The car changed hands several times until located by the present owner who, with the help of 90-year-old Andre Bith, was able to restore it with its original Grand Prix racer body with a replica body by renowned Bugatti authority O.A. Phillips. The car is powered by a dual-overhead-cam, 8-cylinder, 2.3L (136.5 cubic inch) engine, developing 185 horsepower.

Auction Sales Information

Event	Group
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance	Bugatti - 100 Years of Style and Speed
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance	European Custom Coachwork - French

 

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