1944 Bugatti Type 73C Grand Prix Monoposto

When the Type 73C project came to a close, the unfinished cars were dismantled and all of the parts were placed into storage at Molsheim. Deposits made by customers were returned to the would-be owners. In 1960, one set of components (chassis 73C 001) was acquired by a Brussels-based Bugatti agent named Jean de Dobbeleer and a monoposto body based on proposals for Type 73C coachwork made in 1945 by Bugatti designer, Antoine Pichetto was fitted. After the car was completed, it was quickly sold, prompting de Dobbeleer to return to Molsheim and acquire a second Type 73C (chassis 73002 a.k.a. 73C 002).

The chassis was assembled and then sold sans body to the U.S. via his American agent Gene Cesari. The owner is believed to have been Jerry Sherman of Pennsylvania and in 1969 it was acquired by Erich Richardson, and then by Tom Wheatcroft. While in Mr. Wheatcroft's care, the car was fully restored and was given a copy of the second of Pichetto's 1945 73C body designs, this one featuring a cowled radiator grille.

In 1994, Wheatcroft sold this Bugatti Type 73C to Alberto Lenz of Mexico, who then parted with it in 2002. While in this new owner's care, the car received cycle wings and piano wire wheels and hubs by Crosthwaite & Gardiner. The car was in the care of a Texas-based collection when it was brought to Bonhams auction at The Quail in 2022.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2023