1951 Bugatti Type 101

In 1951 Bugatti introduced a convertible luxury car dubbed the Type 101, a derivative of the Type 57. This, by many, is considered to be the last true Bugatti model. The post-Word War II vehicle was intended to rejuvenate sales for the financially strapped marque. It sat atop a modified Type T57 chassis. Under the hood was a 3.3 liter straight eight-cylinder engine, the same that was found in the Type 57. The supercharged versions were labeled T101C with the C representing Compresseur and capable of producing around 200 horsepower. During its production lifespan lasting from 1951 through 1956, less than ten examples were produced. The final chassis was sold to Exner in 1961. The last of the Type 101 chassis were created into a Virgil Exner in 1965 by the famous coachbuilding company, Ghia. They were debuted at the Turin Motor Show with hopes of reviving the Bugatti marque. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the series never entered serious production. The Ghia-produced Type 101s have been seen at Concours throughout the world including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2005