by The last real Bugatti, assembled at the historic factory in Molsheim, has been put up for sale in the USA. This car has a unique story that might never have happened.
A unique specimen from Missouri
This concerns a 1965 Bugatti Type 101C-X model on chassis 101506. It is only one of seven Type 101 chassis ever made. The car is equipped with a factory-supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine, whose power increased from 133 hp to 197 hp. This makes it one of the most desirable specimens even before we consider its extraordinary body.
Post-war revival that never went mainstream
The Type 101 model was Bugatti’s attempt to recover after World War II. It was based on the previous Type 57, combining familiar engineering with updated styling. However, buyers were not convinced, sales did not grow, and the last chassis remained without a body in Molsheim until 1961.
It was then that American collector E. Allen Henderson purchased the bare chassis. A few years later, his friend, publisher L. Scott Bailey, realized this could be the perfect canvas for renowned designer Virgil Exner. Exner, who had just completed his influential work at Chrysler and was already dreaming of a modern revival of legendary brands, saw it as a wonderful opportunity.
Body by Ghia in Italy
The chassis was shortened, the seating position was modified, and the design was sent to Carrozzeria Ghia. It was there that the forgotten Bugatti was transformed into a stunning roadster. The car debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1965, where Lamborghini first showed the bare chassis of the Miura. The completed Bugatti Type 101C-X featured a proud horseshoe radiator grille, fashionable 1960s rectangular headlights, a retro split windshield, and a rear end reminiscent of a Corvette.
Subsequent fate and sale
Although Exner hoped the car would revive production, this did not happen. Instead, it passed through the hands of several notable collectors before ending up in the collection of General William Lyon, where it remained for over 40 years. During this time, it appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and even reunited with other surviving Type 101s in France.
Now, this nearly unrestored, unique car is being offered by classic car dealer Hyman Ltd. from Missouri. It is almost completely original and represents the final chapter in the first volume of Bugatti’s history. Acquiring it will likely require several million dollars, but that is still less than half the price of a new Tourbillon.
This car is not merely a rare specimen, but a true witness to history, combining Bugatti’s pre-war heritage with a post-war design vision. Its appearance on the market is a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of automotive history that will never be repeated. It is worth noting that the price, though high, reflects not only the rarity but also the historical significance of this lot, which is the last real Bugatti from Molsheim.
