Description

The Bugatti Type 101C Exner Ghia Roadster represents a unique collaboration between American designer Virgil Exner and Italian coachbuilder Ghia. This one-off vehicle was an ambitious attempt to revive the Bugatti marque in the mid-1960s.

Built on the final Type 101 chassis (number 101506), originally constructed in 1951, the car remained unbodied until Exner acquired it in 1961. Exner, renowned for his “Forward Look” designs at Chrysler, envisioned a modern interpretation of classic Bugatti aesthetics. He shortened the chassis by 46 centimeters and designed a neo-classical roadster body, featuring signature elements such as the horseshoe-shaped grille, recessed headlights, and a split windshield. His son, Virgil Exner Jr., contributed by designing the interior. The bodywork was crafted by Ghia in Turin, Italy, over a six-month period.

Mechanically, the Type 101C was powered by a supercharged 3.3-liter straight-eight engine, producing approximately 200 horsepower. The suspension system retained traditional elements, with a solid front axle and semi-elliptical leaf springs, and a live rear axle with reversed quarter-elliptical leaf springs, both equipped with telescopic shock absorbers. Hydraulic drum brakes were used on all four wheels.

The completed car debuted at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, aiming to attract investors for a potential revival of the Bugatti brand. Despite its striking design, the project did not secure the necessary financial backing, and production plans were ultimately shelved.

Today, the Bugatti Type 101C Exner Ghia Roadster is regarded as a singular piece of automotive history, symbolizing both the end of an era for the original Bugatti company and a visionary’s dream to resurrect its legacy.