Home»All Photographs»Automobiles As Art 1930s (free downloads)»1931 Bugatti Type 51

This 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe has had 21 owners, each of whom has contributed to its unique history.

It was featured in the entry way of The Nethercutt Collection when my beautiful wife Kathleen and I visited recently.

"It started life as a Type 51 Grand Prix car driven and owned by the great Louis Chiron," according to Nethercutt's informational placard.

"After being raced for several years, it passed into the hands of a wealthy French playboy who ordered this stylish coupe body built by the legendary French Carroserie Louis Dubos in 1936."

Mme Ganet — the 1937 Miss France — showed this Bugatti at the 1937 Bagatelle Concours d'Elegance.

The car then was owned by numerous owners, with one being the famous race driver Maurice Trintignant.

"Once in the U.S., its Dubos body was removed, and body and chassis parted company for several years. They were reunited by The Nethercutt Collection."

Manufacturer
Automobile E. Bugatti
Molsheim, France
Coachbuilder
Louis Dubos Carroserie
Paris, France
Engine
8-cylinder, DOHC in-line
60mm/2.36" bore
100mm/3.93" stroke
2.31/136 cu. in. displacement
185 horsepower
Price when new
165,000 francs ($6,000)