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Not Sold (Est: £1,094,665 - £1,684,100)
1931 Bugatti Type 51 Ex-Works
France • 27 Jan 2026 • Lot 65
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This Bugatti Type 51, chassis 51132, boasts a rich racing history, including participation in the 1931 Belgian Grand Prix and ownership by J.P. Wimille. It features Figoni bodywork, a restored 2300cc engine, and extensive documentation by Pierre Yves Laugier, making it a highly desirable piece of motorsport history.
Having undergone careful restoration by Derek Hitchman and engine work by Antoine Schann, the car retains numerous original parts and has had its original identity officially restored. Its ownership lineage includes notable figures like Marc Newson, adding to its provenance and collectibility.
Condition
7
The car has been restored and retains many original parts, including the chassis and body panels. The engine was reconfigured to its correct 2300cc configuration. The car has a superb patina, suggesting slight wear visible. Some reconditioning may have been performed during the restoration, but the listing highlights its well-maintained state.
/ 10
Transmission:
Manual
Chassis No:
51132
Odometer:
[Odometer Reading]
Reg Number:
3397 RF 5
RHD/LHD:
[RHD/LHD]
Chassis N° 51132
Frame N°704
Engine N°189 ex-51138 - Car entered by the factory in the 1931 Belgian Grand Prix with Divo and Bouriat
- The car in which JP Wimille achieved his first victory in a Bugatti
- The only 51 equipped with Figoni bodywork in the 1930s
- Formerly owned by Marc Newson
- Carefully restored by Derek Hitchman
- Engine redone in correct 2300cc configuration by Antoine Schann (Bugatelier)
- Numerous original parts
- Documented by Pierre Yves Laugier
This car is exceptional in more ways than one, having been one of the cars entered by the factory for the 1931 season and then one of the Bugattis used by driver Jean-Pierre Wimille before he switched to Alfa Romeo.
This car, originally chassis 51132 with frame number 704, still has many original parts and has the advantage of having been fully appraised by Pierre-Yves Laugier, whose historical analysis is summarized here.
We advise buyers to consult the full version of the lot description and his formidable research ...
Points of note
£183,217
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£755,226
Median Price (Since 2020)
£1,327,234
Highest Price (Since 2020)
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Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen 7 sold before
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Previous Sales
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