Driver Magazine - Issue 1 Dec 24 (3) - Flipbook - Page 58
Rumours have circulated for the better part of 80
years about the journey La Voiture Noir would
take into its own mystery.
The last records speculate the chassis number
was changed to 57454 and the whole car was to
be dismantled for parts to be used on other
projects and what was left was to be boxed up
and stored.
Other stories say the complete car had
apparently made its way south to Bourdeaux,
possibly in an attempt to conceal the car away
from the factory and the furious pass of the
German Army as it began planning its march into
Europe on the eve of war.
Some have also said it could have been sent as
far away as the Middle East to be protected
under the eyes of trusted Bugatti owners.
But, no evidence or any form of lead has ever
been found for the resting place of the car.
Rumours of deserted railway cars, french barns,
bricked up buildings, fake basements and even
burying the car alive have circulated over the
years throughout the enthusiasts.
Ghost stories and treasure tales handed down
from one generation of petrolhead to another.
But alas, no news.
Until recently. A mysterious post on social media
revealed a very strange looking body sitting in
the back of a Connecticut, USA body shop
claiming to be the missing Bugatti.
However, leading Bugatti experts fervently rebuke that this is in any way La Voiture Noire. It is estimated that
if Chassis 57453 (or 57454 if the history is correct) were to be rediscovered somehow, it could expect to fetch
anywhere north of $100 million at auction because of its importance.
But, to most diehard enthusiasts, its story remains priceless.
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