The Forgotten American Bugatti T38: A Hollywood Star's Unlikely Road to Jay Leno's Garage In the world of classic cars, few vehicles have led as storied a life as the Bugatti T38. This 1920s roadster has been a fixture in Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage for years, but its history extends far beyond its current owner. The T38's journey began in the 1920s, when it was commissioned by Ettore Bugatti, the renowned French automaker, to be built in America. The story of how the T38 made its way to America is a tale of car swaps and Hollywood connections. The chassis was originally built by Bugatti in France, but it was later acquired by the Miller Special, an American car company, as part of a deal that allowed Bugatti to acquire a few of their chassis for use in his own vehicles. The T38 eventually changed hands several times before ...
The Forgotten American Bugatti T38: A Hollywood Star’s Unlikely Road to Jay Leno’s Garage
In the world of classic cars, few vehicles have led as storied a life as the Bugatti T38. This 1920s roadster has been a fixture in Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage for years, but its history extends far beyond its current owner. The T38’s journey began in the 1920s, when it was commissioned by Ettore Bugatti, the renowned French automaker, to be built in America.
The story of how the T38 made its way to America is a tale of car swaps and Hollywood connections. The chassis was originally built by Bugatti in France, but it was later acquired by the Miller Special, an American car company, as part of a deal that allowed Bugatti to acquire a few of their chassis for use in his own vehicles. The T38 eventually changed hands several times before finding its way into the possession of Jay Leno, who has made it a staple of his garage.
The T38’s Hollywood career was brief but notable. It appeared in several films, including “Christopher Strong” (1933), “The Gay Divorcee” (1934), and “Remember Last Night?” (1935), alongside the likes of Katherine Hepburn. Its most famous role, however, remains its appearance in “Christopher Strong,” where it was driven by the actress in a pivotal scene.
But the T38’s most remarkable feature is its custom body, crafted by the renowned Murphy Body Co. in America. This unique design set it apart from other Bugattis of its time and solidified its place in automotive history.
Today, the T38 remains a beloved classic, cherished by car enthusiasts and Hollywood buffs alike. Its rich history and storied past make it a true treasure, one that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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