In order to restart production after World War II and the deaths of Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean, the Type 101 was developed from the pre-war Type 57.

Seven chassis were built; these were bodied by four different coachbuilders: Gangloff [de], Guilloré, Antem and Ghia, the last to a design by Virgil Exner.

The 101 was powered by the 3.3 L (3,257 cc or 199 cu in) straight-8 from the Type 57.

[2] It was exhibited at the Turin Motor Show in an attempt to revive the marque, but financing could not be arranged and production plans were scrapped.

Exner owned the car for many years, and it has lately appeared in public at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.