Jay Leno is famous not only for his television career but also for his incredible collection of cars, estimated to be worth around $100 million. Among his treasures is a unique Bugatti T38A, a car with a Hollywood story. This Bugatti was featured in scenes driven by Katherine Hepburn in the 1933 movie “Christopher Strong.” Oddly enough, it’s the only Bugatti with a custom body built in America, thanks to the Murphy Body Company. In an unusual twist, the chassis was traded from Ettore Bugatti to American racer Leon Durray during a European race. This car has had a fascinating journey before being parked in Leno’s Big Dog Garage.
The Bugatti’s story starts with a swap. Ettore Bugatti admired the performance of American Miller cars, so he traded two of his own Bugatti cars for a couple of Miller Specials. Durray used the Type 38 chassis and had Murphy Body Co. craft its distinct body, marking it as the “Murphy Roadster.” This unique fabrication showcases the blend of American craftsmanship and French engineering.
In “Christopher Strong,” Hepburn plays a modern airplane pilot, and the Bugatti adds flair to her character. While there are rumors she performed a stunt drive in the film, there’s no confirmed evidence. Nonetheless, Hepburn’s iconic photo sitting in the car solidified its connection to her, despite her never owning it. Sadly, the film studio made some questionable modifications, removing original parts and even adding a rumble seat.
The Bugatti didn’t just stop with Hepburn’s film. It made another appearance in the 1935 movie “Remember Last Night?” where it was modified again, this time receiving a new dashboard and a Rolls-Royce emblem—rather odd for a Bugatti, right? It was also rumored to have been in the 1934 film “The Gay Divorcee,” although its role there was minimal.
Fast forward to the present; Jay Leno’s journey to owning this intriguing vehicle is just as captivating. In a 2001 interview with Popular Mechanics, he mentioned he usually avoids celebrity-owned cars due to inflated values. This Bugatti, however, wasn’t really owned by Hepburn, making it a different case. He discovered it in poor condition in an Orange County storage unit and negotiated a clever deal. The previous owner initially wanted $15 million, citing a recent auction sale for a Bugatti Royale. Leno, confident in the car’s actual value, made his move and eventually acquired it.
After purchasing the Bugatti, Leno restored it to glory, even tracking down its original wired wheels that had been swapped out by a previous owner. The car has since made appearances at prestigious events like Pebble Beach, where it’s admired by both car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Whether you’re a car lover or a fan of classic films, this Bugatti offers a unique intersection of both worlds—a charming relic with rich history and connections to legendary Hollywood.
