Unearth the Fascinating Story of the Rare 1990 Monte Carlo Automobiles Centenaire

Immersing in the world of classic supercars like the McLaren F1 and Bugatti EB110, one can’t help but pay homage to the lesser-known ventures of the era which didn’t receive due recognition. One such curiosity is the 1990 Monte Carlo Automobiles Centenaire.

A brainchild of Fulvio-Maria Ballabio, an Italian-born racing driver, the Centenaire was an ambitious project supported by figures from the lofty echelons of the racing world, including race engineer Carlo Chiti and former Alfa Romeo Sporting Director Perluigi Corbari. Despite such high-profile collaboration and promising prospects, the Centenaire faced a bleak fate.

In 1993, the rights to the car were sold to a Georgian businessman who hoped to showcase it at Le Mans. Unfortunately, the car didn’t even make it past qualification. Subsequently, the Aixam Mega Group took control of the MCA company, transforming the Centenaire into the Mega Monte Carlo. After feebly navigating through several changes in its formative years, including an engine switch, the reins of the company were handed back to Ballabio.

Riding the tumultuous waves of the supercar industry, MCA undertook several ventures, including a new car dubbed the Monte Carlo BRC W12, and the 2014 supercar project, Rascasse. However, MCA’s current operations remain shrouded in mystery.

Despite its unforeseen journey, the first ever Centenaire stands as a compelling monument of automotive history. It was recently sold at an auction hosted by Broad Arrow Auctions during the annual Zoute Grand Prix Car Week, drawing attention once again to the striking, yet veiled tale of the 1990 Monte Carlo Automobiles Centenaire.