Back in 2011, Bugatti announced it would end production of its iconic Veyron coupe, citing the fact it had reached the end of its planned 300-model production run. Luckily for motoring enthusiasts the convertible Grand Sport model is still thriving; so much so Bugatti plans to release a set of six special edition Grand Sport ‘Les Légendes de Bugatti’ cars over the next twelve months.
‘Les Légendes de Bugatti’, or Bugatti Legends, if you’re from our part of the world, are being built to commemorate six people that have played a crucial role in the making the Veyron what it is today.
The first name to be honoured is Jean-Pierre Wilmille, one of the longest-serving test drivers at Bugatti. Wilmille was responsible for a number of race wins behind the wheel of a Bugatti, including two victories at Le Mans; the first in 1937 where he drove a 57G Tank, and the second in a 1957C tank, supported by Pierre Veyron.
Wilmille’s Veyron, based on the Grand Sport Vitesse, gets blue clear-coated carbon fibre and light Wilmille Bleu paintwork to match his blue 57G. More blue (or is that bleu?) can be found inside.
Bugatti hasn’t bothered fettling the car’s engine, which is fine by us as the thing uses an 8.0-litre quad turbocharged W16 that chucks out 1,200bhp (with torque to match) and is capable of somewhere north of 250mph – with or without its roof in place.
Only three examples of the Jean-Pierre Wilmille version will be made, so if you want one, you’d better get your manservant on the blower to Bugatti pronto.
The other five special editions, and the names of the drivers they commemorate, will be revealed in the coming months.
Bugatti Legends Pictures
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