Les Légendes de Bugatti: Jean-Pierre Wimille

The first of a six release limited edition series from Bugatti

The tribute to Jean-Pierre Wimille….the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse

Bugatti is honoring personas famous to the legend’s history. This tribute will be released in six editions of three vehicles each called “Les Légendes de Bugatti.” This exclusive series uses the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse to commemorate the renowned names that played key roles in its illustrious heritage. The French luxury supercar brand is “Giving history a modern make-over.” The authenticity of the past is combined with the modern design…..and what better way to represent these milestone tributes than with the awesome jaw-dropping power of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse that holds the world speed record for open-top production sports cars.

The first release debuted August 16-18, 2013 during the Monterey Car Week, one of the most prestigious auto shows in the world. Beautiful Pebble Beach was the background for the exclusive limited edition, named after a former factory race driver Jean-Pierre Wimille who brought home Bugatti’s first victory in the 1937 24 hours de LeMans. He repeated his triumph two years later. Wimille’s winning car was the Bugatti Type 57G Tank. Jean-Pierre Wimille was one of the longest-serving test drivers at Bugatti.

Bugatti Type 57G Tank

It was the winning race car from 1937 that inspired the “Jean-Pierre Wimille” legend. The Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is finished in the same racing blue typical of French racing cars from that genre. A shining blue clear-coated carbon-fibre and a light “Bleu Wimille” paint combination were selected for the exterior. The dark blue exposed carbon-fibre is a striking contrast to the light blue.

The bodywork in the contrasting light blue or “Bleu Wimille” covers the entire front end, side doors and part behind the doors. Only the upper portion of the front wing panels are finished in dark blue carbon-fibre reflecting the historic racing cars “Wimille stripes.” The light blue continues on the underside of the rear wing along with a silver silhouette reminiscent of Wimille’s first victory at LeMans. The driver’s signature is laser printed on the dark blue tank and oil caps.

The contrasting light and dark blue color scheme follows through the Vitesse’s interior. The head lining, footwells and seat inserts are “Bleu Wimille” with dark blue seat bolsters. This dark blue or “Lake Blue” is carried through to the dash, center console and doors. A special decorative stitching in the French national colors of blue, white, and red is used on the steering wheel and gear shift lever. The head rests have the signature of Jean-Pierre Wimille stitched with contrasting “Bleu Wimille.” The center console features exposed carbon-fibre inserts with the “Les Légendes de Bugatti” logo. The door sill plates are decked with the portrait and signature of Jean-Pierre Wimille. Milled and polished aluminium accents echo the 24 hours de LeMans victories.

All six “Les Légendes de Bugatti” editions are based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. Rated as the fastest series roadster in the world, the 8.0 litre alloy 16 cylinder engines produce a prolific 1200 hp and 1,500 Nm of torque @ 3,000-5,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0-62 in an astounding 2.6 seconds. All six editions are being built at the extremely restricted pace of only three cars each. All Bugatti limited edition supercars are instantly collectible and become the most valuable classic cars in the world. Bugatti originated in the field of art. The company founder, Ettore Bugatti united and artistic approach with his technical innovations, creating the foundation of a design language that became the essence of the marque. Bugatti’s history is marked by a host of dazzling automotive masterpieces and an unmatched racing history.

The formidable W16 8.0 litre alloy engine packin’ a prolific punch with 1,200 hp!

Jean-Pierre Wimille

Its price:  2.28 Million Euros excluding tax and destination charges……..