Les Légendes de Bugatti: Jean Bugatti

The second of a six release limited edition series from Bugatti

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

The second release in “Les Légendes de Bugatti” series is the “Jean Bugatti” edition which celebrates the oldest son of Ettore Bugatti. Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti known as Jean was the most gifted of the four siblings of Ettore Bugatti. Jean was influential in the development of the company located in Molsheim, Alsace. By the age of 27 he took over as CEO of Bugatti. He secured his place in automotive history with his own engine and chassis designs and concepts for vehicle bodies that were deemed way ahead of their time. This series is six limited editions honoring the men who helped to make Bugatti the ethereal mystique it is today. This was introduced at the 65^th International Motor Show in Frankfurt September 9^th, 2013. The Jean Bugatti, as the other five editions, is limited to a production run of only three vehicles in each series. It costs 2.28 Million Euros plus tax and destination charges…….pocket change, right?

Jean Bugatti played a key role in the company’s development. John synthesized the artistic roots of Bugatti with his father’s innovative automotive technology…..”Art, Form, Technique.” His most famous piece was the Bugatti Type 57SC (Super-charged) Atlantic; it was one of his most extraordinary designs. The Bugatti Atlantic is one of the most exclusive and exceptional sport coupes ever built and it ranks among the most expensive vintage cars in the world. There were only four of them ever produced between 1936 and 1938 and to date, there are only two survivors in their original condition today.

The current Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse has styling cues from “La Voiture Noire” (The Black Car) that Jean himself drove. Per Wolfgang Schreiber, President of Bugatti S.A.S. “The Bugatti 57SC Atlantic is an icon. For many, it is one of the most elegant and valuable sports cars in automotive history.” I totally agree, that car is a knockout! It still looks good and always will. Imagine having that in your garage!

The exterior of the “Jean Bugatti Legend Edition” is constructed entirely of jet-black, clear-coated carbon-fibre. Genuine platinum was used for the famous “Bugatti horseshoe” emblem on the front grille and the “EB” logo on the rear of the car. This design feature was a first for Bugatti. The black with platinum accents is an elegant combination. The car’s classic simplicity and understated elegance lends an avant-garde spirit…..” It is the embodiment of elegance and the apex of technology.” Rich black diamond-cut rims add to the vehicle’s mystique. Jean Bugatti’s name is laser printed on the gas and oil filler caps and painted Arctic Grey.

Rich chocolate-brown and beige tones set the mood for the leather upholstered interior. The Vitesse features the same tones as in the Type 57SC Atlantic. The seats, instrument panel, steering wheel, dash panel, center console, door trim panels and windscreen cross member are all done in the deep brown. The stitching in the leather is a contrasting color. A light beige silk color makes a stunning contrast against the chocolate-brown. The side silhouette of the Type 57SC Atlantic is embroidered onto the doors using beige silk thread. The Atlantic’s silhouette also applied to the rear beige colored storage compartment using brown thread. The gear shift lever made of rosewood remains true to the original Type 57SC Atlantic. The door sill plates use a portrait of Jean Bugatti and his signature.

Jean Bugatti’s expertise was showcased in the Type 41 Royale, Type 55 Roadster, and Type 50, as well as the Type 57SC. The Atlantic had an unmistakable design feature; a dorsal seam that ran from a right angle from the windscreen to the rear bumper and effectively welds the two halves of the aluminium body together. This element continues to play a fundamental role in vehicles designed by Bugatti even today. 

The “Les Légendes de Bugatti” series is a limited edition of six releases of three vehicles each celebrating the lives of the men who made Bugatti. Every Bugatti becomes a collectible. Bugatti is a legend that ends up being one of the most expensive vintage cars in the world. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse was chosen to represent these formidable legends….only because it too is a modern-day legend. It is rated as the fastest production series roadster in the world. The alloy 8.0 litre 16 cylinder engine produces 1,200 hp.

The Vitesse celebrates the accomplishments of the eldest and most gifted sibling of the Bugatti family. He knew how to mirror the 1930s style of avant-garde design into Bugatti car bodies. The Veyron’s elegant minimalist appearance augments the company’s achievements of today as well as in the days of Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti. As for the original “La Voiture Noire” which was the first of the four vehicles produced was lost in transit during WWI and circumstances surrounding its disappearance still remains a mystery……

Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti known as Jean

Bugatti is a living legend…..the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is rated as the fastest roadster in the world. The alloy 8.0 litre 16 cylinder engine produces 1,200 hp….it goes from 0-62 in just 2.6 seconds. This series already has a place in automotive history…it’s like driving two V8 engines at once……………….NotoriouslyAwesome