The Bugatti Veyron’s 2005 debut was nothing short of revolutionary, tearing up the supercar rule book and starting anew. Named after Bugatti’s celebrated test driver and Le Mans winner, Pierre Veyron, the car featured an advanced carbon fibre monocoque chassis, a Haldex LSC four-wheel-drive system, and a Ricardo-sourced dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission.
With an astonishing 987 horsepower, the Veyron became the world’s fastest production car, reaching a top speed of 253 mph, surpassing the McLaren F1 by 13 mph. It also recorded impressive 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph times of 2.5 and 5.1 seconds, respectively.
In 2009, Bugatti introduced the open-top Veyron Grand Sport, featuring a removable roof panel and an emergency soft-top. The following year, the Veyron Super Sport was released, boasting 1,200 horsepower, 1,100 ft-lbs of torque, and revised aerodynamics. Limited to just 30 units, the Super Sport marked the pinnacle of the Veyron series. In 2012, Bugatti unveiled the Grand Sport Vitesse, an open-top version of the Super Sport.
The Grand Sport Vitesse benefited from revised gearing, new dampers, carbon fibre bodywork, and an optimized Electronic Stability Programme. It was electronically limited to 255 mph with the roof panel in place and 233 mph with it removed. In April 2013, Bugatti tested the car at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien track, where Chinese GT driver Anthony Liu achieved a top speed of 254.04 mph with the roof removed, making it the world’s fastest convertible.
Only 92 Grand Sport Vitesse units were produced between 2012 and 2015. This particular model, finished in exposed Blue/Black carbon fibre with a Tangerine leather interior, is the 46th produced. It features an option package worth €375,500, including anodized blue brake calipers, a powder-coated engine cover, black nanocoated magnesium components, and quilted seats.
Initially intended for Japan, chassis 046 was sold in London in 2015. The car has received regular services over the last couple of years. This meticulously maintained masterpiece embodies the spirit of Bugatti in its most extreme form and it is now offered for sale with only 4,085 kilometres since new.
This Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on June 12 and is expected to fetch as much as $3,200,000 USD.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
