Bugatti unveils Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Pierre Wimille Legend Edition at Pebble Beach
Bugatti has launched the first in its six-part 'Les Légendes de Bugatti' series, honouring Le Mans winner Jean-Pierre Wimille with a special Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Pierre Wimille Legend Edition made its public debut at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, representing the first model in Bugatti’s exclusive six-car 'Les Légendes de Bugatti' series. This special edition is named after Jean-Pierre Wimille, the celebrated French racing driver who led Bugatti to victory at the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans in the iconic Type 57G Tank. The car’s blue-tinted carbon fibre bodywork directly references the blue racing colours of the original Type 57G Tank, evoking the spirit of French motorsport heritage and Bugatti’s historic successes.
Design and Tribute to Jean-Pierre Wimille
The exterior’s sculpted lines and use of advanced materials reflect the Veyron’s blend of tradition and innovation. Inside, the cabin features a two-tone leather interior, with blue and neutral shades echoing the exterior’s distinctive look. Embroidered headrests, blue carbon fibre trim, and unique 'Les Légendes de Bugatti' badging throughout the interior all contribute to the car’s sense of occasion. Every detail, from seat stitching to the dashboard finish, is tailored to celebrate Wimille’s legacy and Bugatti’s racing pedigree.
Technical Details and Performance
Beneath its bespoke exterior, the Jean Pierre Wimille Legend Edition is powered by the same formidable 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine found in the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. This engine produces 1,200hp (882kW) and 1,500Nm (1,106lb ft) of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is extraordinary performance: the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.6 seconds and, with the roof down, can reach a top speed of 408.84km/h (253mph). These figures secure its place among the fastest open-top production cars ever built.
| Engine | 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,200hp (882kW) |
| Torque | 1,500Nm (1,106lb ft) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch |
| 0–100km/h | 2.6 seconds |
| Top speed (roof down) | 408.84km/h (253mph) |
Limited Series and Collector Appeal
The Jean Pierre Wimille Legend Edition is the first in Bugatti’s six-part series, with each model dedicated to a key figure from the brand’s celebrated racing past. The exclusivity of the series, alongside its historical references, is designed to attract collectors and enthusiasts who value automotive heritage. Bugatti has not announced official pricing for the Wimille edition, but the rarity and craftsmanship indicate it is positioned at the very top of the collector market.
- Blue-tinted carbon fibre and bespoke interior mark the Wimille edition
- Part of a six-car Legend Edition run, each honouring a Bugatti figure
- Successive editions include Jean Bugatti and Rembrandt Bugatti
Successive Legend Editions
Following the Wimille edition, Bugatti continued the Legend series with models dedicated to Jean Bugatti and Rembrandt Bugatti, each unveiled at subsequent high-profile motor shows. These cars featured their own unique styling cues and historical references, further establishing the Legend Editions as celebrations of the marque’s achievements both on and off the racetrack.
Significance of the Legend Editions
For buyers, the Legend Edition offers the full performance and engineering excellence of the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, enhanced by historical significance and exclusivity. For Bugatti, the series serves as a tribute to the drivers and personalities who have shaped its distinguished history in motorsport. The Legend Editions are not just limited-run supercars; they are rolling tributes to Bugatti’s enduring legacy.
The unveiling of the Jean Pierre Wimille Legend Edition at Pebble Beach set the tone for the rest of the series, highlighting Bugatti’s commitment to honouring its past while pushing the boundaries of performance and design. Each subsequent Legend Edition has built on this foundation, offering collectors a unique blend of speed, luxury, and historical resonance.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Pierre Wimille Legend Edition stands out as an exclusive, high-performance tribute to a racing legend, combining cutting-edge engineering with a deep appreciation for the brand’s history. Its launch at Pebble Beach marked a significant moment for Bugatti and set the stage for future Legend Editions to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
