GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Bugatti Veyron 'Rembrandt Bugatti'
The fourth Veyron model in the six-part Legends Edition honours Rembrandt Bugatti, noted sculptor and brother of company founder EttoreBugatti has consistently found ways to keep the spotlight on its now ageing Veyron by spinning off a number of new variants, and a raft of special-edition models.
The latest instalment in this strategy is the Veyron Grand Vitesse ‘Rembrandt Bugatti’, which was revealed at the Geneva motor show. It is the fourth model in the six-part “Les Légendes de Bugatti” series – each of which pays tribute an important individual in the company’s history.
The ‘Rembrandt Bugatti’ Legend will be limited to just three units, but prospective buyers will pay handsomely for the privilege of owning one. It’s priced at a whopping 2.18 million euro ($3.37m) – more than double the ask for a standard Veyron.
Bugatti is confident it will have no problem shifting three examples though, as it has managed to sell out each of the previous Legends Edition models to date.
Among Rembrandt Bugatti’s claims to fame is that he created the sculpture of the dancing elephant that decorated the radiator of the iconic Bugatti Type 41 Royale, and which has since become the brand’s symbol.
Rembrandt (not to be confused with the 17th century Dutch painter) was allegedly one of the most notable sculptors of the early 20th century, becoming famous for his animal sculptures.
The Veyron model created in his memory is based on the Grand Sport Vitesse, which is powered by the uprated 882kW and 1500Nm version of the familiar quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, enabling it to hit a v-max of 408.82km/h with the roof off (making it the fastest open-topped car in the world).
The exterior of the car is made up largely of bronze-coloured clear-coated carbon as a nod to the artist’s favoured material – bronze – while the vehicle’s lower half is painted in a light brown hue dubbed ‘Noix’.
Complementing the bodywork, the wheels are painted in dark ‘Firefinch’ and light ‘Noix’ browns, while Rembrandt Bugatti’s signature has been lasered onto the petrol and oil cap.
The same colour theme carries through to the interior, which is upholstered in Cognac light-brown leather upholstery.
However, the piece de resistance is the famous elephant sculpture on the rear centre box, which replicates the hood ornament of the Type 41 Royale and today is the symbol for both the brand and the Legends Edition.
The elephant was cast in bronze with and worked as an insert into the cover. The cover itself is made of bronze-coloured clear-coated carbon.
Other interior details specific to this Legends Vitesse are the insert of bronze-coloured clear-coated carbon on the extended centre console tunnel with the motif “Les Légendes de Bugatti” and Rembrandt Bugatti’s elephant. The door sill plates also display the sculptor’s portrait and signature.
Full photo gallery of 2014 Geneva Motor Show
Register to comment on this article.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
