The first Bugatti ‘Legend’ is the Jean-Pierre Wimille, named after the French racing driver that helped Bugatti achieve its two victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans: in 1937, driving a Bugatti 57G Tank co-piloted by Robert Benoist, and repeating the feat in 1939, this time supported by Pierre Veyron in a 57C Tank.
The car was presented at Pebble Beach alongside the original Type 57G Tank, from which designers of the modern car drew inspiration. This can be seen in the paintwork and details of both the exterior and cabin of the latest Veyron special edition.
The body is composed entirely of carbon fiber and pays tribute to the Type 57G Tank with its blue paint finish, a color characteristic of French racing cars of the era. This is continued inside, where the headliner, footwells, and seat inserts have been upholstered in Blue Wimille, while a darker shade of blue known as Lake Blue is used for the seat bolsters, dash panel, center console and doors. In homage to Wimille, the vehicle and the brand, the Bugatti designers have also developed a special decorative stitching in the French national colors of blue, white and red which has been used on the steering wheel and gearshift lever.
From left to right: Pierre Veyron, Jean Bugatti and Jean-Pierre WimilleEnlarge Photo
By comparison, the Type 57G Tank featured a 3.3-liter straight-eight engine delivering approximately 200 horsepower. Thanks to its aerodynamically designed body, it could quickly reach higher speeds than that of its competitors.
For more of our coverage of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, click here.