Bugatti Veyron Wimille Sets Auction Record at $5.44 Million
Written with artificial intelligence.
A 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse named after Jean-Pierre Wimille has set a new auction record, selling for approximately $5.44 million. The sale at RM Sotheby's in Zurich far exceeded its pre-auction estimate of $2.4 million to $2.8 million.
Record Auction Sale
A 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, named after the legendary driver Jean-Pierre Wimille, has become the most expensive vehicle ever sold at public auction. The auction, conducted by RM Sotheby's in Zurich on September 26, saw the car sell for 4,505,000 CHF (about 4,760,000 EUR or $5.44 million) in under three minutes of bidding.
Exceeding Expectations
Initially, the car was estimated to fetch between 2.4 million and 2.8 million CHF, yet it sold for 61% above the highest estimate. This sale marks a significant milestone, surpassing the previous record for a Veyron at auction by approximately $2.35 million.
Rarity and Condition
Only three Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille models were ever produced, adding to its appeal among collectors. This particular vehicle has only traveled 3,766 kilometers since its release, which is remarkably low for a car over ten years old. Such limited mileage is typical for Veyrons as they are often purchased for collection rather than driving.
Performance Specifications
The Veyron retains its renowned W16 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged engine, producing 1,200 hp (882 kW). It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds and has a top speed of 409 km/h, reinforcing its status as a hypercar.
Recent auction activity for Bugatti has included unique restorations and prototype sales, but achieving a sale price of over $5.4 million for a production model places this auction in a league of its own. Such records tend to stand until another exceptional vehicle, particularly one associated with a name like Wimille, enters the market.