Bugatti Veyron Wimille Sets Auction Record at $5.44 Million
Written with artificial intelligence.
A Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse 'Jean-Pierre Wimille' sold for CHF 4.505 million at RM Sotheby's auction in Zurich, establishing a new record for the model. The final price, approximately $5.44 million, exceeded the auction house's estimates significantly.
Record-Breaking Sale
At a recent RM Sotheby's auction in Zurich on September 26, a 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse 'Jean-Pierre Wimille' became the most expensive Veyron ever sold at public auction, fetching CHF 4,505,000 (approximately $5.44 million). This sale took place in less than three minutes of bidding, demonstrating strong interest from collectors.
Auction Details
Initially, the auction house estimated the car's value between CHF 2.4 million (around $2,616,000) and CHF 2.8 million (approximately $3,052,000). However, the final bid surpassed these estimates by 61%, highlighting the exceptional demand for this rare hypercar.
Rarity and Specifications
Only three Jean-Pierre Wimille editions of the Grand Sport Vitesse were produced, making this vehicle particularly desirable. It honors Jean-Pierre Wimille, the first driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Bugatti in 1937. This specific model has just 3,766 kilometers on the odometer, which is notably low for a vehicle over ten years old. Under the hood, it features the renowned quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, producing 1,183 horsepower and achieving 0-62 mph in just 2.6 seconds, with a top speed of 254 mph.
Implications for Collectors
The success of this auction signals a significant moment in the collector car market, particularly for Bugatti. This new record sets a high benchmark for future sales of the Veyron model, as collectors often seek unique and limited-edition variants, such as the Wimille edition. RM Sotheby's continues to play a pivotal role in Bugatti's auction history, having previously facilitated notable sales of the brand's vehicles.