Bugatti unveiled the second of its six extremely limited-production “Bugatti Legends” series cars in Frankfurt this week. This time, the honoree is Jean Bugatti, eldest son of Ettore Bugatti, the company’s founder.
It takes more than simple nepotism to receive the honor of a special-edition car, of course. Jean Bugatti took over the company in 1936, at the age of 27, and was responsible for the design and creation of the Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the marque’s most iconic vehicles.
The limited-edition Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse that bears Jean Bugatti’s name has been styled in homage to Bugatti’s personal Type 57SC, also known as “La Voiture Noire” (The Black Car). La Voiture Noire was lost some time during World War II, but its jet black paint is recreated on the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition Veyron, along with clear-coated carbon fiber body panels and platinum trim on the horseshoe grille and EB logo. Black diamond-cut wheels are also included. The interior is upholstered with chocolate brown and beige leather, as the original car was. Embroidered doors and a platinum EB logo on the steering wheel are unique touches, and as a final callback to La Voiture Noire, the shift lever is made of rosewood.
Only four Type 57C Atlantics were built, and that will be one more than the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition Veyron’s production run.
