Bugatti reveals new Veyron GSV

Over the next 12 months, Bugatti will reveal six special editions of what is officially the fastest roadster... in the world. Meet the ‘Les Légendes de Bugatti'.

Translated as ‘Bugatti Legends', the brief is simple: six special editions commemorating six people that have played a crucial role in the history and ‘mystique' of Bugatti. The first name on the roster? Jean-Pierre Wimille.

This gentleman was one of the longest-serving test drivers at Bugatti, bringing home a number of race wins that included the company's very last number one: the 1947 Bois de Boulogne, where he drove a 4.7-litre Monoposto (single seater) Type 59/50 B.

He died later in 1949 in a car crash in Buenos Aires, but his greatest achievement for Bugatti remains the two victories he scored at Le Mans; the first in 1937 driving the 57G Tank, the second in 1939 supported by Pierre Veyron (get the connection?) in a 57C Tank.

And thus, as it's the 90th anniversary of Le Mans this year, Bugatti has decided Jean-Pierre's race-winning 57G Tank from 1937 was ripe for commemoration. As we mentioned, each special edition is based on the bonkers-fast Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, and this first car gets blue clear-coated carbon fibre and a light Wimille Bleu paintwork finish, in honour of Wimille's blue 57G.

The blue theme continues inside, although Bugatti has neglected to fiddle with the meat underneath. A wise move, considering the GSV boasts an 8.0-litre W16 capable of around 1200bhp, 1106lb ft of torque, a 0-62mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 254.04mph. Suffice to say, industrial strength adhesive may be required for any hairpieces/commemorative headwear when the roof is off.

Just three examples of this Jean-Pierre Wimille version will be built, set to be presented to the world and the Internet between 16-18 August at Pebble Beach. The other five names that will grace the remaining special editions will be revealed in the coming months. No word on price, but as a rough guide, the GSV ‘World Record Car' edition unveiled in Shanghai earlier this year - of which just eight will be built - costs just over £2m.