Paris is certainly known for beautiful things. Last week one more work of art was seen in the French capital. The Bugatti Veyron L’Or Blanc, or White Gold model was actually driven and parked on the Paris streets. For anyone who has ever seen the minute parking spaces in this city of artists and lovers, and the ability of drivers to park in such spaces, it is even more incredible to learn that one of the most incredible features of this spectacular car is that it wears a coat of porcelain to achieve its remarkable appearance.
The completely-unique car was built last year and is worth £1.6m. Maintaining the performance standards of the Veyron with its credentials of the eight-litre W16 engine reaching a top speed of 253 mph, achieving 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds, and delivering 1000 bhp, this one-off model takes the looks of the Veyron to a completely new level. Created in conjunction with German fine porcelain teapot makers, this edition of the Veyron Super Sport achieves its peerless eddies of white on midnight blue by wearing ‘the finest porcelain on its body’.
The swirls of white porcelain are echoed in its filler caps, badges, and wheel caps, also specially constructed from the material.
The whirling lines were conceived to be a design tribute to the Stelvio Pass, an Italian road of legendary acclaim. In response to mixed acclaim at the launch last year, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Bugatti, said that ‘at first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible. But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realisation of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics. This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials.’
Perfectly ensconced in its immaculate surroundings at the Plaza Athenee Hotel the Veyron L’Or Blanc looked quite at home, and proved to be a completely crowd-pleaser to the throng who soon arrived from all over Europe to glimpse this rare beauty. Since its purchase by the Saudi Arabian owner last year, it has not been seen on either continent. Proud of his protégé, he must nevertheless have been relieved when the car was safely parked and lapping up the limelight of the car-parazzi.