The crazy Bugatti Vision GT concept had a rare public outing on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance a few weeks ago. And had some trouble leaving.
Youtuber Marchettino was on hand to film the mishaps as they happened. Which started as the car was maneuvered off the Concept Lawn. Despite moving at no more than shuffling pace, it ran out of fuel - even at idle, a 1500 horsepower, 8.0-liter W16 engine will get through a lot of gas.
No doubt it was pretty embarrassing, but a couple of jerry cans of fuel had the car running again. But only as far as the next problem: loading it onto the trailer.
In fairness, it’s a tricky maneuver, attempting to creep forwards from a steep hill start. In any car without a proper a manual gearbox it’s a move that’s almost impossible to pull off. When that car is a priceless one-off with 1500 hp, the jeopardy is off the scale. The merest twitch of the throttle could have launched the thing into its maiden flight.
Not exactly an auspicious end to what was probably the Vision GT’s last public appearance. Bugatti recently announced that it had been sold to a “Bugatti lover from Saudi Arabia,” believed to be Prince Badr bin Saud, grandson of the late King Abdullah. Which probably makes him the only private owner of one of a Vision GT concept, a series of which have been created by a number of car manufacturers to feature in Gran Turismo 6.
The Prince is also the first private owner of the new Chiron, securing his months before it officially goes on sale. How? He bought the car that was on display at the Geneva Motor Show. And how much did that privilege cost? Well, Bugatti said in an Instagram post: “The customer was awarded the contract after submitting the most convincing bid.”
The mind boggles at what a ‘convincing bid’ might be. It wouldn’t surprising if the Chiron and Vision GT together left the Prince without change from $10 million.
