In every company in the world, there are people that have helped elevate it to supremacy and some companies see it fit to celebrate its heroes. Bugatti->ke16 is doing just that by preparing a series of six individual Veyron->ke1112 models, specially developed to pay tribute to the people that "have played a crucial role in its history and which have helped creating its mystique."

The first from this special series is called Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean-Pierre Wimille" Edition and, as its name suggests, it pays tribute to Jean-Pierre Wimille -- a racecar->ke148 driver that brought two Le Mans victories to Bugatti.

This special edition was inspired by the Bugatti 57G Tank that won the Le Mans in 1937. It comes with a two-tone paint job that features blue clear-coated carbon fiber and a light Wimille Bleu. Under the hood, this Bugatti Veyron stays bone stock, leaving it at the amazing 8-liter W-16 engine that delivers 1,200 horsepower and 1,100 pound-feet of torque.

The model will be making its world debut at the US The Quail/Pebble Beach set to take place from 16 to 18 August.

Click past the jump to read more about Jean-Pierre Wimille.

2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean-Pierre Wimille" Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean-Pierre Wimille" Edition
  • Engine/Motor: W-16
  • Horsepower: 1200
  • Torque: 1106
  • Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Jean-Pierre Wimille

Jean-Pierre Wimille was one of the longest-serving test drivers at Bugatti. He was born on February 26, 1908 in Paris and drove almost exclusively for Bugatti throughout his racing career.

Wimille was only 22 years old when he made his Grand Prix debut, driving a Bugatti 37A at the 1930 French Grand Prix in Pau. Then, in 1932, he won the La Turbie hill climb, the Grand Prix de Lorraine and the Grand Prix d'Oran - all of them while driving a Bugatti T51. In 1933 Ettore Bugatti invited him to take up the position of official test driver for the brand.

In his very first year he came first in the Algerian Grand Prix, then in 1935, he collected the title in the then-famous hill climb at La Turbie near Nice driving a T 59, following this with a second place in the Tunisian Grand Prix and fourth place in Spain.

In 1937 and then in 1939 he won the 24 hours of Le Mans, first while driving a Bugatti T57G with Robert Benoist and second a Bugatti T57C with Pierre Veyron.

Jean-Pierre Wimille died at the wheel of Simca-Gordini during practice runs for the 1949 Buenos Aires Grand Prix.