How do you get Bugatti
to build you a one-off?
Sjoerd Schepman from the Perridon Collection tells us. Spoiler alert: First you’re denied, but then they'll create a whole new division for you.
Modern Art, motorized
Featured Cars: Bugatti Brouillard, Tourbillon, Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Chiron Super Sport 300+
Sjoerd, you are the curator and historical expert of The Perridon Collection. You are the reason this insane collection came to life three years ago.
We actually started eight years ago, but we began this special project three years ago.
Together with Mr. Perridon, you are the reason we have this car and the entire one-off solitaire program from Bugatti.
Yes, Mr. Perridon and I developed the concept and then asked Bugatti to make a special one-off for him. That is where this creation comes from.
It truly is an absolute masterpiece, but what is most interesting is that the inspiration started with a bronze sculpture of Ettore Bugatti on his horse, Brouillard, made by Paul Troubetzkoy.
Exactly. Brouillard means "fog." They always say Bugattis are the racehorses of the road, which inspired the car. You can see the car's lines are similar to the horse's muscles. The rims have the horseshoe grills integrated into them, and the rear features six exhausts similar to the authentic setup. Facundo designed it slightly differently but referenced those six exhaust pipes. It also uses the same tail design as the Profilée.
You mentioned you proposed the story and concept to Bugatti.
Initially, they refused, but then Rick called us back, and Facundo started the design process. First, they built a full-size prototype without color, which took six months. From there, we designed it step-by-step with Bugatti. We started with the interior, chose the horsehair, and then selected the color from three options: gray, silver, and green.
It is interesting you chose green for the Brouillard, even though the inspiration horse was gray.
There is a logical reason. The Alsace region has a famous wine route, and this specific green represents the leaves on those hills. Since there are no other green Bugattis, this ensures it remains a true one-of-one.
How long did this entire process take?
Almost three years. Delivery is scheduled for the end of 2026.
Speaking of new deliveries, the Bugatti Tourbillon, the successor to the Chiron, is right behind you. It no longer features a W16 engine.
No, it uses a hybrid V16 engine producing 900 newton meters, placed much further forward in a mid-engine setup. The inspiration for the Tourbillon came from the actual watch mechanism.
Initially, they refused, but then Rick called us back, and Facundo started the design process. First, they built a full-size prototype without color, which took six months.
It also features a straight line over the whole car, which continues onto the windshield via the moving windshield wiper.
That is the only reason it is allowed. Split windows are no longer permitted, so making it a moving part was a smart way to incorporate the line of the Atlantic. Also, on the steering wheel, the clock mechanism stays perfectly centered regardless of how you turn the wheel.
Let's look at the first Bugatti Mr. Perridon ever bought. Here is the trio of Veyrons, which have the most mileage in the collection.
Yes, he bought this original Veyron over ten years ago. It features the W16 8-liter quad-turbo engine with 1,001 horsepower and a top speed limited to 407 kilometers an hour, though the special key unlocks higher speeds. After that, he bought the Grand Sport Vitesse. It uses the same engine block but with a larger capacity, producing 1,200 horsepower. It has a full carbon body finished in Bugatti's official black and orange world record colors. They used it to set the record for the fastest convertible.
He bought this original Veyron over ten years ago. It features the W16 8-liter quad-turbo engine with 1,001 horsepower and a top speed limited to 407 kilometers an hour, though the special key unlocks higher speeds.
This Vitesse is his favorite to drive?
Yes. Although all Veyrons use carbon monocoques and body panels, the Vitesse is 100 kg heavier than the regular Veyron. Its higher top speed is due to aerodynamic upgrades and the extra 200 horsepower.
Speaking of world records, we also have the official 300+ Longtail here.
Yes, named for its aerodynamics. Andy Wallace drove this exact model up to 490 kilometers an hour, setting the ultimate speed record. I don't think there will ever be a quicker car than this.
- PhotographyRico Mols
