Car collectors have something very, very special to look forward to at the upcoming RM Sotheby’s Munich auction. The 2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Pur Sang numbered “1” represents a rare chance to acquire the first of only five examples ever constructed. With an estimate between $1.9 million and $2.3 million, this Pur Sang stands as one of the most significant Bugatti Veyron variants to reach public auction.
The Pur Sang, French for “pure blood” or “thoroughbred”, debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as one of Bugatti’s earliest and most daring limited edition creations. The Pur Sang was designed by Achim Anscheidt, who drew inspiration from witnessing the raw beauty of the Veyron’s unadorned structure during assembly. Rather than applying traditional paint, the Pur Sang showcases a striking combination of mirror-polished aluminum and clear-coated carbon fiber bodywork that reveals the hypercar’s unrivalled engineering.
This radical minimalism isn’t just for show either. The exposed carbon fiber construction reportedly reduces weight by nearly 200 lbs compared to standard Veyron models, not that the regular model needed a bump in the power-to-weight department. Beneath the unpainted exterior lies the legendary 8.0-liter quad turbocharged W16 engine producing 1,001 horsepower, propelling the legendary hypercar from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 253 mph.
Chassis number “1” has remained with just three private owners since its delivery new to Germany. The odometer displays merely 4,740 miles, reflecting careful stewardship throughout its history. The cabin features refined beige and grey leather interior trim complemented by the signature turned aluminum center console. The RM Sotheby’s listing specifies that this Veyron 16.4 Pur Sang includes its original owner’s manual with service book, Speed Key that unlocks the mythical top speed, car cover, and charger.
All five Veyron Pur Sang examples sold out almost immediately upon debut, cementing the model’s status as an icon of exclusivity through design. Collectors seeking investment-grade, limited-edition hypercars rarely encounter such opportunities. Whoever ends up buying this first-ever Veyron Pur Sang won’t just be buying a piece of history, but buying entry into the elite ownership circle for one of Bugatti’s most exclusive hypercars.
Update – This car sold for $21 million at auction.
