When Rick van Stippent started his career as a car detailer, he probably never imagined he’d one day own one of the world’s most exclusive supercars, least of all sell it. But that’s exactly what the millionaire detailing entrepreneur is doing, having listed his rare Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with 20,000 miles for over $2.2 million.
Van Stippent’s journey has gone from detailing cars as a 12-year-old to collecting them. What began as a passion for making vehicles shine has evolved into a million-dollar detailing empire and an impressive collection of shiny vehicles. His meticulous eye for detail, clearly honed through years of perfecting paint finishes, has served him well in selecting exceptional vehicles for his collection.
Unfortunately, his fastidiousness didn’t keep him from spectacularly writing off his half-million-dollar Lamborghini Aventador in an accident in 2023.
The star of his collection has undoubtedly been his red-on-red Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. What makes this particular variant so special? The Veyron was named the 2000s Car of the Decade by BBC’s Top Gear, and for good reason. The Grand Sport is, essentially, a convertible version of the legendary Veyron. It maintains the coupe’s performance credentials, featuring the iconic 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces 1,001 horsepower. This engineering marvel can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 253 mph with the roof panels in place.
But the Grand Sport offers something the standard coupe cannot. The visceral experience of open-top motoring. The removable roof panels transform the driving experience, allowing occupants to hear the symphony of sixteen cylinders and four turbochargers whooshing away in harmony.
The build quality is quintessentially Bugatti, with each Grand Sport requiring hundreds of hours of hand assembly in Molsheim, France. From the leather appointments to the precisely machined aluminum and carbon fiber components, it screams attention to detail. No doubt that would impress someone like van Stippent, who has built his career on perfectionism.
For van Stippent, parting with such an extraordinary machine likely isn’t easy. However, serious collectors understand that automotive treasures are meant to be enjoyed and shared, not simply stored away. At $2.2 million, the 40th of a total of 58 Grand Sports produced represents a significant investment. But for the right buyer, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, one that’s been meticulously maintained by someone whose job depends on it.
