Rare 2023 Bugatti Baby II: Electric Reinterpretation with Heritage - Pebble Beach Auctions
Prepare to be transported to the epicentre of automotive allure, where anticipation hums like an electric charge. The upcoming Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auctions, an opulent spectacle scheduled for August 18 and 19, is poised to unveil a jewel among its treasures: the 2023 Bugatti Baby II. In the hallowed halls of automotive extravagance, where legends come to life, this singular 75% scale electric marvel, a reinterpretation of the iconic Bugatti Type 35, stands ready to enrapture enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Crafted with the unwavering precision of The Little Car Company's team of engineers at their UK sanctuary in Oxfordshire, the Bugatti Baby II is a symphony of meticulous craftsmanship and artistry. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of the 1924 Grand Prix car, the hand-formed aluminium bodywork, meticulously shaped from a 3D scan of the original, beckons with the soul of authenticity. And yet, within its classic contours, a modern heartbeat thrums—an electric motor, a contemporary twist to an enduring classic.
But this Bugatti Baby II, poised for auction amidst the Pebble Beach splendour, is no mere replica; it is a bespoke masterpiece. Cloaked in a bewitching Gunpowder Black paint scheme, its allure heightened by the radiant embrace of gold-plated radiator and headlights, it ascends into a realm of unparalleled collectable opulence. As it celebrates the 72nd anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, this unique model proudly wears hand-painted numbering as a testament to its exclusivity. The revered Bugatti Macaron badge, meticulously crafted in solid silver, whispers of luxury, distinction, and artisanal mastery.
In a remarkable union of heritage and innovation, The Little Car Company and Bugatti have paid homage to the original's spirit, preserving identical suspension and geometry for a taste of authentic handling. Stepping into the cockpit, the turned aluminium dashboard mirrors the elegance of the original Type 35, a homage etched in metal and memory.
The Bugatti Baby II offers a connoisseur's choice, with three distinct editions: Base, Vitesse, and Pur Sang. The Vitesse variant, a performance beacon, takes the spotlight in this auction. Clad in lightweight carbon fibre bodywork, it promises an exhilarating modern evolution. Its high-performance powertrain, pulsating with 60% more power than the base model, pairs with a long-range 2.8 kWh battery, delivering a 50% range increase—an electrifying leap forward.
Innovation weaves through every thread of this automotive tapestry, transforming the fuel pressure gauge into a battery gauge and the oil gauge into a power gauge—a nod to the Bugatti Veyron. Pedals, adjustable and hewn from solid aluminium billet, bear the iconic 'EB' logo, an emblem of unyielding excellence. Even the fuel pump, reincarnated, now serves as the selector for forward, neutral, and reverse.
Ben Hedley, the visionary CEO of The Little Car Company, exudes enthusiasm for the auction, declaring, "We are thrilled to present this unique 2023 Bugatti Baby II at the Pebble Beach Auctions, supporting the Pebble Beach Concours charities. Our reimagining of the iconic Type 35 pays tribute to Bugatti's legacy while infusing a modern twist that has garnered global acclaim."
David Gooding, the maestro behind Gooding & Company, shares in this symphony of anticipation, "We look forward to auctioning this innovative 2023 Bugatti Baby II, crafted with masterful skill by The Little Car Company. The sale proceeds will contribute significantly to the esteemed Pebble Beach Company Foundation."
Sandra Button, the venerable Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, acknowledges the extraordinary opportunity to support the charity through this exceptional offering. She emphasises the historical resonance of the Bugatti brand with the Concours, where the Bugatti Macaron badge stands as a symbol of excellence, a beacon of automotive history.
The Bugatti Baby II will take its place under the spotlight on August 19th, within the Pebble Beach Auctions' embrace, set amidst the splendour of the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours in California. As Lot 138, this one-of-a-kind masterpiece is poised to fetch between US$100,000 – US$120,000, with all proceeds from its sale flowing generously into the Pebble Beach Company Foundation coffers, where dreams and legacy unite.
