In 1998, the Volkswagen Group purchased the trademark rights on the former car manufacturer Bugatti to revive the brand. Starting with the Bugatti EB118, they presented at various international auto shows four 18-cylinder concept cars. At the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, the first study of the Bugatti Veyron was presented.
At the time, the concept car's name was "Bugatti Veyron EB 18.4," It was equipped with a 3-bank W18 engine instead of the 2-bank W16 engine of the production version. While Giugiaro had styled the three previous prototypes, the Volkswagen stylists designed the Veyron.
The Volkswagen Group decided to start production of the car in 2001. The first roadworthy prototype was completed in August 2003.
Source: oldtimerarchiv.com; Photo Courtesy of Bugatti
