These skillfully hand-crafted gloves are made by a 3rd generation Hungarian glove-maker. Not only are they made by hand but the Ethiopian Lamb leather makes for an incomparable fit and feel. Priced at $150.00 you can’t go wrong. Available in two styles, The Hollywood and The Monterey. Check them out here and buy a pair for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

I’m a numbers geek, a bean counter. I pride myself on having supported an automotive addiction with my automotive addiction. My dream of having a self-funded rotating collection has actually worked. Finding a desirable car, whether it be a classic or modern vehicle, buying it right, learning it, loving it and making it better than how I found it for the next owner. This has been a passion of mine since I was 13 years old. Now at 32 years old I’ve owned over 70 cars and have done so without going into the red. Most importantly making great friends along the way who love the cars just as much as I do.

So when I was asked to determine if the Volkswagen designed, French built Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Supercar could be considered a collectible several thoughts came to mind.

Questions:

1. Can a  car that costs $1.9 Million USD – - – NEW, Right now, In the current world market, be considered “collectible”?
2. At what point does your estimated, $1.9M investment earn a return.
3. Could it be worth $2.5M in ten years?
4. How much will it cost to own in those ten years?
5. What is the true cost of ownership?
6. Where would I get the car serviced?
7. Does the Veyron possess what it takes to win me over? So far, very few “modern” cars have it.
8. How can I answer any of these questions without getting behind the wheel?

The Truth:

I struggle with the term “Modern Collectibles”. Shouldn’t a truly collectible item stand the test of time?  And as for the test of time, could it be true that somewhere around the mid 70′s auto manufacturers, smitten by safety regulations and smog control,  began to lose the characteristics collector cars posess?  Sure there are post ’74 cars that might be desirable due to low mileage, limited production, engineering quality or racing history but the majority of these, with a few exceptions, I think most pre-date 1975.

And speaking of Character…  Having driven cars all the way from Pre-war to modern exotics. It seems to me that somewhere along the way a certain character that really great cars, even family cars possessed, has been lost.  In losing the character many cars became blah, boring, and unfortunately most feel similar to each other in the way they drive. This is why you won’t find many “reviews” on new cars on The Motoring Journal. I do drive them, but I was always told “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.

For me, it takes a lot of hard driving and maneuvers to make today’s refined  cars really stand out. So many feel so much alike. In comparison, a SWB 911 put up against the 246 GT Dino can be differentiated with very little drive time and ridiculous “tests”. When you do get these cars into the maneuvers and shakedown they really come to life, both with their own pizazz! Follow me?

Collecting

So what makes a car collectible?

• Production #’s- The lower volume of any built car, the greater the rarity. Rare is collectible.
• Racing History- Winning races always adds to a vehicles value to some extent. The more significant the race, typically the more value. Multiple races with the same car, even more value.
• Documentation- A paper trail documenting the cars history, services, ownership etc. Always adds value.
• Engineering Feats- If the automobile utilized technology or engineering marvels it makes the car more collectible. If the manufacturer did this with success, it adds even more value. However not all engineering “feats” were successful…
• Cult Following- If the vehicle has a faithful following  you typically have added value.
• Film/Print/Movie- People collect movie cars. The star factor can add a few bucks.
• Manufacturer Provenance- Perhaps just the name “Bugatti” will make hearts melt (so far I’ve found this true). If the manufacturer is known for exquisite design, engineering, power, rarity and so-on, it can make their cars collectible.

The Bugatti Veyron

So the date was set for Friday, March 9th, 2012 at 11AM. Factory Pilot Butch Leitzinger, The Metallic Sprint Blue – Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport and yours truly were determined to find out what makes this Supercar so special. Butch gave me a quick run down and walk-around with the Veyron before we set off. On first inspection I like the cars size.  So many “sports cars” and “exotics” are getting big and bogged down with a lot of nonsense that they’ve lost the “sports”  or “exotic” part of their name. Not the Veyron. The sexy, tightly skinned body is a form that has been shrink-wrapped around function, around perfection. In performance weight is everything. It’s the common secret behind every performance car. The Bugatti wears and throws its weight around with such agility you would never know you’re are driving 4,938 lbs of machine. I guess when most of your weight is made up by your power-plant and the components to transmit that power to the ground, you’re going to perform just fine.

The interior is thoughtfully laid out, simple to understand and use. Entering and exiting the car is easy unlike many other exotics. It’s user friendly. Even the seat-back has a spot to hang your jacket. The seat adjustment sliders are manual, again a no-nonsense approach. Of course you can have your Veyron built with power seats and just about anything else you like. Telescoping and tilt for the steering wheel are simple to get dialed in. Rear view sight from your side mirrors is great. The interior rear view mirror has a built in reverse camera which might be the one gadget that I found difficult to use in the glaring Florida sunlight when the targa top is off.

So we set off for some road time but we thought it best to stop and fuel up. The 26.4 Gallon fuel supply requires premium grade dispenser gasoline. In “easy” driving conditions the W16 Mid-Chassis Engine configuration is capable of  an estimated 14 MPG. Not bad for 16 Cylinders and 4 Turbos that make 1001 Brake Horse Power. But when you put your foot into it, and we did, you drop down to the 5MPG consumption level. Something that’s not so super about a super car. But I can think of far worse things to spend money on than fueling a Bugatti Veyron….

Upon exiting the fueling station we were limited to a busy 40mph traffic zone. I thought this may make the car difficult to drive. However, this was far from true. What struck me with the Veyron is that it delivers, all the time, on all levels it connects to the human senses, at any speed. It never lets you forget that you’re in the cockpit of the pinnacle of styling, engineering and power.

Let me explain. From an artistic design perspective you can spend hours looking at this car parked. The Veyron is a work of art in every respect. A drivable sculpture. At city speeds with the top off, the growling engine is constantly inhaling and exhaling, combine this with the 4 Turbochargers and you have one of the most magnificent engine tones I have ever heard. I am convinced the acoustical elements flowing into the cockpit are enhanced due to the design of the rear engine enclosure and intake ports.

The intake ports are positioned  just behind the driver and passengers headrest.  They double as aerodynamic cowls similar to the streamliners of the Avus track days. You can see they are like bullhorns sending sweet overtones from the engine, subliminally whispering into your ear at lower throttle. It’s as though you are taunting this beast with your foot on the accelerator pedal and it’s sending audible love notes back to you on demand. At one point I actually told Butch to listen closely as the turbos spooled and wastegate blow-off said my name “Chrrrrrisssssss”! He heard it too!

Velocity

As we head South from Amelia Island down First Coast Highway the road opens up and traffic thins out. I have a healthy fear of this car although I am quickly getting the idea we have a mutual respect for one another. Something that all healthy relationships should have… Now that we’re out of the 40mph zone I can finally get it beyond the first of seven gears. Don’t get me wrong, first gear is easy driving. The paddle shifting with the DSG type dual clutch system is effortless. While in 1st gear, with the dual clutch, 2nd gear is already engaged. When the time comes (which is mind boggling at 6,000RPM) to shift there is no clunk or jarring as felt with certain other exotic cars paddle shifting. The Bugatti Veyron shifting is fluid and the power surge is incredible. As expected the engine clearly changes tones from gear to gear but the feeling is like nothing I’ve experienced in any other transmission design. The other point I should make is that you really cannot screw up in shifting this car. You can’t over rev because the car will shift for you at redline.  When in manual mode, you’re in control all they way to red. The only mistake one might make, if you’re accustomed to other forms of paddle shift, is letting off the accelerator  in “between” gear shifts. With the Bugatti, you keep your foot in it, as much as you dare…

This type of power and velocity is simply narcotic. For a junkie like me, it’s addictive. Imagine standing in front of an “idling” jet engine. The whistling turbine power. This is the sound of the 4 turbo’s singing at lower RPM’s. They’re always harmonizing and at around 3,000 RPM they ever-so slightly over-ride the engine tone. As you lay your foot into the accelerator pedal, the engines growl turns into a roar. The turbo’s, with minimal lag are right on boost and catch up to the engine harmony. All while the car is rocketing from your previous speed, whether it’s 30MPH or 130MPH. This is the point where most would say your “Pinned to your seat”. I beg to differ. You’re on the verge of getting sucked into a 16 cylinder monster! The seat feels like the only thing saving you from being devoured! It’s a roaring lion. Under full load, the Veyron is pulling something like 1.7G’s of force.  Addictive.

The windows automatically rolling up at 97mph minimize the cockpit wind noise. With the top off the car, the cabin wind  was hardly noticeable until upwards of 120MPH. Top on, the driving experience was never overpowered by wind noise, even in excess of 150mph.

As you would expect with the all wheel drive system, the Veyron is stable at any speed, connected to the driving surface. The rear spoiler protrudes upward to assist with downforce. Entering, driving through and exiting turns at any speed is exciting in this car. Many cars do so much of the driving for you, they cause you to feel disconnected from the machine. The Bugatti is different. It is constantly working to bring you into a more intimate driving relationship with the car and the road. At times I felt the car knew exactly what I enjoy and look for in motoring, sometimes more than I knew myself. This connection will deepen your passion for driving. Imagine taking the best of every possible aspect in automobile engineering and driver experience in one automobile. This is the Veyron.

The bond the Bugatti Veyron creates between man and machine might have something to do with the developmental testing as Butch explained, “To properly program the cars computers, testing was done at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. A driver would go out with a Bugatti technician and laptop in the passenger seat. The driver would perform sudden swerves and erratic driving maneuvers while the technician, often holding on for dear life, would watch the cars computer system on his laptop and program changes accordingly.” How would you like to be the 200MPH guinea pig on that R/D day? This attention to fine tuning has paid off in huge dividends to those fortunate enough to own or even get behind the wheel of the Veyron.

And speaking of 200MPH, you’ve probably heard of the “Speed Key”… Without the speed key you’re limited to a mere 230MPH. Yes, to reach the Bugatti’s top cruising speed you must use a key to unlock the full 253MPH driving mode. It reminds me of  my childhood when dad finally took the baler twine (Redneck Governor) off the carb linkage on the go kart. Suddenly, there was a whole new world of speed!

With the Veyron’s speed key you’re not unlocking more horsepower. What you’re unlocking is a slightly lowered stance, a different pitch to the rear spoiler and the front air ducts close up. The speed key is strictly aerodynamic. I began to wonder if unlocking the speed key sends a beacon back to the Bugatti factory, letting them know someone is about to have the ride of their life? Either way this is engineering excellence.

Unfortunately on Amelia Island it was difficult to find space to truly stretch the Veyrons legs. I did however come up with a place where we could give the Veyron some room to play.

If you followed my coverage from Amelia Island 2011 you may have enjoyed the Hangar House story. I thought it might be best to use the airstrip as a safe place to see what the Veyron can really do. Hangar House and Airstrip owner Bill Amos thought it was a splendid idea under one provision, he got a ride.

At the airstrip, we safely reached 150MPH + cruising speed with room to brake. The runway itself isn’t particularly long but this was the best way to truly feel the refined, unending power this car has. At 150MPH where many cars begin to taper away, the Bugatti is just getting started. It is absolutely amazing. Under braking the rear spoiler turns into an air brake. It literally flips up to brake against the air. In my opinion, one of the many great design features of the car. From 150MPH  the braking was effortless and as exhilarating as the acceleration. The car never gave an inch in extremely hard braking, even on the runway’s not-so well traveled surface. From a safety and usability viewpoint, this is a car you would be confident putting your wife, mother or other loved one into the drivers seat.

This French built Supercar assembled on the  Bugatti family property known as Chateau Saint Jean possesses all of the character qualities that I would look for in a collectible car. If you buy a Veyron you’re in the “Top Brass” of the Supercar world. There are currently 325 Veyron, Grand Sport and Super Sport cars combined in the world. Throughout the US, there are 10 factory trained technicians to service your Veyron. And if you were wondering, as I was, the highest mileage privately owned Veyron checked in at just over 20,000 miles. Factory test cars have well over 100,000 miles and still going.

But what about the cost?

Bugatti Veyron Cost of Ownership

• Purchase Price: $1,400,000.00 EURO or at today’s exchange rate $1,866,619.37
• Approximately $130,00.00 in sales taxes depending on where you live and how good your accountant might be
• My insurance quote for 1 year: $38,849.10 (With Discounts!)
• Estimated Annual Service (suggested every 3,000 miles or 12 months): $20,000.00
• Tires: 1 Front $6,500 and 1 Rear $8,700.00
• Misc Service and detailing: $7,000.00
• Annual Fuel Estimate for 3,000 Miles: $1185.00

Cost Breakdown

• Initial Purchase w/tax est: $1,996,619.37
• Annual Total Cost (including tire usage) : $97,434.10
• Monthly Estimated Cost of Ownership: $8,119.51
• Daily Estimated Cost of Ownership:  $266.94
• Hourly Cost of ownerhip (24 hours a day): $11.12
• Driving Cost Per Mile: $32.48

Note: Estimated Costs do not include annual State registration taxes which seem to be rather vague and inconsistent with my research…

It seems to me, when you reach a certain monetary threshold in automobile value there is a protective bubble from massive depreciation. Market value might fluctuate a little but I don’t think the collector car market has ever truly “crashed” and I don’t know that it ever will.

Additionally, It’s safe to guess that the majority of people who are buying Veyrons now are not affected by economic downturns. I’m sure those who are buying Veyrons in 15 years will not be affected by the “global financial crisis”.  I would imagine buyers of this caliber do not use common excuses to haggle on price, like some of us would. They like it, they buy it. And I know they’ll like the Veyron.

After all things considered, to answer the question of the Veyron being worthy of “Collector” status. I would say without a doubt, yes. Aside from specific race history (because of the lack of a class/series for it to race in) the Veyron meets all of my criteria for a collectible vehicle.  And as far as standing the test of time well… Look at what vintage Bugatti sales have done. Bugatti, even with an absence in the company’s timeline, has stood the test of time.

With the Veyron being so young, only time can answer the $1,900,000.00 question… What will my ROI look like?

The book contains detailed information on each marque. It not only serves as an entertaining book from a readers perspective but also provides valuable data and specs for the collector. From production numbers to engine and coachwork information, Gullet has done his research.

For many car enthusiasts, myself included I have a deep conviction of being able to identify any car that has ever been produced. Lets just say European Style with American Muscle opened my eyes to a few automakers I’d never heard of.

For example the Gordon-Keeble shown below.

Every marque featured is assisted by photographs which draws the readers attention to styling details and cues that will help for future identification. The 117 page, soft cover book is small enough to take along on travels yet eye-catching for coffee tables or to have around the house as a conversation piece. It features over 100 Photos of the 25 marques.

I was so intrigued with the book I actually read it in one sitting. I’ve gone back to check stat’s and data on several of the marques since then. Overall, it’s a great addition to any car enthusiasts library and I would highly recommend it.

You can purchase European Style with American Muscle here online.

Gullet has more publications in the works which will take a closer look at individual marques similar to those shown in this book. His future works are sure to expand upon the foundation set in this book and may possibly be offered as a set accompanying European Style with American Muscle.

I look forward to seeing more of Gullets brilliant publications.

About The Author

Mike Gullet writes about classic cars, racecars and other cars that interest him. He also pays close attention to the makers and history of each car. He began publishing his own blog My Car Quest in November 2010.

He has spent most of his adult life in the technology business and has lived and worked in the San Fransisco Bay Area where he currently lives with his wife and cats.

The new rules mean you can’t simply avoid the need for insurance by not driving. For example, if your car needs some major work and you decide to switch to public transport until you can save up for the repairs, you will need insurance.

Another example of how the law could affect many people is the situation where your car insurance renewal expires while you are away on holiday. In the past you could simply leave it, take out a new policy when you get back, and effectively save yourself a few quid in the long run. Today however, that would be an offense.

Not having insurance at all times can now lead to a fixed penalty of £100, or a prosecution that can lead to a maximum court fine of £1,000. Under the law, your car could also be clamped, impounded or even crushed.

Don’t think you can take the risk of getting away with it either. There’s now a national motor insurance database that has details of every customer with a valid policy. The police also have automatic technology to recognize number plates, which means that within moments they can check if you have valid insurance and begin enforcement procedures if you don’t.

The main exception to the rules is if you have made a Statutory Off Road Notification. This is a legal declaration that you are not currently using the car, and also means you can stop paying the tax. Note that if you do this, not only must you stop driving the car, but you must also store it in a garage or driveway as it is not allowed on public roadways, even for temporary parking.

One unintended danger of the new rules is that drivers may wind up leaving things till the last minute and effectively being forced to renew with the same company rather than risk being uninsured. That makes it all the more important to look around in plenty of time and get the best possible deal.

HID Headlight Installation

If you’re looking for a project that takes some concentration and a few solid hours of automotive work, but isn’t so intensive because you’re out of practice, installing an HID Kit is a good project to start with. A typical aftermarket HID kit should take only an hour or two to install depending on the model of vehicle you own and how old it is, but you should be able to complete the upgrade using only standard automotive tools and the parts contained in the kit. Once installed, you’ll end up with headlights customized to your color preference that also shine up to 3x brighter and last up to 10x as long as standard halogens. Not bad for a few hours of work.

Body Kit Installation

For a more thorough and advanced upgrade project, try installing a body kit. No, not just a few exterior parts to touch up some areas that have worn over the years. Rather, you should install an all-inclusive, full body kit that will dramatically alter the appearance of your vehicle. Sure, it will probably take you a few days of work. But once those new bumpers, fenders and other exterior parts have been installed, you’re vehicle is bound to look like expensive upgrading work has been done to it, and you can brag about how you did it all by hand.

If you go a little too long between washings or you drive a vehicle with brakes that blacken your wheels, here’s some much-needed help. You’re going to love how well this cleaner works and how easy it will be to remove stubborn grime. Our Heavy-Duty Wheel Cleaner is a pH balanced, non-acidic and non-caustic formula. Its thick solution clings to the surface, breaking down and loosening stubborn brake dust and road grime. It actually changes color as it works! Spray on, allow it to remain on the wheel for 3 to 5 minutes, gently wipe with
any one of our cleaning tools and rinse clean. I suggest our Wheel Scrubbing Brushes and Foam Swabs. Safe for use on any painted, chromed, uncoated aluminum and powder coated wheels. There are wheel cleaning products on the market that claim to be spray-on, hose-off, no-touch wheel cleaners. If you’ve tested them like we have you’ve discovered they don’t really get your wheels thoroughly clean. You still have to wipe the surface for a proper cleaning. Any cleaner that could work without wiping would be extremely harmful to the environment and to your eyes, skin and nose. Enjoy this fabulous cleaner knowing its safe and it really works.

Order online at
www.griotsgarage.com or to speak directly with a Customer Service Associate call toll free 1-800-345-5789

Ever think when parking your vintage race car or classic in the garage that it’s too close to the car next to it? Or worry your kids might take out the paint job while playing in a cramped garage or maybe your spouse might swing the SUV door a little too wide when unloading the kids and groceries and put a nice ding in your door? Well-think again!

The EZovr™ is a form of car dolly unlike any other we’ve seen. It’s so practical we wonder why no one has thought to do this before. Their slogan is, “Move it over with EZovr™” and it’s really that simple.

You drive right up on the ultra low-profile platform then you then “push” your car to one side of the garage and there it rests, out of harm’s way. The amount of unused space it makes available is impressive while also protecting your “baby” from those expensive door dings. When you’re ready to drive, you simply pull the car back into place and back out of your garage.

The EZovr™ is bi-directional. It moves from side-to-side. You can’t push the car in fancy circles and five different directions like you can with other products that force you to stop and adjust units on each and every wheel before you can leave your own garage. If it’s your residential garage where you park your car, who needs all those other directions anyway?

Currently, the guys at EZovr™ are building units for lightweight cars such as Alfa, Fiat, Triumph, MG, Porsche etc. with one model for narrow tires and one for tires up to 13 inches in width. Future models will accommodate heavier and larger cars. Here’s the website http://www.ezovr.com.

1.  Exoto Scale Models.

These are NOT your average scale model. Exoto offers the highest of quality miniature replicas of the great racers (and haulers) of yesterday and today. Have a look HERE.

2. Vintage Driving Gloves.

Keep your fingers warm during those cool fall drives with these classic styled driving gloves from MagicofMotoring.com.

3. Vic Elford 1960′s Race Suit.

This spendy outift is a must have for those historic rallies or a trip to Goodwood.

4. Griots Garage Car Care Kit.

Once again Griots makes the list with their cleverly designed and exceptional quality care care products. Give them a try and you’ll see why the worlds top Concours winners use Griots.

5. Craftsman Tools.

These have to be the handiest ratcheting wrench set you’ll get your hands on. The neck swivels to get into tight places. And Of course, you’ve got Craftsman quality.

6. Schuco.

Schuco has been the maker of quality tin automobile toy replicas for several decades. The toys are made in Germany so you can be assured they have great attention to detail and workmanship.

7. Inside The Archives.

The following description pretty much sums up why this is a must have publishing:
“These heretofore-unseen pictures illustrate a time that was unique. As the years have swept past I’ve come to appreciate how lucky I was to have been there to capture many of those moments on film.” —Jesse Alexander

8. Gulf Racing Jacket.

This iconic Gulf jacket is just like the ones you see in Steve McQueens movie, “Le Mans”. This is a must have for the vintage Porsche fan or motorsports fan.

9. 1970 Le Mans Parking Pass Decal.

I sought out to find the original window sticker as seen in in the front windshield of the Famous Black, 911S in McQueens movie, Le Mans . There are a few repro’s floating around but I wanted to assure a period correct rendition of this famous decal. I have made a limited quantity of these stickers available for purchase. Look for the paypal link here.

10. A Driving Life by Phil Hill.

“Phil Hill: A Driving Life gathers the best of these stories, each of them accompanied by dazzling photographs from Hill’s friend and colleague John Lamm.”